The social context of early childhood services
Lecturer in charge to be advised
12 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Peninsula
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to compare and contrast late nineteenth and current twentieth-century views on the nature of childhood and relate those views to the content of early childhood programs; understand how the changing roles of women have impacted on the types of early childhood services provided; know the major political and social reasons for the establishment of the 1904 NSW Royal Commission into the Decline of the Birth Rate, the 1983 Victorian Commission of Inquiry into Early Childhood Services and the 1993 Victorian `Scoping Review'; demonstrate how the major recommendations of the above impacted on early childhood services; account for the shifting balance between public sector and private sector provision of early childhood services during the twentieth century; explain current issues about the funding and structure of preschool services in Victoria in terms of contemporary social and political factors.
Synopsis This subject explores the interrelationship between economic and social factors and the development of services for young children in Australia. Three periods critical in the development of early childhood services will be considered, namely 1880-1910; 1935-45 and 1970-1990. Particular attention will be paid to the interrelated responses of the public and private sectors during these periods with regard to the establishment, funding and administration of early childhood education, health and welfare services. Students will be able to choose a particular service or issue for in-depth study.
Assessment Seminar presentation and paper (2000 words): 30%
*
Research assignment (3000 words): 40%
* Examination: 30%
Prescribed texts
Mellor E J Stepping stones: The development of early childhood services in Australia HBJ, 1990
Recommended texts
Lambert B (ed.) Changing faces: The early childhood profession in Australia AECA, 1992
Mellor E J and Coombe K (eds) Issues in early childhood services: Australian perspectives WCB, 1994
Spodek B and Saracho O N (eds) Issues in early childhood education Teachers College Press, 1991
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