EDN4101

Contemporary issues in early childhood education

Associate Professor A Stonehouse and Ms A Kennedy

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to appreciate the impact of contemporary issues on the functioning of early childhood educators; specifically be able to identify the political and economic factors which gave rise to the National Training Reform Agenda; discuss the implications of that agenda for the staffing and curriculum of early childhood services; evaluate current early childhood practice in terms of its impact on attitudes towards difference; demonstrate understanding of ethical and legal issues, and participate constructively in the care-education debate.

Synopsis An in-depth examination of a range of issues currently confronting the early childhood educator within preschool, childcare and junior primary settings. Issues to be considered include the National Training Reform agenda and its challenge to developmental-based early childhood curricula; anti-bias curriculum; early childhood settings and ethical and legal matters; and the care-education debate.

Assessment Written research project (2000 words) and seminar presentation: 60%
* Essay (2000 words): 40%

Recommended texts

Mellor E J and Coombe K (eds) Contemporary issues in Australian early childhood services W C Brown, 1994