Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Graduate Certificate of Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Effective from 01-JAN-2019 : Code S74

This course is designed to provide qualified primary school teachers (eligible for registration with the TRB) a recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 8 year olds). The course is ACECQA registered and provides the content and pedagogical knowledge of the requirements to teach in the early years. The course is also open to Early Childhood Teachers who would like to retrain for the ACECQA qualification for children from Birth - Pre-Primary age.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

Students are required to complete ECE6140 (Investigating Young Children's Holistic Learning and Development) and ECE6160 (Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Contexts). There are two practicum placements: - ECE6140: 10 days in a 0-2 years setting; and - ECE6160: 25 days in a 3-5 years setting, 10 days in a 5-8 years setting and 15 additional days across any of the three age groups.

Duty of care

All students are required to supply evidence of a current National Police History Check from the Department of Education WA before commencing their placement. Application forms and further information are available at www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/portal In addition, all students 18 years of age and over, must provide evidence of a current, valid Working with Children Check from the Department of Child Protection WA, or show proof of application before commencing their placement. Further information can be found at www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Attendance requirements

Practicums can be undertaken full-time or part-time with a minimum of three days a week in the setting (timeframes permitting).

Enrolment process

Students are required to have completed the theoretical units prior to commencement of ECE6160 Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Contexts.

Implications of failing

ECE6140 and ECE6160 must be successfully completed for the Graduate Certificate of Education (Early Childhood Studies) to be awarded.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply high order analytical, problem solving and integrative thinking skills with a high level of personal autonomy when applying early childhood knowledge and skills in undertaking research, policy development and teaching practice.
2. Articulate a personal philosophy of professional practice which reflects advocacy for children's rights and wellbeing.
3. Critically reflect using accredited standards, mentor feedback and the ECA Code of Ethics to demonstrate professional decision making and accountability in order to plan for continued collaborative and autonomous professional learning and development.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the ethical, legislative, regulatory and policy requirements that guide high quality provision, leadership and review effective practice across a range of early childhood settings.
5. Demonstrate detailed specialised knowledge and understanding of early childhood development, pedagogy, learning frameworks, content and practices that enable the construction of effective early childhood curriculum for differentiated and engaged learning and teaching for all young children.
6. Ethically utilise a range of communication skills and technologies effectively in designing, evaluating and implementing innovative early childhood programs, reporting children's learning and engaging children, families and communities.
7. Work collaboratively and build positive sustainable relationships with children, colleagues, families and community stakeholders to broaden cultural competence and professional knowledge and practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Approved by: Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

• Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

Students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.0 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components.

Note:

• If secondary education and degree studies were completed in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, applicants do not need to provide proof of English competency.
• Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English and have an undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University are deemed to have met English language requirements for entry to the Master of Teaching.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have a three-year or four-year primary teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies), Bachelor of Education (Primary), or a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary), with equivalents considered.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 0.5 Years
• Part Time: 1 Year

Course Delivery

• Mount Lawley: Part Time, Full Time
• Online: Part Time, Full Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Classes may occur outside of standard school hours, including weekends, and during traditional school-term holidays.

Course Coordinator

Dr Pauline Kim ROBERTS

Course Structure

# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.