Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education ^
Award abbreviation: BECEd
QTAC code: tba
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: n/a
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time (part-time offered from 2012)
Commence: Semester 1 only
Prerequisite: English (4,SA)
Recommended prior study: Maths A or Maths B; Science;History
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 384
USC program code: ED303
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Become a qualified early childhood educator
• Design early learning environments and implement curriculum in context
• Provide a seamless transition from kindergarten to school and enhance continuity in learning

Gain qualifications to teach in early childhood settings in Queensland.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education leads to a career in early childhood education in settings such as long day-care centres, kindergartens and the early years of primary school. First-year students focus on the foundations for early childhood teaching practices, with an emphasis on work placements and wider field experience with children aged from birth to three years. Students learn to build on and integrate essential knowledge and teaching practices for each age group, including the kindergarten year. The final year focuses on the transition to the early phase of learning in primary school contexts.

Study contemporary early childhood developmental psychology and early learning theories. Discover education for sustainability and integration of science and educational policy perspectives. Develop a strong focus on building family and community partnerships; and promoting citizenship in the local and global community. Enhance knowledge by embedding Indigenous perspectives, inclusivity and diversity. Examine early years intervention strategies, diagnostic and pedagogical approaches and authentic assessment practice. Learn to immerse children in literacy, numeracy, science education and play-based learning.

Post-admission requirements

A Suitability Card is required; refer to Requirements for placements.

Career opportunities

Early childhood teaching from childcare settings to lower primary, leadership positions in early childhood education settings, integrated community services, and policy development.

Professional recognition

Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers.^ Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.

Professional membership

Graduates may apply for membership with Early Childhood Australia.

Program structure

Core course (1)

Select 1 course from:
COR109 Middle Phase Curriculum 2: Assessment for Learning
COR111 Communication and Thought

Introductory/Foundation courses (9)

9 required courses:
EDU100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
EDU104 Becoming a Teacher
EDU107 Foundation of English and Mathematics
EDU108 Earliest Learning and Early Human Development *
EDU109 Workplace Learning1: A Holistic Approach to Learning *
EDU110 Foundations of Learning: Early Learning Environments and Curriculum *
EDU111 Observing and Recording: Monitoring Learning and making Judgements *
EDU112 Workplace Learning 2: Early Learning Experiences *
EDU203 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools

Advanced courses (20)

20 required courses:
EDU201 Pedagogy, Play and Assessment
EDU206 Connectedness and Citizenship: Children, Families and Communities *
EDU207 Guiding Play and Inquiry-based Learning *
EDU208 Workplace Learning 3: Building on Early Learning *
EDU305 Language and Literacies in Education
EDU309 Human Development and Early Learning
EDU316 Teaching Science in Primary Schools *
EDU331 Transition to School: Early Learning Environments and Curriculum *
EDU332 Investigating the World Around Us *
EDU333 Physical Competence, Health and Well-being *
EDU334 Integrating Science, Human Investment, Policy and Practice in Early Education *
EDU335 Self Expression and Communicating through the Arts *
EDU336 Workplace Learning 4: Continuity of Early Learning Experience *
EDU340 Australian History and Geography in SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) *
EDU341 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years
EDU343 Teaching Mathematics
EDU344 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts
EDU407 Assessing and Reporting: Monitoring Learning and Making Judgements *
EDU408 Workplace Learning 5: Formal and Intentional Teaching *
EDU409 Workplace Learning 6: The Professional Practitioner *

Elective courses (2) 

Select 2 courses from:
Any course from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Business

 Program requirements and notes

1. A maximum of 12 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses. 
2. Electives may be used to increase curriculum knowledge in Key Learning Areas. 
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to explanation of terms.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. Not available to international students on a Student Visa.  
7. Students must hold a Blue Card prior to commencement of their first supervised workplace experience. Application for a Blue Card is to be submitted to the University once you have accepted your offer to participate in the program. Students will be unable to complete the program or participate in workplace experience without a Blue Card.
8. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and examinations.  Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.

Requirements for placements

The Commission for Children and Young People Act (2000 and 2005) applies to all pre-service teachers who will be working with children/students under the age of 18 in Queensland settings as a component of their program of pre-service education. Blue Cards are issued by the Commission once it has carried out the Working with Children Check to see if a person is eligible. If a person is eligible, they are issued with a positive notice and a Blue Card.

Education students are encouraged to apply for their Blue Card as soon as they have accepted their offer to avoid processing delays. Blue Cards are free of charge for Education students when they apply through the Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, Building C).

Note: Students who do not possess a current Blue Card will be unable to complete the professional experience component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Program adviser
Tel: +61 7 5459 4644
Email: Education@usc.edu.au

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^  Pending professional approval from the Queensland College of Teachers.
*  Course oulines subject to University approval.