Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Award abbreviation: BECEd
QTAC code: 017401
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
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 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

You must complete 139 days of professional experience, excluding wider field experience. 

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

Career opportunities

Early childhood teaching in childcare and lower primary settings, 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Semester 1, 2011.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 32 courses including 30 required courses and 2 elective courses.
• Complete no more than 12 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete a minimum of 80 days of supervised field experience, completed as full-time blocks. One major supervised field experience must be completed in a Queensland school.
• Complete 100 hours of wider field experience.
• A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Electives may be used to increase curriculum knowledge in Key Learning Areas.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• Graduates from the Diploma in Children’s Services will be able to enter into the second year of the program via a negotiated credit transfer pathway. Ninety-six units of credit will be awarded.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• This program is not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Year 1

Core courses: (1)
Select 1 core course from:

Please note: Core course must be studied in Semester 1.

Required courses: (7)

Year 2

Required courses: (7)

Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Please note: Elective course, EDU100 and EDU305 must be studied in Semester 1.

Year 3

Required courses: (7)

Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Please note: Elective course must be studied in Semester 2.

Year 4

Required courses: (8)

Please note: EDU340 and EDU341 must be studied in Semester 1, EDU309 must be studied in Semester 2.

TOTAL UNITS 384

Requirements for placements

As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.

To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.

Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.

Enquiries

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

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*  Course outlines subject to University approval.