ED4510:04
Early Childhood Care and Education Services
Townsville
Flexible delivery. Second semester.
Available to BEdServ (Child Care) students only.
Staff: Assoc. Professor N Alloway.
This subject examines the range of care and education services available in Australia for young children. The subject covers the historical, political, industrial, social and economic developments which have led to current Federal and State policies on provision and funding of such services. Innovations in early childhood education, including those related to gender equity, cultural diversity, provisions for financially disadvantaged and geographically isolated children and families are considered. Philosophies which guide the care and education of young children are also covered.
Learning Objectives:
- understand the social and historical background to current early childhood programs as they operate in Australia;
- identify the broad range of early childhood care and education services in Australia;
- critically evaluate the political, economic and industrial issues involved in the provision of services for children;
- assess how educational practices and the provision of services are influenced by current thinking on issues such as social justice, the demands of business and industry and parent power/responsibility/rights;
- critically analyse differences between models of early childhood education and care.
Assessment by end-of-year examination (30%); student-led discussion (20%); critical essay on discussion topic (50%).
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