James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

ED3590:03

Early Childhood Care and Education Services

Townsville, Cairns

20 lectures, 20 tutorials. Second semester.

Available as a core subject for third and fourth year Early Childhood Education students. Primary Education students may enrol in this subject as an elective.

Staff: Assoc. Professor N Alloway (Townsville campus);. Ms R Sorin (Cairns campus).

This subject focuses on the range of care and education services available in Australia for young children. The subject examines the importance of philosophical, historical, political, industrial, social and economic factors in determing the evolution of those services in State and Federal contexts. The subject also tracks demographic changes and shifts in the economy as they impact on planning for the provision of services in the future.

Learning Objectives:

  1. understand the social and historical background to current early childhood programs as they operate in Australia;
  2. identify the broad range of early childhood care and education services in Australia;
  3. critically evaluate political, economic and industrial issues involved in the provision of services for children;
  4. evaluate a range of developments in the early childhood field;
  5. critically examine issues related to planning for the provision of services in the future.

Assessment by:

Townsville

2,000 word essay (50%); presentation of seminar (50%).

Cairns

Written assignments/projects (65%); seminar presentation (35%).