James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

ED4510:04

Early Childhood Care and Education Services

External

HECS Band 1

Semester 2 external.

Available to BEdServ (Child Care) students and BEd (Professional Development) students only.

Staff: Assoc. Professor N Alloway.

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 determining the evolution of those services in State and Federal contexts. The subject tracks demographic changes and shifts in the economy as they impact on planning for the provision of services in the future. It also focuses on critically reflective practice.

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;
  6. critically reflect on practice.

Assessment by 2,000 word essay (60%); written response to two sets of questions (20%); written critical reflection on practice (20%).