James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

ED3590 - Early Childhood Education and Care 2

Available as a core subject for third year Early Childhood Education students.

Subject Description

Extending on understandings of educational and developmental theories, Early Childhood Education 1 introduces preservice teachers to policy and curriculum through the National Quality Framework; in particular the Early Years Learning Framework. Play-based pedagogy and the curriculum decision-making cycle are developed through theory and a professional experience placement, where preservice teachers plan, interact, monitor, assess and reflect with children in a birth to 2 year-old setting. Preservice teachers will begin to explore their professional identity through an examination of the historical and sociological roots of Early Childhood Education in Australia and reflection of their roles as agentic teachers in-becoming. Ten (10) full days of professional experience in a birth to age 2 setting will offer students the opportunity to link theoretical learning to classroom practice.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of Early Childhood policy and curriculum
• apply knowledge of play-based pedagogy and the curriculum decision-making cycle to the learning and development of children in an early years classroom
• demonstrate their growing professional identity and understanding of the historical and sociological roots of Early Childhood Education
• demonstrate Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and for B Ed (ECE) students an understanding of the National Quality Framework, particularly the Early Years Learning Framework, at an Introduced level

Subject Assessment

• Quality Improvement Plan - (20%)
• Responses to Professional Development Topics - (30%)
• Learning Portfolio - (50%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

The completion of the required 10 days of Professional Experience and submission of both the Professional Experience Attendance Record and the Professional Experience Statement of Completion Report is a requirement to pass this subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Briefings is an essential component of Professional Experience preparation.

Assumed Knowledge:  It is assumed that you are familiar with child development and learning theory, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline and the Australian Curriculum.

Availabilities