James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED1439 - Early Childhood Education and Care 1

Subject Description

This subject extends on studies of curriculum and pedagogy to include the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline, as it applies to the curriculum decision-making cycle of planning, interacting, monitoring, assessing and reflecting with children from 3 to 5 years of age. Play-based pedagogy is explored through an examination of age-appropriate pedagogies and intentional teaching strategies. The context of early childhood education is further developed through a review of the National Quality Standard; National Laws and Regulations; the Quality Improvement process; national and global curricula and policy; and professional development topics relevant to early childhood education. Ten (10) days of Professional Experience in a 3- to 5-year-old setting will offer pre-service teachers the opportunity to link theoretical learning to practice.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. evaluate early childhood practices using a broad and critical understanding of the National Quality Standard, the Quality Improvement Process and the National Laws and Regulations
• 2. formulate a coherent professional identity for early childhood teaching with respect to ethical, inclusive and safe practices in early childhood settings
• 3. implement the curriculum decision-making cycle of planning, interacting, monitoring, assessing and evaluating age-appropriate pedagogies for diverse young children aged 3-5 years, using the Early Years Learning Framework and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline
• 6. describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers effectively, sensitively and confidentially in the educative process
• 5. develop a transition statement for reporting to parents/carers, based on accurate and reliable records of children's learning and development
• 4. evaluate teaching programs and interpret student assessment data to evaluate children's learning and inform teacher-initiated experiences

Subject Assessment

• Written > Case report 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Portfolio - (60%) - Individual

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

Complete 10 day staggered Placement, submission of the Professional Experience Attendance Record and Statement of Completion Report is required to pass the subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Workshops meets placement requirement procedures of the Work Integrated Learning Program. If repeating the subject, the reattempt at all subject assessments including the Placement is a requirement.

Availabilities