Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

This degree is designed to meet the Australian Government's requirements for Early Childhood Education and to qualify graduates as four-year trained Early Childhood Teachers*.

*Please note: The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) is not recognised in NSW to teach in primary schools. This course is accredited with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood teacher qualification. Prospective students from states other than NSW should seek advice from their state and territory accrediting bodies as to requirements for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher in that state or territory.

UNE's Early Childhood staff are an outstanding team whose teaching is informed by their research, consultancy, professional involvement and diverse backgrounds. They are involved in a wide range of projects and are actively involved in local, national and international professional and research communities. They also ensure you are treated as a 'person', not just a number, by supporting you and challenging you to achieve your personal best.

The career opportunities for early childhood graduates are increasing every year, especially in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. We know that lots of people who want to study are also working full-time, which is why UNE offers this degree by distance education - giving students the flexibility to balance study with work, family and other commitments.

The course includes mandatory professional experience (practicum) of 30 to 60 days with 5 or 10 days outside your usual workplace (depending on your admission basis).

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge; demonstrate well developed cognitive, technical and communication skills; and independently apply this knowledge and these skills, across the six areas prescribed by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority;
2. independently apply their knowledge and skills in psychology and child development including learning, development and care, language development, social and emotional development, child health, wellbeing and safety and early intervention;
3. independently apply their knowledge and skills in teaching pedagogies including alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches, play-based pedagogies, guiding behaviour/engaging young learners, teaching methods and strategies, children with diverse needs and backgrounds, diversity, difference and inclusivity, learners with special needs, transitions and continuity of learning including transition to school;
4. independently apply their knowledge and skills in education and curriculum studies including Early Years Learning Framework; the Australian curriculum, numeracy, science and technology, language and literacy, English as an additional language, social and environmental education, creative arts and music, physical and health education, and curriculum planning, programming and evaluation;
5. independently apply their knowledge and skills in community and family contexts including developing family and community partnerships, multicultural education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, socially inclusive practice and culture, diversity and inclusion;
6. independently apply their knowledge and skills in history and philosophy of early childhood including historical and comparative perspectives, contemporary theories and practice, and ethics and professional practice;
7. independently apply their knowledge and skills in early childhood professional practice including leadership, management and administration, professional identity and development, advocacy and research; and
8. demonstrate written and oral communication skills to communicate effectively and build rapport across a range of stakeholders.

Early childhood teacher, coordinator/leader of cluster of services, early childhood advisor for governments, professional development educator, child and family services manager, early childhood expert for projects and studies, TAFE teacher, community advocate.

This degree also provides the necessary qualifications for senior positions in early childhood such as, Director of a Centre and teaching in the VET sector. Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) have a range of skills including organisational leadership, contemporary pedagogical understandings and interpersonal skills that are highly valued in all areas of life, not just early childhood occupations.

All domestic students apply through the link below

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International. This course is only available online (distance education). All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.