Early Childhood
Contents
Testimonials
Early Childhood
Janee Binnie says that studying for two early childhood degrees at the University of New England enabled her to grow, both personally and professionally, into a passionate advocate. Janee said UNE introduced her to a range of “fascinating, high-achieving women”, and gave her “a platform for becoming an advocate”. Click here to read more
Engaging Children's Minds: Project Approach
In the Engaging Children's Minds Institute, educators acquire a thorough understanding of the Project Approach and learn how to incorporate it into their own teaching plans through a simulation of project work for early childhood and primary school children. Click here to find out more
Introduction
On this page you will find information about studying Early Childhood Education at UNE. The Early Childhood Education program was established in 1997 and our first students began early in 1998. The program includes two undergraduate courses and a Masters of Education (Honours, Early Childhood) research course. Both our BTeach (ECE) and BEd (ECE) build upon students’ prior experience and study within the field of early childhood. All our courses are offered by distance learning and most of our students work full time and study part-time. There will be changes to the BT(ECE) and BEd(EC) from semester 1, 2009. Please watch for these details.
Why Study ECE at UNE?
The Early Childhood team includes seven lecturers; they are highly qualified with most holding a doctorate. Each member has brought a varied work background from the early childhood field over a number of years. From the outset our fundamental principle was that all lecturers in the Early Childhood Education Program be experienced practitioners with relevant academic qualifications. Lecturers continue to work with the early childhood field from UNE. In these times of financial reductions across all levels of education as well as other parts of the social/community fabric of Australian society, we are very fortunate to have grown from two full- time academic staff in early 1998 to our current team.
Because we are a ‘young’ academic program within the University, we may be assisted by experienced field-based markers and/or UNE lecturers with expertise that links with the content of specific units. This assistance provides the support we need for completing our teaching-related tasks of continuous course review, unit (re)development, personal contact with students and assignment marking. Additionally, each academic staff member is expected to work beyond everyday teaching responsibilities through community involvement, University administration, research and scholarship activities, consultancy and conference participation. The ECE team is proud of its reputation for being highly supportive of our students. Click here to read a testimonial from an ECE graduate (pdf)
We have established a broad aim for graduates of our courses: To have strengthened themselves both personally and professionally so that they are wiser decision-makers and more reflective advocates with a broad collection of educational understandings and professional competence. This means that as a graduate of our courses, you should be acknowledged by the broader community as one who advocates in many ways for the best in early childhood education.
We recognise that the early childhood field and further studies are not necessarily a ‘level playing field’ for everyone. Your life or social background may reflect exceptional experiences or special needs. If you believe that your current personal and/or professional life situation warrants extra consideration in terms of assessment content and/or deadlines, please contact the Student Centre at the application/admission stage or during enrolment. As each semester begins, you may also make contact with relevant Unit Coordinators. If significant daily events arise during your studies, contact your current Unit Coordinator(s) to discuss and negotiate study options. Refer to the UNE Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy for the official University statement and details.
Courses
Undergraduate
* Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
* Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Post Graduate
* Master of Education (Honours Early Childhood)
* EdD (Doctor of Education)
* PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Professional Practice and Intensive Schools
Professional Experience Office
Students will be provided with a Professional Experience CD Handbook after enrolment in a PE practicum unit. This Handbook provides all information required by students to satisfactorily complete the unit. All practicum placements are arranged by students in consultaition with the Professional Experience Office staff. Students are requested to direct any enquiries relating to practice teaching to the Professional Experience Office, The University of New England, NSW 2351. Telephone (02) 6773 3802 or Facsimile (02) 6773 3804.
Selecting a Professional Experience Site (potential conflict of interest)
Students must undertake their professional experience site outside any early childhood service, school or other setting in which they are employed. If multiple practica are undertaken, you are expected to do each in a different setting. In some cases, a conflict of interest may also exist which may prevent a fair result for a practicum. This could include completing a practicum:
• in a setting which is part of a chain of centres and thus your practicum supervisor would be your current
director or authorised supervisor in your usual employment;
• in a sister-centre (separately licensed centres that are side by side with the same owner);
• in a setting that your child attends; or
• in a setting where a member of your family works.
Please seek advice from the Unit Coordinator if you are unsure whether your proposed practicum site might involve a conflict of interest.
Optional Intensive School
An optional intensive school is arranged each year for students in the Early Childhood Education program. The intensive school provides opportunities for students and staff to meet and work together. This on-campus experience is an important addition to the units. You decide about attending, but we encourage you to participate if you can arrange the time. During intensive schools accommodation is available in University colleges. Intensive schools for the Early Childhood Education program run over a three-day-weekend, usually in late January.
Click Here to view the schedule for the 2008 Intensive School
Careers
Career opportunities for graduates of the BT(ECE) include: Early Childhood teacher, director of child care centre, coordinator of family day care scheme, teacher-director of preschool, children’s services trainer, early childhood consultant for non-profit organisation, assistant director of child and family service.
Career opportunities for graduates of the BEd(EC) include: Early childhood teacher, early primary 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.
The Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) are approved by the NSW Department of Community Services and QLD Department of Families, Youth and Community Care as appropriate qualifications under existing child care regulations. The NSW Institute of Teachers endorsement of our graduates of the BT(ECE) with the BEd(ECE) to teach in the early years of school end in December 2009. Negotiations are ongoing with various government departments across Australia. If you are planning a career change, we urge you to consult with the relevant government department in your State. Speak with employing bodies, accrediting organisations, and licensing agencies so that you understand the educational requirements for the professional position you wish to pursue.
ECE Lecturing Staff
Brooks, Margaret L.
Edwards, Helen
Forrest, Rhonda
Littledyke, Ros
Mccrea, Nadine L.
Noone, Genevieve
Patterson, Tammy
Wolodko, Brenda
Partnerships, Networks and Industry Links
UNE has a special relationship with NSW TAFE and particularly New England Institute of TAFE. Other professional links are:
* NSW TAFE
* New England Institute of TAFE
* NSW DoCS
* NSW DET
* QLD College of Teachers
* NSW Institute of Teachers
* Early Childhood Australia, Inc.
Professional Development Options
* Early Childhood Education Intensive School
* Project Approach Institute
* World Forum - University Study
Resources - Professional Toolkit
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) students begin their UNE studies with the unit EDEC 310, which incorporates various academic literacy supports. Your Professional Toolkit includes sections on academic literature, reading and thinking, plus writing skills, with other relevant information to assist you in completing specific assesment tasks throughout your studies.
The "Toolkit" is now available online, Click Here to access it.
Contacts
Help for Students You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE
Future Students may also call 1800 818 865 |
Postgraduate Masters or Doctoral Research:
Contact the UNE Researches Services Office for applications and scholarships