Key facts

UNE unit code: EDEC344

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 3 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

This unit is designed to broaden your understanding of the issues confronting families and early childhood professionals in current contexts of social change. It also helps you to identify and respect the differences and strengths of families, and how to partner with them to promote resilience.

You will research theoretical and practical approaches for relating with families that are both diverse and dynamic. Such study is essential for early childhood professionals who need informed perspectives that acknowledge the current diversity of families in Australia.

Additionally, you will carry out a family case study which uses a strengths-based perspective to document communication and relationship strategies, as well as personal and professional values and understandings.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in BEd(EC-Prim) and 42cp of EDEC units; or candidature in BEd(ECTeach) and for candidature in rule (a): EDEC310; or BEd(PacFocus)
Co-requisites
prior to 2019 for BEd(ECTeach) students: EDEC310

Notes

This unit addresses ACECQA's Curriculum requirements, referred to as Curriculum Specifications (CS).

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Marg Rogers

Learning outcomes

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

  1. understand and apply several broad theoretical approaches to the study of the family; (CS 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.5);
  2. identify and analyse key issues influencing contemporary families with young children; (CS 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2);
  3. demonstrate a proactive and sensitive understanding of the diversity of families in Australia today; (CS 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3);
  4. develop appropriate professional relationships with, responses to, and resources for, young children and their families in the current Australian context using a strengths-based, resilience-based approach; and (CS 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2. 5.3, 6.1, 6.4); and
  5. demonstrate professional standards of communication and professional responsibility. (CS 6.1, 6.3).

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes50%All offerings

Online Quizzes.
Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Assessment 2Yes50%All offerings

Case Study. Any module task work is compulsory.
Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Supporting the Wellbeing of Parents and Carers

ISBN: 9781863230650

Angel, M., Early Childhood Australia Volume 17, Number 1 2019

Text refers to: All offerings

Children, Families and Communities

ISBN: 9780190337407

Grace, R., Hodge, K. and McMahon, C., Oxford University Press 6th ed. 2022

Note: An eBook is also available (ISBN: 9780190337414).

Text refers to: All offerings

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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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