Key facts

UNE unit code: EDEC366

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

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

Unit information

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This unit explores the multiple factors that shape young children’s learning, health, and wellbeing from birth to five years. Drawing on theory and research, you will examine how individual characteristics and broader contextual influences contribute to children’s development and educational experiences.

You will investigate the importance of supporting continuity of learning and smooth transitions across early childhood settings. Through collaborative inquiry, you will identify the factors that help or hinder these transitions and explore strategies to respond effectively. The unit also examines historical and contemporary issues in child health and wellbeing in Australia, while encouraging you to reflect on the learning trajectories of individual children and the need for differentiated teaching practices to support transitions and continuity of learning within and across learning environments.

Offerings

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

Teaching period
Mode/location
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 the BEd(ECEC) (Rule a); candidature in BEd(ECEC) (Rule c) and 96cps
Restrictions
EDEC313 and EDEC314

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)

Adam Ren

Learning outcomes

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

  1. draw on theory to explain the contribution of contextual and individual factors influencing early learning (CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.5, 3.1, 3.8, 5.2, 6.5);
  2. collaborate with peers to identify factors that support transitions and continuity of learning in early childhood (CS: 1.8, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.9, 6.4);
  3. demonstrate understanding of health and wellbeing issues impacting children from birth to 5 years in Australia (CS: 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.6, 3.8, 5.2, 6.5); and
  4. describe the ways in which individual children progress along learning trajectories (CS: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.8, 6.4)

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

Describe factors impacting on child learning and development and develop strategies for co-educators  to support child transitions and continuity of learning.

Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2,  3.8, 3.9, 5.2, 6.4, 6.5

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Assessment 2Yes50%All offerings

Describe the learning trajectories for health and wellbeing for children aged birth to five years and how differentiated leaning could be used to fulfill children's developmental needs.

Relates to CS: 1.4, 1.6, 2.4, 2.6, 3.7, 6.2, 7.2

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.

Child Development and Education

ISBN: 9781488615689

McDevitt, T., Ormrod, J., Cupit, G., Chandler, M., and Aloa, V., Pearson Education 2nd 2019

Note: Text is also available as eBook (48-month access): ISBN: 9780655707929

Text refers to: All offerings

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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

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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