Key facts
UNE unit code: EDEC361
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit explores how images of children and constructions of childhood have shaped the field of early childhood education over time. You will examine childhood as a social and historical construct, and investigate how these understandings influence both professional practice and the design of playful learning environments.
Drawing on key theories and philosophical approaches, you will analyse how different perspectives inform educational decision-making. You’ll reflect critically on your own image of the child and consider how this shapes your planning, pedagogy, and interactions with children. As you deepen your theoretical knowledge, you will begin to develop your own professional philosophy that connects theory with practice and supports your ongoing development as an early childhood educator.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
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)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the ways in which images of children and constructions of childhood have shaped early childhood education over the ages (CS 5.1, 5.2);
- analyse the ways in which selected theories inform the design of playful learning environments (CS 2.2, 2.7, 3.1, 5.1, 5.2).
- reflect on their own image of children and childhood and the ways in which this shapes their planning for learning (CS 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3); and
- examine how theories and philosophies inform their teaching philosophy and practice (CS 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3, 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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | ePoster presentation and peer review of two ePosters Relates to CS: 2.2, 2.7, 3.1, 5.1, 5.2 No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Articulate own image of the child and develop your own teaching philosophy and practice Relates to CS: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 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.
Programming and Planning in Early Childhood Settings
ISBN: 9780170472883
Arthur, L., Beecher., B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S., Cengage Learning 9th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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