Key facts

UNE unit code: EDEC392

*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 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Studying this unit, you will critically explore a range of philosophies of learning in early childhood education to develop a sound professional and personal philosophy and approaches to pedagogy and programme planning.

A co-constructionist approach to curriculum based on understandings of socio-cultural theories will be investigated and applied.

This unit reflects a birth to five years focus. It includes a 15-day block of professional placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting with children aged three to five years.

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 2Online

*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) from 2015 and 30cp of EDEC units; or candidature in BEd(ECTeach) and for candidature in rule (a): 30cp of EDEC units including EDEC310; or candidature in BEd(PacFocus)
Restrictions
EDEC391

Notes

This unit requires a 15 day block placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting with children aged 3-5 years and a four year degree qualified supervising teacher. Before entering the setting, all students must have completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, and have obtained a valid Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW). Please see the Office for Professional Learning Important Information webpage for more information.

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)

profile photo of Somayeh Ba Akhlagh
Somayeh Ba AkhlaghSenior Lecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Education

Learning outcomes

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

  1. critically evaluate approaches to learning in early childhood education and apply this evaluation to practice; (CS 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.7, 3.9);
  2. develop and share a personal and professional philosophy for early childhood pedagogy, that includes cultural diversity and inclusive practice; (CS 1.6, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3);
  3. reflect on their personal growth through self-directed learning; (CS 5.3, 6.3);
  4. demonstrate their understanding of the links between theory, policy and practice; (CS 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3);
  5. demonstrate professional standards of communication and literacy; (CS 5.3, 6.3); and
  6. design, develop and implement an integrated early childhood teaching and learning program. (CS 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.9, 4.5).

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 1Yes40%All offerings

A written Response. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3

No. Words: 1800

Assessment 2Yes60%All offerings

Reflective  Report.Relates to CS:1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 3.1, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3, 6.3) 

No. Words: 2200

Professional Experience - Assurance TaskYes All offerings

Professional Experience. Requires a 15 day block placement in an ACECQA approved centre-based early childhood education setting with a four year degree qualified supervising teacher and children aged three-five years. A satisfactory report from their supervisor(s) is required in order to successfully pass this unit.

Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 6.

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. and Farmer, S., Cengage 9th ed. 2025

Note: Also available as an e-book: ISBN 9780170473439

Text refers to: All offerings

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