Key facts

UNE unit code: EDEC201

*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
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 introduces you to issues related to caring for and educating infants and toddlers. You will explore research that demonstrates the importance of the early years of life, with a focus on the role of nurturing care for infant and toddler wellbeing in various contexts.

Infants and toddlers are considered within their families and communities, and you will investigate the professional implications of the complexities surrounding such relationships and contexts.

This unit focuses on children from birth to age three years. It includes a 10-day block of professional placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting, with infants and toddlers (specifically, children 24 months and younger).

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

*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 for students in Rule (a), (b) or (c) 18cp of EDEC units at 100 level including EDEC106; or candidature in BEd(ECEC) (Rule c) and 24cps of EDEC units

Notes

This unit requires a 10 day block placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting with 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)

Majida MehanaLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Education

Learning outcomes

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

  1. understand the importance of the early years of life; (CS 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 6.4, 6.5);
  2. discuss the importance of relationships with infants, toddlers, their families and their communities; (CS 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1, 3.6, 3.9, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.4);
  3. establish high-quality relationships with infants, toddlers, their families and communities and discuss these on a professional level; (CS 1.1, 1.6, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3);
  4. demonstrate the ability to act professionally when relating with infants, toddlers and other adults; (CS 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 6.4, 6.5), and
  5. demonstrate professional standards of communication, literacy and planning. (CS 5.3, 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 1Yes40%All offerings

Quizzes x8. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3, 6.4

No. Words: 1600 (equivalent)

Assessment 2Yes60%All offerings

Case study. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3, 6.4

No. Words: 2400

Professional Experience - Assurance TaskYes All offerings

Professional experience. Requires a 10 day block placement in an ACECQA approved centre-based early childhood education setting with a four year degree qualified supervising teacher and children aged birth-24 months. A satisfactory report from their supervisor(s) is required in order to successfully pass this unit.

Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 3.1, 3.9, 4.1, 4.4, 5.2, 5.3, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5

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.

Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers: In Search of Relationships

ISBN: 9781876138578

Sims, M. and Hutchins, T., Pademelon Press 3rd ed. 2020

Note: The 2nd edition is also acceptable ISBN: 9781876138424.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Social Inclusion and the Early Years Learning Framework: A Way of Working

ISBN: 9781876138332

Sims, M., Pademelon Press 2011

Text refers to: All offerings

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