Key facts

UNE unit code: EDEC363

*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 families as essential contexts for children’s development and learning. You will examine theories and definitions of family, the diversity and features of Australian families, and how family strengths and resilience can support children’s development.

Focusing on the vital role of parents and primary caregivers as a child’s first teachers, you will investigate how educators can partner with families to enrich children’s learning and development. You will explore the benefits, features, and barriers to forming effective partnerships, and consider how family strengths and interests can be integrated into educational practice. Risk and protective factors within families are also examined, along with how they influence children’s learning and development.

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
EDEC305 and EDEC306

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)

profile photo of Sue Saltmarsh
Sue SaltmarshProfessor - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education
Adam Ren

Learning outcomes

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

  1. apply and present a theoretical understanding of families as a context for children’s development (CS: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.2, 6.1, 6.4);
  2. demonstrate an understanding of diversity within Australian families (CS: 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 6.4);
  3. communicate the ways in which families are a context for children’s learning and the role of parents/primary caregivers as a child’s first teachers (CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 3.1, 5.2); and
  4. identify and work with families' strengths and interests to support children’s learning, development and resilience (CS: 1.8, 4.1, 4.5, 5.2, 6.1).

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

Examine family diversity within Australia and respond to family scenarios

Relates to CS: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 6.1, 6.4

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Assessment 2Yes50%All offerings

Based on a family scenario, analyse the needs of children's learning at home and develop resources that support the family.

Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 3.1, 4.1, 4.5, 5.2, 6.1

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.

Children, Families and Communities

ISBN: 9780190337414

Grace, R., Bowes, J., Woodrow, C., Oxford University Press 6th ed. 2022

Note: Also available as paperback - ISBN: 9780190337407.

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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