Key facts
UNE unit code: EDEC375
*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
In this unit, you will build on previously gained knowledge to deepen your understanding of how play is a key vehicle for learning for young children from birth to five years. You will plan play-based learning experiences that extend children’s inquisitive natures and provide opportunities for exploration and learning and the development of 21st century skills.
You will also learn the role of the educator in extending children’s play, learning and development. Moreover, through understanding your own pedagogy, you will become an advocate for children’s play to other educators, families and the wider community.
This unit includes a 20-day professional placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting.
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 requires a 20 day placement in an ACECQA approved centre-based early childhood education setting with a four year degree qualified supervising teacher and children aged birth to 5 years.
- 5 days of professional experience with infants and 5 days of professional experience with toddlers (to satisfy the ACECQA mandated requirement of 10 days in total with children aged from birth to 35 months).
- 10 days of professional experience will be with 3-5 year olds.
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).
Students must also comply with current placement centre vaccination rules.
Please see the Office for Professional Learning Important Information webpage for more information.
This module/unit addresses ACECQA's Curriculum requirements, referred to as Curriculum Specifications (CS).
You can enrol in a maximum of one other placement unit alongside this unit.
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:
- create playful learning environments that encourage inquiry, exploration and the development of 21st century skills (CS: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.9, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4);
- apply knowledge of children’s learning trajectories when planning to consolidate and extend learning (CS: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.9, 4.4, 4.5);
- co-create learning environments with children that respond to their diverse interests and capabilities (CS: 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.9, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5); and
- advocate for the social, emotional, cognitive and linguistic benefits of children’s play-based learning through discussions with families, other professionals and the wider community (CS: 1.4, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.9).
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 | 40% | All offerings | Plan a playful learning environment that consolidates and extends children’s learning, drawing on theory and research to justify decisions. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 No. Words: 1600 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Create a brochure for parents advocating for the benefits of the planned playful experiences (building on Unit Assessment 1). Relates to CS: 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 No. Words: 2400 (equivalent) |
| Professional Experience - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | Professional Experience 20 days. This unit requires a 20 day placement in an ACECQA approved centre-based early childhood education setting with a four year degree qualified supervising teacher and children aged birth to 5 years - specifically:
Students must receive a satisfactory report from their supervisor(s) in order to successfully pass this unit. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.9, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 |
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.
Play in the Early Years
ISBN: 9781009640336
Fleer, M., Cambridge University Press 4th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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