Key facts
UNE unit code: PREX311
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 0
Unit information
Nothing develops your practical skills in early childhood education more than hands-on experience in the field. In this practical unit, you will work towards becoming a job-ready early childhood professional with a 10-day block of professional placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting.
You will have opportunities to participate in observing, planning, teaching and reflecting with a specific focus on young children aged from three to five years. Throughout your placement, support will be available from university staff to assist with your needs.
In completing this unit, you will continue to deepen the links between theory and approved centre-based learning experiences.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit consists of a 10 day block placement in an ACECQA-approved centre-based early childhood education setting with young children aged three to five years, with a four year degree qualified supervising teacher.
This unit requires contact with children in an educational setting. Before entering the setting, all students must have completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, and have obtained a valid NSW Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent check (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW). Please see the Office for Professional Learning Important Information webpage for more information.
Placements are completed during dates designated by the School of Education and published by The Office for Professional Learning on their Moodle PREXUS site.
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:
- apply advanced communication skills and effective interactions with children, colleagues and families;
- record and interpret relevant information about individual children and small groups using a range of theories and approaches;
- apply broad knowledge and skills to effectively implement all components of an educational planning cycle;
- use autonomy and judgement to competently organise and manage all aspects of the learning environment;
- use independent judgement to reflect on her/his own professional actions and qualities; and
- demonstrate acceptable standards of communication and professional responsibility.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Experience - Assurance Task | Yes | 100% | All offerings | Satisfactory completion of a 10-day block supervised professional experience with young children aged three to five years in an approved early childhood setting, with related documentation. The unit is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
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.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
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