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Professional Recognition

Course code Y42

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Why ECU?

About this Course

This nationally accredited course is designed to graduate early childhood educators who are competent teachers ready to work in schools and a range of early learning centres.

A key feature of this course is connecting theory with practice. Graduates will have the knowledge and be able to develop early childhood educational programs for children from birth to 8 years of age.

Partnerships with over 1,000 schools and early learning centres allow Pre-Service Teachers to gain experience in diverse settings, including public, private, metropolitan, regional and remote contexts working with children, families and communities.

In addition, a distinguishing feature of this course is that Pre-Service Teachers have the opportunity in the fourth year of their course to specialise and broaden their knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Units are also available in the degree that enables Pre-Service Teachers to complete accreditation requirements to teach in Catholic schools.

Final year Pre-Service Teachers can apply for a place in the internship program in either a school or early learning setting.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code Y42

Entry requirements

70 Indicative ATAR

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $4,450

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT PT
Mount Lawley
South West FT PT PT
Online FT PT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Location & Timetable

This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. The course also has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

About this Course

This nationally accredited course is designed to graduate early childhood educators who are competent teachers ready to work in schools and a range of early learning centres.

A key feature of this course is connecting theory with practice. Graduates will have the knowledge and be able to develop early childhood educational programs for children from birth to 8 years of age.

Partnerships with over 1,000 schools and early learning centres allow Pre-Service Teachers to gain experience in diverse settings, including public, private, metropolitan, regional and remote contexts working with children, families and communities.

In addition, a distinguishing feature of this course is that Pre-Service Teachers have the opportunity in the fourth year of their course to specialise and broaden their knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Units are also available in the degree that enables Pre-Service Teachers to complete accreditation requirements to teach in Catholic schools.

Final year Pre-Service Teachers can apply for a place in the internship program in either a school or early learning setting.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code Y42

CRICOS code 074168G

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $36,200

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT
Mount Lawley
South West FT
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Location & Timetable

This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. The course also has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to satisfy non-academic criteria, in addition to satisfying academic entry criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.

    All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening.  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

    Applicants who have completed secondary education, bachelor degree or master degree studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA are not required to provide an IELTS Academic test.  Minimum English standard requirements may be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

    Note:
    Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English, or have an undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University are deemed to have satisfied English language requirements.

    Applicants from the Seychelles:
    Successful completion of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) grade C or above, PLUS a completed 4 year National Diploma.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to satisfy non-academic criteria, in addition to satisfying academic entry criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.

    All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening.  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

    Applicants who have completed secondary education, bachelor degree or master degree studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA are not required to provide an IELTS Academic test.  Minimum English standard requirements may be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

    Note:
    Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English, or have an undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University are deemed to have satisfied English language requirements.

    Applicants from the Seychelles:
    Successful completion of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) grade C or above, PLUS a completed 4 year National Diploma.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup, South West or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup, South West or Online

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 480 credit points which consists of 24 core units and a supplementary program. The supplementary program options are: - an Internship plus one (1) unit from any of the listed specialisations; or - a School-based program plus one (1) unit from any of the listed specialisations; or - ECS4330 and ECS4261 plus a listed specialisation; or - ECS4330 and ECS4261 plus any 3 units from any of the specialisations (note - If students select this option no specialisation will be recorded on the academic transcript). Early Childhood Specialisations are: - Arts - Catholic Studies - Leading for Engagement in Early Childhood - Special Education

All nationally accredited Initial Teacher Education courses require students to undertake the LANTITE tests, as set by ACER, and meet the Standard in personal literacy and personal numeracy to be eligible to graduate. The Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia requires all students who enrol in an Initial Teacher Education course (undergraduate and graduate) from 1st January 2017 to have successfully met the set Standard, as set by ACER, for personal numeracy and literacy to be eligible to graduate, and therefore, be eligible for registration as a teacher. Students will be able to resit each component of the test two additional times if not successful on the first attempt (three opportunities in total). Students will be required to re-register and pay to sit the test each subsequent time. On successful completion of the test students will be given advanced standing for the above two units LIT1200 and NUM1200.

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
LIT1200Personal Literacy
NUM1200Personal Numeracy
Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
AED1240Drama Arts in Early Childhood Education15
ECS1240Becoming an Early Childhood Educator15
ECS1250Learning and Learners15
ECM2260Early Childhood Mathematics 115
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS1265Young Children's Learning and Development15
LAN1375English 1: Language Learning and Development Birth-8 Years15
ECS1245Play and Pedagogy15
IPP1260Inquiry in Professional Practice (Child Care)15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS2280Technology in Early Childhood Education15
ECS2240Guiding Children's Behaviour in Positive Learning Environments15
MUE2240Music Arts in Early Childhood Education15
ECS2340Science in Early Childhood Education15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS2260Assessing and Evaluating Young Children's Learning15
HPE2260Health and Physical Education for Young Children15
LAN2376English 2: Emergent Literacy 4-6 Years15
IPP2260Inquiry in Professional Practice (K/PP)15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
AED3245Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education15
EDS3240Including Children with Special Educational Needs15
LAN3356English 3: Literacy Learning in Junior Primary15
SSE3260Social Science Education in Early Childhood15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECM3260Early Childhood Mathematics 215
EDF3200Aboriginal Contexts in Early Childhood Education15
LAN3370English 4: Supporting All Language and Literacy Learners 15
IPP3260Inquiry in Professional Practice 3: Junior Primary15
Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
IPP4350Assistant Teacher Program30
TPA4100Teaching Performance Assessment15
Unit from Specialisation1 x unit from specialisation15

Year 4 - Semester 2

Students are required to select one of the following four options:

Option 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS4330 ^Leading in Early Childhood Settings15
ECS4261 ^Professional Engagement in Early Childhood Education15
Unit from Specialisation2 x units from specialisation30
Option 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS4330 ^Leading in Early Childhood Settings15
ECS4261 ^Professional Engagement in Early Childhood Education15
Unit from SpecialisationAny two (2) units from any of the five areas of specialisation30
Option 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
EDU4226 ^School-based Project60
Option 3
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
EDU4500 ^Early Childhood Internship60

^ Core Option

Y42|11

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Specialisations you can study in this course

Course notes

Important course notes

  • ECU South West students can undertake a number of units on campus, however in order to complete the course students should be prepared to complete the remaining units online, or at ECU’s Joondalup campus.

  • Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 during the same year.

  • The internship equips Pre-Service Teachers with the mastery and knowledge to lead their own classrooms. Pre-Service Teachers are placed in either classrooms or early learning settings where they will fulfil a diversity of roles, tasks and duties to provide a well-rounded experience of working as a teacher. Students will be required to attend the school or early learning setting for 4 days per week (8 hours each day) during term 3.

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Schools and Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis and otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons, all pre-service teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Practice.

    Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
    The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional practice placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Experience and in the final year, students undertake an Assistant Teacher Program (ATP) comprising of one term of approximately 10 weeks of continuous teaching practice. The Assistant Teacher Program is conducted during the final year of the course in the second term of the school year.

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Schools and Centres require that the pre-service teachers attend the placement on a full time basis and otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    To undertake a Professional Practice in a school or childcare setting, all pre-service teacher education students over the age of 18 must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following two clearances:

    A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) from the Department of Education WA.
    A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Child Protection and Family Support WA.

    Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
    The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional practice placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.

    Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) literacy and numeracy proficiency requirements prior to graduation for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical early childhood situations.
  2. Communicate early childhood knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  3. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  4. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
  5. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions/responses.
  6. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex early childhood problems.
  7. Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  8. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 480 credit points which consists of 24 core units and a supplementary program. The supplementary program options are: - an Internship plus one (1) unit from any of the listed specialisations; or - a School-based program plus one (1) unit from any of the listed specialisations; or - ECS4330 and ECS4261 plus a listed specialisation; or - ECS4330 and ECS4261 plus any 3 units from any of the specialisations (note - If students select this option no specialisation will be recorded on the academic transcript). Early Childhood Specialisations are: - Arts - Catholic Studies - Leading for Engagement in Early Childhood - Special Education

All nationally accredited Initial Teacher Education courses require students to undertake the LANTITE tests, as set by ACER, and meet the Standard in personal literacy and personal numeracy to be eligible to graduate. The Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia requires all students who enrol in an Initial Teacher Education course (undergraduate and graduate) from 1st January 2017 to have successfully met the set Standard, as set by ACER, for personal numeracy and literacy to be eligible to graduate, and therefore, be eligible for registration as a teacher. Students will be able to resit each component of the test two additional times if not successful on the first attempt (three opportunities in total). Students will be required to re-register and pay to sit the test each subsequent time. On successful completion of the test students will be given advanced standing for the above two units LIT1200 and NUM1200.

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
LIT1200Personal Literacy
NUM1200Personal Numeracy
Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
AED1240Drama Arts in Early Childhood Education15
ECS1240Becoming an Early Childhood Educator15
ECS1250Learning and Learners15
ECM2260Early Childhood Mathematics 115
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS1265Young Children's Learning and Development15
LAN1375English 1: Language Learning and Development Birth-8 Years15
ECS1245Play and Pedagogy15
IPP1260Inquiry in Professional Practice (Child Care)15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS2280Technology in Early Childhood Education15
ECS2240Guiding Children's Behaviour in Positive Learning Environments15
MUE2240Music Arts in Early Childhood Education15
ECS2340Science in Early Childhood Education15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS2260Assessing and Evaluating Young Children's Learning15
HPE2260Health and Physical Education for Young Children15
LAN2376English 2: Emergent Literacy 4-6 Years15
IPP2260Inquiry in Professional Practice (K/PP)15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
AED3245Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education15
EDS3240Including Children with Special Educational Needs15
LAN3356English 3: Literacy Learning in Junior Primary15
SSE3260Social Science Education in Early Childhood15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECM3260Early Childhood Mathematics 215
EDF3200Aboriginal Contexts in Early Childhood Education15
LAN3370English 4: Supporting All Language and Literacy Learners 15
IPP3260Inquiry in Professional Practice 3: Junior Primary15
Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
IPP4350Assistant Teacher Program30
TPA4100Teaching Performance Assessment15
Unit from Specialisation1 x unit from specialisation15

Year 4 - Semester 2

Students are required to select one of the following four options:

Option 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS4330 ^Leading in Early Childhood Settings15
ECS4261 ^Professional Engagement in Early Childhood Education15
Unit from Specialisation2 x units from specialisation30
Option 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ECS4330 ^Leading in Early Childhood Settings15
ECS4261 ^Professional Engagement in Early Childhood Education15
Unit from SpecialisationAny two (2) units from any of the five areas of specialisation30
Option 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
EDU4226 ^School-based Project60
Option 3
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
EDU4500 ^Early Childhood Internship60

^ Core Option

Y42|11

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Specialisations you can study in this course

Course notes

Important course notes

  • ECU South West students can undertake a number of units on campus, however in order to complete the course students should be prepared to complete the remaining units online, or at ECU’s Joondalup campus.

  • Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 during the same year.

  • The internship equips Pre-Service Teachers with the mastery and knowledge to lead their own classrooms. Pre-Service Teachers are placed in either classrooms or early learning settings where they will fulfil a diversity of roles, tasks and duties to provide a well-rounded experience of working as a teacher. Students will be required to attend the school or early learning setting for 4 days per week (8 hours each day) during term 3.

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Schools and Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis and otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons, all pre-service teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Practice.

    Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
    The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional practice placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Experience and in the final year, students undertake an Assistant Teacher Program (ATP) comprising of one term of approximately 10 weeks of continuous teaching practice. The Assistant Teacher Program is conducted during the final year of the course in the second term of the school year.

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Schools and Centres require that the pre-service teachers attend the placement on a full time basis and otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    To undertake a Professional Practice in a school or childcare setting, all pre-service teacher education students over the age of 18 must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following two clearances:

    A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) from the Department of Education WA.
    A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Child Protection and Family Support WA.

    Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
    The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional practice placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.

    Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) literacy and numeracy proficiency requirements prior to graduation for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical early childhood situations.
  2. Communicate early childhood knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  3. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  4. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
  5. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions/responses.
  6. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex early childhood problems.
  7. Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  8. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $4,450 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in education learning environments.

Possible future job titles

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary or Junior Primary Teacher, Early Learning Professional, Pedagogical Leader, Centre Director

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $36,200 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in education learning environments.

Possible future job titles

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary or Junior Primary Teacher, Early Learning Professional, Pedagogical Leader, Centre Director

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

Early Childhood Education student Hannah Newton talks about her professional placement and the incredible support from her lecturers.

Experiences

Explore your options

Early Childhood Education student Hannah Newton talks about her professional placement and the incredible support from her lecturers.

Student stories

  • Ayesha Wright

    ECU Early Childhood Education student

    ECU will challenge you to be great

    After hearing about ECU's reputation for teacher education, Ayesha Wright came from the UK to study here. Here's what she thinks so far...

  • Mikayla King

    Mikayla King

    ECU Early Childhood Education graduate

    I gained employment straight after my final practicum placement

    The Early Childhood Teaching course is extremely practical. I was in the classroom on placements from my first semester, which allowed me to put theory into practice.

    I formed really great two-way relationships with my lecturers. They all came from teaching backgrounds, and were able to pass on knowledge from their own experience of classrooms and early learning settings.

  • Emma Basset

    Emma Bassett

    ECU Early Childhood Education student

    The ECU lecturers and tutors are very supportive and approachable.

    I have been on many practicum placements, which have been the most enjoyable part of the course. Although demanding, the placements have provided me with the opportunity to put the theory learnt throughout the year into practice. The placements have improved my confidence in my teaching ability and have prepared me for my own classroom in the future.

    The course has opened my eyes to the diverse range of children's learning styles and taught me various techniques to motive and include all children.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies)?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.