Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years

Have you always had a special interest in early years education? Can you imagine the joy that comes with fostering a child’s learning and development? Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) program provides you with a qualification to work with young children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia. This program integrates theory and practice throughout the four years and allows you to experience early years settings in the program's first semester.

Why study this degree?

• This highly-structured and intensive program qualifies you to work with children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia (WA). Designed to offer maximum flexibility in delivery modes and completion pathways, this program strikes an important balance of theory and practice. With the support of your lecturers and tutors you will be equipped to begin your first practicum in the first semester of the program.
• In addition to core developmental and learning areas, students must engage in practicum across early learning centres and schools, depending on the selected pathway. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) also offers students the unique opportunity to complete either a Religious Education pathway to teach in the Catholic sector or to complete a Major in Inclusivity and Disability.
• The program is innovative in design, providing exciting entry pathways if you are already working in the early learning context. Ask us about the early years pathway most suited to your circumstances. There is also the option to exit the degree in WA after completing three years of study, with a Bachelor of Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years for the pre-compulsory school setting.
• Please note: Education students who select the WA birth-eight program pathway must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) administer the test externally. Students must register, pay for the test and pass this to graduate from the program.

Learning outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) graduates will:
• Synthesise knowledge of current research and theoretical perspectives of early years education
• Synthesise knowledge of relevant and current perspectives on child development for the emotional, personal, social, language, cognitive, physical, spiritual, creative, and cultural domains in order to make planning, teaching and assessment responsive to the needs of the child
• Demonstrate the required knowledge of curriculum and policy frameworks and their application across early years’ contexts
• Critically reflect on international perspectives and contemporary issues in early childhood
• Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative skills in a variety of early years’ contexts
• Demonstrate competence in planning and implementing teaching and learning engagements for children from diverse backgrounds and of ranging abilities, based on sound understandings of early years’ pedagogy drawn from research and theory
• Apply professional and practice knowledge and skills to plan, teach, assess, and evaluate programs that establish a strong foundation for children’s well-being and future success
• Utilise skills for engaging appropriate and effective partnerships with families, communities, organizations and other professionals; and
• Develop dispositions for continued learning in evolving teaching contexts including the development of skills in inquiry, self-reflection, and advocacy.