Program Overview

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Overview

In this initial teacher education course, you will gain the skills, knowledge, and practical learning experiences to teach young children (aged from birth to eight years) in early education settings. These include early learning and childcare centres, kindergarten, pre-primary, and junior primary classes.

Teaching Placements

As part of the course, you will complete four teaching placements in schools or early learning centres. Totalling 840 hours of supervised teaching practice, the placements are undertaken in full-time blocks, regardless of your study mode. You may be able to undertake a rural, interstate, or overseas placement.

How This Course Will Make You Industry Ready

• Your learning will address the specific needs of early childhood educators, ensuring you graduate with the competencies required to be a successful teacher.
• All units are mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority Framework.
• You will build a professional digital portfolio that showcases your teaching abilities to potential employers.
• You will complete 21 weeks of teaching practice over the course of your studies, including a 10-week internship where you will take responsibility for a class of children under the mentorship of a qualified teacher.

What Jobs Can the Early Childhood Education Course Lead To?

Careers

• Early childhood teacher
• Junior primary teacher
• Childhood education advisor/reviewer
• Early learning centre educator/manager

Industries

• Early education (government and non-government)
• Education (government and non-government)

What You'll Learn

• Apply high-level discipline knowledge, principles, and concepts associated with effective teaching of children from birth to 8 years
• Draw from theory and research to apply knowledge of the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and across the full range of abilities to enhance learning
• Assess student learning and analyse diverse sources of data to support valid judgements of student learning
• Plan and deliver effective teaching and learning experiences with demonstrated impact
• Use technologies appropriately for learning and teaching
• Engage in professional learning and demonstrate capacity for leadership; demonstrate personal literacy and numeracy competencies to the required accreditation standard
• Engage in critical and reflective practice based on local, national, and international research
• Create and manage positive learning environments for all students, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds

Why Study Early Childhood Education at Curtin?

Curtin Graduates Rated Best in Australia

Curtin graduates are rated the best nationally for employer satisfaction, in the Australian Government's latest QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey.

Get the Curtin Edge

Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities, and industry placements gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

In-Demand Profession

There is a nation-wide shortage of early childhood educators (Job and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List 2024).

Professional Recognition and Accreditation

This course is accredited in Australia by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority, and accredited in Western Australia by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia.

Admission Criteria

ATAR Pathway

• Guaranteed ATAR: 70
• Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites): None
• Desirable WACE subjects: At least Mathematics Applications ATAR

Alternative Pathways

• UniReady
• Certificate IV + English Competency
• Indigenous applicant
• STAT entry

English Requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

• Writing: 7
• Speaking: 8
• Reading: 7
• Listening: 8
• Overall band score: 7.5

Fees and Scholarships

Australian and New Zealand Student Indicative Fees

• 2025 Fee year: $4,600* (Commonwealth supported)

Location

• Curtin Perth
• Curtin Kalgoorlie

How to Apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice.

• Curtin Perth
• Curtin Kalgoorlie

Other Requirements and Notes for This Course

• If you are applying through our portfolio entry pathway, please also complete the Qualtrics questionnaire to meet the Non-Academic entry requirement for Initial Teacher Education Courses.
• This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.
• All students are required to successfully complete four compulsory professional experience placements as part of designated units throughout the course. These placements must be undertaken in registered schools or early learning centres where the language of instruction is English.
• No more than 50% of professional experience days may be undertaken in schools outside of Australia. Therefore, students can complete their first three-week placement outside Australia but must complete all other placements within Australia.
• Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required by the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience.
• Students are required to provide evidence of successful completion of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students (LANTITE) prior to completing their course. The test is managed by ACER and details of the test (for example, sample questions, the Test Window dates, and registration) are at Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students.
• Students are responsible for meeting the costs associated with taking these tests, which are a national requirement applicable to all teaching graduates.
• Students are expected to have successfully completed the LANTITE between the first and final professional experience unit.
• Mathematics is desirable.
• Applicants must also meet the non-academic entry requirement for all Initial Teacher Education Courses. For further information, please see the Non-academic entry requirement. The questionnaire must be completed no more than one year prior to application.
• Please note: Credit is rarely given on the basis of professional experience only in Initial Teacher Education degrees as graduates must meet registration requirements set by the accrediting bodies in each state/territory.
• Credit for recognised learning (CRL) is available. Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.