Program Overview

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Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is designed to meet the increased demand for early childhood educators across the sector. Our degree prepares graduates to become reflective and responsive early childhood teachers who are qualified to work with children from birth to five years in early learning settings.

Program Details

Qualification

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
AQF Level 7

Duration

4 years full time or equivalent part time

ATAR

Selection rank: 70

Fees

First Year: $4,627

Fee type: Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

Practical component

760 hours

Study mode

On campus

Commencement

Semester 1, Semester 2

Codes

Program code: 3589

Career Outcomes

Professional Accreditations

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education has been accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Careers

• Early childhood teacher
• Primary school teacher (early years)
• Early Childhood centre director/coordinator
• Family day care educator
• Education support officer

Industries

• Government and private education
• Health care
• Family business
• Social assistance
• Recreation

Admission Criteria

Academic Requirements

• Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank: 70
• Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Work and life experience
• Discipline-specific requirements

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative Fee

$4,627

Scholarships

Scholarships can provide you with financial support while you study. There are numerous scholarships available to you as a new or continuing student, across all study levels and campuses.

Program Structure

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum is embedded in every degree. It is a distinguishing characteristic of Notre Dame and provides our graduates with transferable skills that are integral to every industry, vocation and profession, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and a purposeful life.

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective

Real-world Experience

Notre Dame offers more professional experience than other providers through which you will gain the real-world skills and experience needed to thrive in the early childhood education industry.

Major

The major in Special and Inclusive Education includes five compulsory courses taken by all students:

• EDUC1027 Inclusion and Diversity in Early Childhood
• EDUC1032 Contemporary Theories in Child Development and Learning
• EDUC3064 Early intervention in Early Childhood Contexts
• EDUC2066 Catering for Children with Special Needs
• EDUC4036 Research Capstone

To complete this major, students must additionally complete an additional three courses:

• EDUC3065 Communication Needs and Challenges in Early Childhood Education
• EDUC4042 Autism Spectrum in Early Childhood
• EDUC4043 Differentiated Learning Project

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education graduates will be able to:

• Explain historical and contemporary theories and practices in early years education
• Outline the influence of a range of social, emotional, cognitive, creative, language, spiritual and physical factors on the design and delivery of early years education
• Review early childhood education to ensure compliance with policy frameworks and curriculum
• Plan, program and evaluate the delivery of early childhood education
• Communicate and collaborate to design and deliver early years education
• Draw on a range of alternative pedagogical frameworks, curriculum approaches and teaching strategies to guide and engage young learners
• Respond to the individual needs of learners with special or additional needs and who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English
• Create safe, caring and inclusive learning experiences that support language, social and emotional development to facilitate successful transitions into future learning
• Partner with family and community members in the planning and delivery of early childhood education
• Engage in critical reflection, advocacy and research in the development of the professional and professional identity
• Respect and include diverse perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, in culturally diverse and socially inclusive early childhood education

Practical Component

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education complete 19 weeks (95 days) of professional experience in a range of settings to prepare them to confidently enter their profession.

In order to undertake professional experience students will require:

• Anaphylaxis E-training
• Child Protection Awareness
• Department of Education Consent
• Mandatory Child Protection
• Pre-service teacher acknowledgement
• Working with Children Check

FAQs

• What’s the difference between Early Childhood Education and Primary Education?

The difference between an Early Childhood or Primary degree focus is the age of children you are qualified to teach.

A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education specifically qualifies you to educate and care for children from birth to five years in early learning settings, such as long day care or sessional kindergarten.

A Bachelor of Primary Education qualifies you to teach in all years of primary school, from pre-primary to Year 6.

• Can I teach in primary schools with an Early Childhood Education degree?

A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education specifically qualifies you to educate and care for children from birth to five years in early learning settings, such as long day care or sessional kindergarten.

To become a classroom teacher in primary school you will need additional qualifications in Primary Teaching.