Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)

Southern Cross University

About

Early childhood education is an immensely satisfying career and a precious opportunity to give children the very best start in life.In just one year, our Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) will allow you to become a fully qualified early childhood teacher in a preschool, or an educator within the family day care or traditional day care system.Our course covers key areas of early childhood education and care, theory, principles and practices that best support children's learning and development.

Admission into the course is via an undergraduate degree in any discipline, including a three-year teaching qualification.Students also undertake 60 days of professional placement in early childhood settings.The block professional teaching experiences, combined with volunteer activities and embedded site visits will provide you with a deep understanding about the role of a teacher.

As you will be interacting with children and young people, upon enrolment you will be expected to apply and attain a valid Working with Children Check for your state or territory.

See professional experience requirements.

Structure

Title Level of learning Note
TCHR5001 - Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education Introductory
TCHR3001 - Early Childhood Matters Advanced
TCHR2003 - Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Intermediate
TCHR6004 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education I: Pre-schoolers Introductory Note 1
TCHR5003 - Principles and Practice in Early Childhood Education Intermediate
TCHR2002 - Children, Families and Communities Intermediate
TCHR3004 - Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
TCHR6001 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education II: Infants and Toddlers Intermediate Note 1

Entry requirements

  1. Applications for admission to candidature in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) may be selected where they can demonstrate academic or professional standing considered by the School Board or Course Coordinator to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3.
  2. To meet the minimum English language requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
  3. have completed senior secondary study equivalent of Australian Year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
  4. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Schedule A of the Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 2, and
  5. the language of instruction was English; or
  6. achieved a minimum test score within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
  7. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 6.5, including a minimum result of 6.5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing; or
  8. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  1. To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) a candidate shall successfully complete:
  2. Not less than eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising all units listed in the Schedule of Units attached to this award.
  3. Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the <a href="/staff/teaching-and-learning/graduate-attributes/">graduate attributes</a>.

Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour Exercise critical analysis, problem solving, and decision making in Early Childhood educational based practiceDemonstrate application of advanced knowledge and current research in relation to Early Childhood education practice
Creativity Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories
Ethical practice Demonstrate a knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of an Early Childhood professional working in a learning community with all stakeholdersDemonstrate an awareness of the need for student safety and support within professional frameworksDemonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession
Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood teaching and relevant curriculum frameworkDemonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective Early Childhood educational practice
Lifelong learning Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice
Communication and social skills Demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate and interpret evidence based research which inform professional decision making Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional educational settings
Cultural competence Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contextsIdentify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement and behaviour including diverse groups of learners such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, migrants and students from non- English speaking backgroundsDemonstrate an understanding of the principles of inclusion and diverse learning needsDemonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self

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