This practicum for Graduate Certificate (Early Childhood Studies) student teachers is undertaken in a pre-primary/kindergarten setting working with children aged between 4-5 years.  The practicum provides the student teacher an opportunity to consolidate the connection between early childhood theory and practice and build experience in an early childhood setting.  Student teachers plan and implement appropriate programs of work suitable to the developmental needs and interests of children aged 4-5 years.  This unit gives the student teacher the opportunity for continuous teaching for a longer period of time.  It provides the student teacher with the opportunity to acquire and refine teaching skills and to function as an autonomous teacher.

This is a Designated Unit, involving a placement in a school/centre where students gain practical experience of school life. The placement provides an essential opportunity to connect theory with practice and develop the knowledge, dispositions, understandings and competencies of a beginning teacher under the guidance of experienced professionals.

All students are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is available at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac and to give a full-time commitment to the school/centre during the scheduled days.