The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) produces graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes to work with young children (0-8 years) and their families in education and care settings.  This degree provides an initial qualification for early childhood teachers in both:
a) Child care settings which cater for young children 0-4 years, and
b) Kindergarten, pre-primary and junior primary settings which cater for children 4-8 years of age.
 
This course provides a strong background in current research, pedagogical content knowledge and educational theory. Opportunities for students to make links between theory and practice through extended periods of workplace learning, in a variety of early childhood environments, are a feature of this course.

The degree includes compulsory units studied by all students and specialisation studies which are chosen by students to enable them to focus on a particular area of interest. The award is granted after successful completion of four years full-time study or its equivalent.

Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in child care centres and schools which culminates in the Assistant Teacher Program in the final year.  All students are required to adhere to the School of Education's Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers which can be accessed at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/. All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full time basis and students are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice  periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is also available on the website.

Please note that workplace learning  units have been designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Board of Examiners.

This course will target students who meet entrance requirements set by the University, including TER, mature age entry or STAT, TAFE qualifications (Certificate IV and above from a recognised TAFE provider) , UPC, direct entry and portfolio entry.

All students 18 years and over will be required to submit a DET National Criminal History Record Check (CRC) before commencing their first period of Professional Practice. These clearances are valid for three years while enrolled in the course. Application forms and further information can be found at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/newapplicant.htm 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. All Students are required to adhere to the School of Education’s Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers which are also available on the website.
 
All students 18 years of age and over will require a current DET National Criminal History Record Check (CRC) before commencing their placement. Application forms and further information can be found at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/newapplicant.htm

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a 480 credit point course.  The first three years of the course consists of core units.  In Year 4, Semester 2 students have an opportunity to develop expertise through an area of specialisation.  Students choose from  the following areas:

Special Education;

Catholic Education Studies;

Visual and Expressive Arts;

Teaching Children who have English as an Additional Language;

School Based Project;

Internship.

Please note the following:

1. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is recognised by the Western Australian College of Teaching as meeting the requirements for registration as a teacher in Western Australia.
2. The course meets the A* rating for employment in child care in Western Australia.
3. Catholic Education Accreditation to teach Religious Education requires three units in Catholic Education Studies.
4. In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory professional practice.. Therefore all students are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice Periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is also available on the website
5. In the fourth year, students undertake an Assistant Teacher Program (ATP) comprising one term of approximately ten weeks of continuous teaching practice in a kindergarten or pre-primary centre.  The Assistant Teacher Program is conducted during the seventh semester in second term of the school year.
6. All students must adhere to the School’s Rule and Procedures in relation to professional practice. See hppt://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/ .
7. Opportunities exist for students to complete a semester overseas through the Study Abroad Program.
8. All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy.
9. In the fourth year of the course students may focus on special education in order to meet accreditation expectations of DET in relation to teaching children with special needs.