This 480 credit point course is dedicated to producing quality graduates ready to take up employment across the early childhood education sector, including teaching children aged 0-3 years, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, pre-primary and years 1-3 in a primary school. Dealing specifically with children aged 0-8 years, Early Childhood Studies focuses on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities. A variety of flexible admission options is available to suit applicants with different needs, all of which are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy, as teachers require these skills to support the development of students. The course also includes the opportunity to complete a fast tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from term 4 of that year.

A key feature of this course is the equal emphasis given to both the theoretical groundings of early childhood education and the practical application of knowledge and skills in a wide range of early childhood settings. A coordinated program of professional practice experiences at key points throughout the course allow students to make the connection between theory and practice, while building both professional and generic employability skills in real care and education environments. In addition, students have the opportunity to tailor their learning experience by specialising in curriculum areas of particular interest.

Professional Practice: To undertake a professional practice in a school /centre ALL teaching students must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC) from the Department of Education WA.

In addition, all teaching students 18 years of age and over must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         Working with Children Check from the Department of Child Protection WA.

Further information and application forms can be found at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/portal/

All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and teaching students are required to give a full-time commitment to the school during the scheduled Professional Practice periods.

All Professional Practice units are designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once, unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners. 

NOTE: Students commencing study within the Bachelor of Education (Primary) course from 2012 onwards, and not entering with advanced standing, will be able to complete the entire course at the Joondalup campus. As units will become available at the Joondalup campus on a progressive basis, students entering the course with advanced standing may be required to complete some or all of the course units at the Mount Lawley campus.

Standard University admission requirements apply. Details are available at http://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/overview

Special English Entry Requirements

Applicants who have completed their secondary education studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, do not need to provide proof of English competency.

To satisfy the English entry requirements, ALL other applicants must show evidence of:
 
1. Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in each of the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing; OR
 
2. A TOEFL, paper based only, with a minimum score of 600 including a Test of Written English score of 5.0 or better; OR

NOTE: Graduates must meet the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.wacot.wa.edu.au/  

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a 480 credit point degree. In the final semester of the course students may select one of three options:

Option 1: Students select 60 credit points consisting of two specified units (ECS4261 and EDF3101) and two Elective Specialisation units selected from one of the listed areas of specialty;

Option 2: Students select a School based project totalling 60 credit points; or

Option 3: Students undertake an internship totalling 60 credit points.

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. Further information regarding WACOT's teacher registration requirements is available at http://www.wacot.wa.edu.au/
2. Units are available in this course which enable students to complete accreditation requirements to teach in Catholic schools.
3. In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory professional practice.
4. In the fourth year, students undertake an Assistant Teacher Program (ATP) comprising one term of approximately ten weeks of continuous teaching practice. The Assistant Teacher Program is conducted during the seventh semester of the course in the second term of the school year.
5. All students must adhere to the School’s Rule and Procedures in relation to professional practice. See http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-practice
6. This course has been designed to meet the needs of students wishing to fast track their studies.
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.