The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies) program is built on the principle that teaching students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. The program is committed to preparing early childhood teachers with essential knowledge, skills and experience across a range of early childhood settings, working with children aged 3-8 years. Reflective thinking which links theory to practice is valued in this course. Graduates will develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships and supportive classroom environments where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning.
 
The course is recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Whilst graduates are strongly sought after both nationally and internationally, students should be aware that the registration requirements may differ between states and countries. Pre-service teachers considering possible employment in Western Australia following graduation from this award should refer to TRBWA website at http://trb.wa.gov.au for teacher registration requirements. 
   
Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in schools/centres which culminates in the Final Teaching Practice in the final semester of the course. Because of its responsibility for the education, safety and well being of young children, the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics. Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers can be accessed at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/ 
 
To undertake a professional practice in a school/centre, ALL teaching students must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         National Police History Check 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 is available at http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcoms/portal/
 
All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and teaching students are required to give a full-time commitment during the scheduled Professional Practice periods.
 
NOTE: All Professional Practice units are designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once, unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.
 

Mid Year Intake: In any given year that this course offers a mid year intake, initial enrolment mode for mid year applicants will be part-time only which will add an additional semester to course duration.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree from an approved tertiary institution. Application may be made prior to the release of results indicating completion of the first degree course.

Applications are made direct to ECU for semesters 1 and 2.  Selection is based on academic qualifications, resume and a personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher.

Special English Entry Requirements
 
Applicants who have completed their secondary education and Bachelor Degree studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, do not need to provide proof of English competency.
Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English and have a Bachelor Degree taught in English from a South African University, are deemed to have met English language requirements for entry to the Graduate Diploma of Education.
 
To satisfy the English entry requirements all other international applicants need to provide evidence of: 
 

1. Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 or above with no score below 7 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 625 including a Test of Written English score of 5.0 or better; OR
3. A Pearson English Test with an overall score of 78 with no score less than 73.
 
NOTE: Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://trb.wa.gov.au/

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a 120 credit point course. All Pre-service Teachers are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy. Pre-service Teachers' assignments and examinations must be of an appropriate academic standard.
 
All units are compulsory and there are no electives. The sequence of units in the part-time mode of delivery has some degree of flexibility.