Exploring Early Childhood

Content Endorsed Course – 1 Unit

Course Description:

Our society is increasingly recognising children’s experiences in the early childhood years as the foundation for future growth, development and learning.

This course explores issues within an early childhood context and considers these in relation to the students themselves, their family and the community.

The study of this course will enable students:

  • Develop an awareness and understanding of the growth, development and learning of young children and the importance of the early childhood years

  • Recognise the uniqueness of all children, including those who have special needs

  • Become aware of the value of play in the lives of children, and consider means of providing safe and challenging environments for play

  • Identify the range of services developed and provided for young children and their families

  • Consider the role of family and community in the growth, development and learning of young children

  • Reflect upon potential implications for themselves as adults, in relation to young children

  • Understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures within Australia and the ways in which this influences children and families

The course has three main parts:

  • Theory Component: Based on the growth and development of children aged 0 – 5 years.

  • Journal: Students must keep a detailed journal of a child aged between 0 – 5 for the two years of the course.

  • Playgroup: Students will work in groups to organise and run activities for the community-based playgroup which runs in the school, one day per week. This is an invaluable chance for students to develop and refine their child care and organisational skills.

School Fees: Preliminary Course $20 HSC Course $20