Our society is increasingly recognising that children's experiences in the early childhood years form 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 course comprises a compulsory common core and optional modules. The core comprises 45 indicative hours of study. Fourteen optional modules are included in this course.
The core studies are compulsory. There are three parts to the core:
Part A: Pregnancy and Childbirth (15 hrs)
Part B: Child Growth and Development (20 hrs)
Part C: Promoting Positive Behaviour (10 hrs)
The optional modules can each occupy 15-30 hours (indicative time) of study, depending on student interest, teacher expertise, available resources and intended depth of treatment. The following optional course modules are included in this document:
Learning Experiences for Young Children
Play and the Developing Child
Starting School
Gender and Young Children
Children and Change
Children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Historical and Cultural Contexts of Childhood
The Children’s Services Industry
Young Children and Media
Young Children and the Law
Children’s Literature
Food and Nutrition
Child Health and Safety
Young Children with Special Needs
Both the selection of modules and the sequence for their teaching are matters for school decision based on need.
All core studies, as well as each module, have a content section entitled Contemporary Issues. The issues included are indicative only and can be selected from or added to according to the needs and interests of students or changing understanding and issues that have an impact on early childhood.
Students who complete this course are eligible to apply for the Red Cross Advanced Child Care Certificate.
Through the study of Exploring Early Childhood, students learn to develop:
Knowledge and understanding about the physical, social-emotional, behavioural, cognitive and language development of young children
Knowledge and understanding about the environmental factors that have an impact on young children’s growth and development
Knowledge and understanding about the development and maintenance of positive behaviours and relationships with young children
Skills in communication and interaction, research and analysis and decision-making and evaluation
Respect for the individuality and uniqueness of young children and their families
An appreciation of the value and importance of supportive and responsible relationships with young children.
As this course has a practical as well as a theoretical base, it is considered important and highly desirable that students have the opportunity to interact with young children on a regular basis. The purpose of this interaction is to observe children, and to gain experience in understanding and relating to individual children. This is best achieved in informal settings, such as the home, with friends or relatives. This interaction would occur outside of school hours.
In addition, or as an alternative to the above, an option is to visit a children’s service that operates locally, such as a preschool attached to a primary school, or a licensed preschool or child care centre.
Coursework
Successful students actively participate in lessons/class discussion; satisfactorily complete classwork, notes and homework; complete required assessment tasks.
Suitable Candidates
The course will appeal to students who are keen to discuss social issues and have an interest in working with young children or further study at T.A.F.E. relating to children.
Equipment Required
A4 folder or book
Mandatory Course Fees? Yes ‐ $40
Coordinating Faculty
TAS
Head Teacher
Mr. L Warwick