Exploring Early  Childhood

Content Endorsed Course

Course number(s):

• 31009 Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit – Preliminary)

• 31010 Exploring Early Childhood (2 units – Preliminary)

• 31011 Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit – HSC)

• 31012 Exploring Early Childhood (2 units – HSC)

Prerequisites: Nil

Eligibility: Nil

Study via self-tuition: No

Exclusions: Nil

Course description

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.

What students learn

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.

Course requirements

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 time allocated to each optional module is flexible within the range of 15–30 hours depending on the number of units for the course and the way in which the course is delivered.

The table below explains the requirements for the 1 unit or 2-unit course, depending on the way in which the course is delivered.

Course Hours

2 units/2 years

240 hours

120 hours Preliminary

120 hours HSC