Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education

The Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education in 2010.

The Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education is an exciting new program which specialises in working with children 0-5 years. It is a specialist postgraduate early childhood education program of the highest quality studied part time over one academic year, ensuring that graduates are well equipped for the increasingly expanding and rewarding role of early childhood educator. This Graduate Certificate is part of a strategy by the University and the Faculty of Education to prioritise education in the Early Years. The Certificate supports the capacity of relevant professionals to meet workforce requirements in line with Australian Government directions in early childhood education and care reform.

Purpose:

At the time of printing the new program is being assessed by the NSW Department of Community Services to ensure the Graduate Certificate meets all the regulatory requirements for staff member positions in licensed child care services. The Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education will provide:

a) a fourth year of study in Early Childhood Education for students who have completed a three year academic program

b) an accredited Early Years Education qualification for teachers who have qualified in Primary Education

c) a postgraduate program of study for students interested in pursuing higher degree study in this area.

Current employment experiences will be recognised for professional experience but recognition by DOCS requires students to demonstrate competence across the entire 0-5 years age range. This may require some field visits or placements.

Entry Requirements:

    Academic Requirements

    3 or 4 year degree in education or equivalent eg. Bachelor of Teaching or Bachelor of Education

    Other Acceptable Qualifications: 3 year degree plus Grad Diploma in Education

    Special Note: Entry may be considered for students with a combination of tertiary studies and professional experience that is deemed equivalent to a three year teaching degree.

    English Language Requirements

Standard English Language Requirements: IELTS score – Minimum overall: 7

    Reading: 7 Writing: 6.5 Speaking: 6 Listening: 6

    This minimum level of English language proficiency is so that students can function effectively in a professional early years setting.

Program of Study:

The Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education consists of 24 credit points of study, completed over a minimum of one year of part-time study. The four subjects are chosen from the list below, however other subjects from the Faculty's postgraduate program could be included with the approval of the Early Years Program Director.

Subjects:

Subject Code

Subject Name

Credit Points

Delivery method(s)

EDGY901

Pedagogy, Practice and Play in Early Years

6

flexible

EDGY902

Early Years Curriculum Studies

6

flexible

EDGY903

Socio-cultural Perspectives in the Early Years

6

flexible

EDGY904

Management, Supervision and Leadership for Early Childhood Professionals*

6

flexible

EDGY901 Pedagogy, Practice and Play in Early Years

The subject will explore play as a central pedagogical approach in fostering young children’s development and learning. It will present a range of classical and modern theories of play and treat the topics such as child spontaneous play; types and genres of play; indoor and outdoor play; play in a range of diverse contexts; providing for enriched play environments and play-oriented curriculum; the adaptability of play to different developmental stages; play-based educational programs. Current literature will be reviewed to enhance student awareness of national and international views on play in early Childhood.

EDGY902 Early Years Curriculum Studies

This subject develops critical and evaluative awareness of many influences which impact upon curriculum within a range of early childhood settings. A range of traditional, alternative and contemporary curriculum models will be analysed for their effectiveness in inclusive early childhood education. Current literature will be reviewed to enhance student awareness of national and international curriculum models and appropriateness to the Australian early childhood context.

EDGY903 Socio-cultural Perspectives in the Early Years

This subject will provide a theoretical background and practical strategies for creating an optimal social and personal environment for young children’s learning and development. Students will be studying modern socio-cultural approaches to early childhood education stemming from the theories of Dewey, Vygotsky, Bruner and Bronfenbrenner, with a focus on practical implications for the development of young children. The topics treated will include: the role of communication and language in early years; the quality of adult-child interaction; the role of family involvement and the household funds of knowledge; contextually situated practice of early childhood education; socio-cultural approach to observation and dynamic assessment; play and the development of imagination

EDGY904 Management, Supervision and Leadership for Early Childhood Professionals*

This subject will examine the complex responsibilities of early childhood professionals in managing, delivering and advocating for quality programs and services for young children and their families. Recognition will be given to the current context of early childhood and the need for specific skills and knowledge required by leaders in meeting organizational and broader societal aims and objectives. Change management, human resources management, powerful communication, intrapersonal/self awareness, vision-building and sharing, motivation, supervision of staff, knowledge-building and mentoring, lobbying & advocacy are key components. Safety, nutrition and the physical, social and emotional health of infants and young children plus Indigenous perspectives on health and wellbeing of young children and families will be integrated into the subject. The subject will include a focus on developing an understanding of the management, leadership and advocacy role of early childhood professionals in promoting physical, social and emotional well-being of children and staff.

* Awaiting approval.

For Further information please contact the Faculty of Education

Contact:

Early Childhood Program Director

Dr Jillian Trezise

Email: jtrezise@uow.edu.au

Ph: (02) 4221 3374

Professional Officer, Graduate Teaching Program

Debbie McGavin

Email: dmcgavin@uow.edu.au

Ph: (02) 4221 4678

Last reviewed: 7 September, 2009