| Overview and Aims of the Program |
A major in early childhood enables graduates to work in a variety of areas including policy development, community services, and the media. The major in early childhood includes units of study which consider the learning, development and wellbeing of children aged birth to twelve years. Students explore a range of philosophical, theoretical and practical aspects related to the lives and learning of young children which will equip them to respond to the complexity and diversity of contemporary Australian society. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. review and analyse in-depth knowledge of children’s learning and development across the age range birth to twelve years (K, T)
2. appraise and critically reflect on theory and practice in child development, health and wellbeing, early childhood curriculum and pedagogy (K, T)
3. use a variety of representational forms to communicate effectively to audiences across early childhood contexts (C, I, E)
4. differentiate and respond to the unique social, emotional and intellectual characteristics and needs of children from a range of backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, children with diverse linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with a disability (K, T, J, I)
5. generate solutions to complex early childhood related challenges within the contemporary Australian and global context (P, J, T, I)
6. critically evaluate early childhood policies and programs drawing on knowledge of early childhood educational research principles and methods (K, T, P, C). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
This specialisation reflects a multi-disciplinary approach. The learning and teaching methods are designed to develop both knowledge and capabilities in:
• integrating theories of child development with contemporary approaches to curriculum and pedagogy
• understanding theories of children’s learning and relating this to curriculum knowledge
• working with a diverse range of families
• understanding and applying the National Quality Framework as a tool for increasing the quality of education and care experiences for all children.
Content is delivered via a combination of live and on-line lectures, readings and on-line resources. Tutorials include individual and small group tasks aimed at providing you with the opportunity to apply knowledge and practice skills related to understanding, planning for and evaluating children’s learning and development, and working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. |
| Assessment |
A range of formative and summative assessment approaches are utilised that allow you to demonstrate your developing knowledge and skills related to children’s play, child development, health and wellbeing, educational theory, curriculum, pedagogy, and management and leadership. Assessment tasks vary across units depending on the focus of the unit and the learning outcomes being assessed. Some examples of assessment tasks include:
• essays and reports identifying and critically analysing themes and issues in the professional literature, contemporary research and media
• development of resources to support children’s learning
• development of resources for families aimed at supporting their children’s learning, development and wellbeing
• observation and analysis of learning in children’s play
• designing, planning and analysing children’s learning environments
• responding to course content and readings via online discussions/blogs
• online quizzes
• formal examinations. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
A major in early childhood enables graduates to apply an early childhood specialisation to their work in a variety of areas including policy development, community services, and the media. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
