Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is designed to meet the increased demand for early childhood educators across the sector. Our degree prepares graduates to become reflective and responsive early childhood teachers who are qualified to work with children from birth to five years in early learning settings. Designed to offer maximum flexibility in delivery modes, this highly structured program expertly combines theory and practice. The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education also offers students the unique opportunity to complete a Major in Special and Inclusive Education. Our courses focus on contemporary pedagogies and the characteristics and development of all children, their behaviour, and their needs for intellectual, physical, language and social and spiritual development. You will learn skills in facilitating play and learning-through-play. And you will also consider the key learning areas through which children develop their skills, knowledge and understanding about themselves, the world around them and their place in it.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Broadway, NSW - The University of Notre Dame Australia

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Selection rank: 70 (ATAR plus Adjustment Factors) or equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score
Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher, OR successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Work and life experience applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and have left secondary education more than two years previously without undertaking VET or higher education study since
Applicants with at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry; must provide evidence of work experience and demonstrate academic capability
Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section (results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years)
Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank
English language proficiency: IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.0 in any of the four skill areas) for students with English as an additional language
All applicants must satisfy Minimum University Admission requirements including minimum age and English language proficiency
Non-academic achievements such as previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement, as well as personal qualities, are also considered

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Early childhood teacher, Early Childhood centre director/coordinator, Family day care educator, Education support officer. Industries include government and private education, health care, family business, social assistance, and recreation. Predicted job growth to 2029: Early childhood teachers 1.3%, Other education managers 12.6%, Childcare centre manager 6.3% (Source: National Skills Commission five-year projections from May 2024 to May 2029).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) / AITSL

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / ACECQA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units30 units

EDUC1032

Contemporary Theories On Child Development and Learning

EDUC1027

Inclusion and Diversity in Early Childhood

EDUC1033

Understanding and Guiding Children's Behaviour

EDUC1034

Play as Pedagogy

EDUC1035

Health, Wellbeing and Fundamental Movement Skills

EDUC1028

Teaching and Learning in Context

EDUC1036

Holistic Care for Young Children

EDUC2046

Foundations of Language and Literacy

EDUC2059

Mathematical Development – B–5 years Numeracy and Mathematics

EDUC2064

Pedagogical Documentation in Early Childhood

EDUC3046

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Culturally Responsive Connections

EDUC2068

Scientific and Digital Inquiry in Early Childhood

EDUC2066

Catering for Children with Special Needs

EDUC2067

Integrating Language and Literacy Through the Arts

EDUC3061

Families and Partnerships in Teaching and Learning

EDUC3063

Language and Literacy 1

EDUC3093

The Educational Leader

EDUC3054

The Reflective Practitioner

EDUC3065

Communication Needs and Challenges in ECE

EDUC3064

Early Intervention in Early Childhood Contexts

EDUC3056

Trends in Early Childhood Education and Care

EDUC3094

Professional Experience 3: Early Childhood Education (3–5 years)

EDUC4034

Research Ethics with Young Children

EDUC4035

Sustainability and Environmental Education

EDUC4008

Leadership and Management in the Early Years

EDUC4042

Autism Spectrum in Early Childhood

EDUC4043

Differentiated Learning Project

EDUC4038

Professional Engagement

Co-requisite with EDUC4056

EDUC4036

Research Capstone

EDUC4056

Professional Experience Internship: Early Childhood Education

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much professional experience is included in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education complete 19 weeks (95 days) of professional experience in a range of settings to prepare them to confidently enter their profession. In order to undertake professional experience, students will require Anaphylaxis E-training, Child Protection Awareness, Department of Education Consent, Mandatory Child Protection Pre-service teacher acknowledgement, and a Working with Children Check.

Is the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education accredited?

Yes, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education has been accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Can I specialise in Special and Inclusive Education as part of this degree?

Yes, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education offers students the unique opportunity to complete a Major in Special and Inclusive Education. The major includes five compulsory courses (EDUC1027, EDUC1032, EDUC3064, EDUC2066, EDUC4036) taken by all students, plus three additional courses: Communication Needs and Challenges in Early Childhood Education (EDUC3065), Autism Spectrum in Early Childhood (EDUC4042), and Differentiated Learning Project (EDUC4043).

What are the English language requirements for international students applying to this program?

Students who have English as an additional language and are admitted on the basis of an international English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment, or an equivalent English language proficiency assessment, are only admitted if they have attained an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5, with no score below 6.0 in any of the four skill areas.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this degree?

Graduates can pursue careers as early childhood teachers, early childhood centre directors/coordinators, family day care educators, and education support officers. These roles exist across industries including government and private education, health care, family business, social assistance, and recreation. Predicted job growth to 2029 includes early childhood teachers at 1.3%, other education managers at 12.6%, and childcare centre managers at 6.3%, according to National Skills Commission five-year projections.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $82,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $82,000 to $92,000 per year

Career Paths

Early Childhood Educator (Certificate III level)Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)Room Leader / Lead EducatorEducational LeaderChildcare Centre Director / Centre Manager

Key Skills

Child development assessment and observationPlay-based curriculum design and implementationApplication of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)Inclusive education practices for children with diverse needsBehaviour guidance and positive relationships with children

Full Course Overview

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