Faculty of Education

 Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Table of Contents

Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions: Parkville program 1998 and 1999
        First year
        Second year
    Subject descriptions: Parkville program prior to 1998
        Second year
        Third year
        Honours year
    Subject descriptions: Pathways Program 1999
        First year
    Subject descriptions: Pathways Program prior to 1999
        First year
        Second year
        Third year
        Fourth Year
    Subject descriptions: Singapore Program
        First year
        Second year

 1. About the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

 1.1. Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS) is a four-year degree course designed to meet the growing demand for early childhood educators who can work across the diversity of early childhood services within Victoria. The general aim of the course is to educate students in early childhood studies and to provide professional training for students.

The BECS course consists of five major areas of study: Child Development Studies (125 points), Professional Studies in Early Childhood Education (75 points); Curriculum - Foundation Studies (75 points) and Curriculum - Theory and Practice (62.5 points); and Practicum (50 points).

• Child Development Studies is the major study in the degree. Students gain a breadth of knowledge across a range of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches and acquire an in-depth understanding of the literature in key aspects of the subject.

• The Early Childhood Professional Studies sequence concentrates on management theory and practice.

• Curriculum is organised into two study sequences: Curriculum Foundation Studies and Curriculum Theory and Practice, and studies the learning roles of a number of disciplines in early childhood education as well as the design and implementation of curriculum.

• There is a total of 100 days of Practicum.

 1.2. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies can be completed with Honours. Details of the requirements for students commencing the course in 1999 are available from the Faculty Office.

 2. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies Course objectives

On completion of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies graduates should:

• understand the nature of the early childhood period, defined as 0-8 years;

• have acquired the basic concepts, knowledge and analytical skills of the variety of disciplines which contribute to an understanding of the early childhood period;

• have acquired a thorough understanding of the psychological and physical development of the child in the early childhood period;

• understand the influence of culture, family and community on childhood and child development;

• have acquired specific skills, knowledge and concepts in the major curriculum areas relevant to early childhood education;

• be able to design integrated curricula for children in various settings;

• be able to implement programs for a range of early childhood services;

• be able to critically analyse and evaluate program effectiveness and professional performance;

• understand the diverse roles of the early childhood educator;

• understand the social and political context in which early childhood services operate and its impact on the work of the early childhood professional, children and families;

• understand the managerial and personal skills involved in running early childhood services;

• understand the need for continued reflection and development as a basis for professional practice in early childhood settings; and

• at Honours level, have extended knowledge and critical understandings in early childhood studies and have acquired skills necessary to undertake research.

 3. Enquiries

For further information about this course please contact the Faculty Office, telephone (03) 9344 8285.

 4. Diploma in Arts

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma inArts offered by the Faculty of Arts ( Diploma in Arts). Enrolment must be approved by both the Arts Faculty and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty Office.

 5. Diploma in Creative Arts

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Creative Arts offered by the School of Creative Arts, Victorian College of the Arts. Enrolment must be approved by both the School of Creative Arts and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the School of Creative Arts (Tel. +61 3 9344 8389/8699).

 6. Diploma in Modern Languages

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Modern Languages (DML) offered by the Faculty of Arts. Enrolment must be approved by both the Arts Faculty and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty Office.

 7. Diploma in Music (Practical)

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Music (Practical) offered by the Faculty of Music ( Diploma in Music (Practical)). Enrolment must be approved by the Music Faculty and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Music Faculty Office.

 8. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies course structure

 8.1. Overview

The course can be completed in a minimum of four and maximum of 10 years.

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• accumulate a total of 400 points;

• complete Child Development Studies of at least 125 points;

• complete Curriculum Foundation Studies amounting to 75 points;

• complete Curriculum Theory and Practice Studies amounting to 62.5 points;

• complete the Practicum component, which amounts to 50 points over 4 years;

• complete the Special Research Study or Special Research Study (Honours).

 8.2. Workload

The standard workload for each year is 100 points. Special permission may be granted to enrol in 112.5 points in years other than the first year of the course.

 8.3. Credit

Credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies may be granted for previous relevant tertiary studies. Credit is determined by the Faculty and awarded at the time of enrolment.

 8.4. Course outline for students commencing the Parkville program in 1998 or 1999

The normal pattern of study for a full-time student is as follows:

First year
	465-100 Practicum 1	6.25
	465-101 CDS11 Child Family & Society	12.5
	465-102 CDS12 Cognitive Development	12.5
	465-103 CDS13 Physical Development	12.5
	465-104 CFS11 Language and Literacy	12.5
	465-105 CFS12 Arts 1	12.5
	465-106 CTP11 Teaching and Learning	12.5
	465-107 CTP12 Curriculum Design	6.25
	465-108 ECP1 Introduction to the Field	12.5
Total Points		100.0

Second year
	465-200 Practicum 2	12.5
	465-201 CDS21 Social and Emotional Development	12.5
	465-202 CDS22 Socialisation Identity and Individuality	12.5
	465-203 CDS23 Play and Development	12.5
	465-204 CFS21 Mathematics	12.5
	465-205 CFS22 Arts 2	12.5
	465-206 CTP21 Curriculum 0-3	12.5
	465-207 ECP21 Safety Health and Nutrition	12.5
Total Points		100.0

Third year
	465-300 Practicum 3
	465-301 CDS 31 Language, Literacy & Numeracy Development
	465-302 CDS 32 Developmental Differences
	465-303 CFS 31 Information Technology
	465-304 CFS 32 Science
	465-305 CTP 31 Curriculum Implementation & Strategies 3-5
	465-306 CTP 32 Curriculum Design 2
	465-307 ECP 31 Regulation & Policy
Total Points		100.0

Fourth year
	465-400 Practicum 4
	465-401 CDS 41 Social Diversity
	465-402 CDS 42 Assessment & Evaluation
	465-403 CTP 41 Inclusive Curriculum
	465-404 ECP 41 Leadership & Advocacy
	465-404 ECP 42 Administrative Processes
	465-406 ECP 43 Managing the Centre
	Plus either
	465-407 Special Research Study
	OR
	465-416 Special Research Study (Honours)
Total Points		100.0

 8.5. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1998

The normal pattern of study for a full-time student is as follows:

First year1
	466-114 Foundation Studies
	466-107 CDS1A Perspectives on Development
	466-108 CDS1B Dimensions of Development
	466-109 CDS1C Theories of Play & Development
	466-110 Curriculum Theory 1A
	466-111 Curriculum Practice 1B Applying Theory to Practice
	466-117 The Early Childhood Professional 1
	A-level Liberal Studies
Total Points		116.7

Second Year1
	466-201 CDS2A Aspects of Development	16.7
	466-275 Curriculum 2	16.7
	466-276 The Early Childhood Professional 2	16.7
	B-level Liberal Studies
	Plus TWO Child Development Studies 2 Electives from the following:
	466-202 CDS2B Theories and Models of Cognitive Develpoment	16.7
	466-203 mCDS2C Sensory Motor Development
	466-204 CDS2D Language & Literacy	16.7
	466-205 mCDS2E Concepts of Childhood
	466-206 CDS2F Socialisation	16.7
Total Points		116.7

Third Year
	466-353 CDS3A Diversity and Development	16.7
	466-364 Curriculum 3A	16.7
	466-365 Curriculum 3B	16.7
	466-362 The Early Childhood Professional 3A	16.7
	466-363 The Early Childhood Professional 3B	16.7
	Plus TWO Child Development Studies 3 Electives from the following:
	466-354 CDS3B Gender Development	16.7
	466-355 CDS3C Personality Development	16.7
	466-356 CDS3D Cross-Cultural Studies
Total Points		116.7

Liberal Studies subjects (1)
Second year (B-Level)		Points
	466-210 Biology 2A Ecology and Behaviour
	466-212 Biology 2C Humans in the Environment
	466-263 Literature Studies 2A Traditions
	466-264 Literature Studies 2B Using Traditions
	466-272 Two Dimensional Art 2A
	466-273 Two Dimensional Art 2B

 9. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours) for students enrolled in pre-1998 course

 9.1. Entry to Honours

To be eligible for admission to the honours degree you must have:

• satisfied the requirements of the pass degree; and

• achieved an H2B grade or above in the core Year 3 Child Development subject CDS 3A, and an average H2A grade in any additional three Year 3 subjects, excluding Curriculum 3B; or have other qualifications deemed by the Faculty Board to be equivalent.

Entry to the Honours program must be approved by the Faculty Board.

Leave of absence is not normally available to Honours students who have commenced their fourth year studies. However, subject to Faculty Office approval, it is possible for students to take a maximum of 12 months leave of absence before commencing their fourth year.

 9.2. Honours requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours), you must:

• complete an additional 100 points; including 50 points in Child Development Studies or approved equivalent studies, and at least 50 points in Research Methodology Studies and an individual project; and

• achieve a final overall average grade of at least H2B.

 9.3. Course outline

Fourth year (Honours year)
	466-415 CDS4A Evaluating Developmental Theories	16.7
	466-419 RMA: Introduction to Research Methods	16.7
	466-484 Research Methods B: Individual Project	33.4
	Plus TWO Child Development Studies 4 Electives from the following:
	466-416 CDS4B Brain and Development	16.7
	466-417 CDS4C Infancy	16.7
	466-418 CDS4D Family Studies: Parenting	16.7
	Note: One of these electives may be withdrawn if demand is insufficient.
Total Points		100.0

 10. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies TAFE Pathways Program is designed to give holders of a TAFE Diploma of Community Services (Child Care) the opportunity to upgrade their qualification to degree level by undertaking the BECS course part-time and on an external basis.

Students entering the Pathways Program from 1999 receive 150 points credit towards the BECS course and complete the remaining 250 points externally, normally over five years. Students enrolled in this course prior to 1999 complete 200 additional points normally over four years.

 10.1. Course outline for students commencing the course in 1999

The normal pattern of study is as follows:

First year
	465-111 CFS12P Arts 1
	465-112 CTP11P Teaching and Learning
	485-255 CFS21P Mathematics
	465-212 CDS22P Socialisation Identity and Individuality
Total Points		50.0

Second year
	465-213 CDS23P Play & Development
	485-358 CFS31P Information Technology
	465-313 CDS31P Language, Literacy & Numeracy Development
	465-315 CTP31P Curriculum Implementation & Strategies
Total Points		50.0

Third year
	465-312 Practicum 3 P
	465-316 CTP32P Curriculum Design 2
	465-314 CDS32P Developmental Differences
	465-424 ECP42P Administrative Processes
Total Points		50.0

Fourth year
	465-420 CDS41P Social Diversity
	485-359 CFS32P Science
	465-422 CTP41P Inclusive Curriculum
	465-425 ECP43P Managing the Centre
Total Points		50.0

Fifth year
	465-423 ECP41P Leadership and Advocacy
	465-421 CDS42P Assessment and Evaluation
	465-419 Practicum 4 P
	Plus either
	465-426 Special Research Study P
	OR
	465-427 Special Research Study P (Honours)
Total Points		50.0

 10.2. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1999

The normal pattern of study is as follows:

First year
	466-190 CDS1C Theories of Play and Development EXT
	466-277 CDS2A Aspects of Development EXT
	466-175 Foundation Studies EXT
	A-level Liberal Studies (External)
Total Points		50.0

Second year
	466-366 Curriculum 3A EXT
	B-level Liberal Studies (External)
Total Points		50.0

Third year
	466-393 CDS3A Diversity and Development EXT
	466-367 The Early Childhood Professional 3A EXT
Plus ONE Child Development Studies 3 Elective (External) from the following:
	466-398 CDS3B Gender Development EXT
	466-392 CDS3C Personality Development EXT
	466-389 CDS3G Ethical Issues in Childrearing EXT
Total Points		50.1

Fourth year
	466-370 Curriculum 3B EXT
	466-394 The Early Childhood Professional 3B EXT
Plus ONE Child Development Studies 3 Elective (External) from the following:
	466-330 CDS3B Gender Development EXT (Y)
	466-391 CDS3C Personality Development EXT (Y)
	466-390 CDS3G Ethical Issues:Childrearing EXT(Y)
Total Points		50.1

Liberal Studies subjects (2)
Year one (A-level)		Points
	466-188 Biology 1C Plant and Animal Biology EXT	8.3
	466-187 Literature Studies 1C Children's Literature EXT	8.3
Year two (B-level)
	466-280 Literature Studies 2A Traditions EXT	16.7
	466-281 Literature Studies 2B Using Traditions EXT	16.7
	466-254 Biology 2A Ecology and Behaviour EXT	16.7
	466-211 Biology 2B Genetics and Evolution EXT	16.7

 10.3. New Zealand Pathways Program

Students who have completed a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) or its equivalent in New Zealand receive 233.3 points of credit towards the pre-1999 Pathways Program. Students complete the remaining 116.7 points externally over two years.

 11. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program)

First year
	465-109 CDS11S Child Family & Society	12.5
	465-110 CFS12S Arts 1	12.5
	465-208 CDS23S Play and Development	12.5
	465-209 CTP21S Curriculum O-3	12.5
	465-408 ECP41S Leadership and Advocacy	12.5
Total Points		62.50

Second year
	465-308 CDS31S Language Literacy and Numeracy Development	12.5
	465-309 CFS31S Information Technology	12.5
	465-310 CTP31S Curriculum 3-5	12.5
	465-311 CDS32S Developmental Differences	12.5
	465-409 CDS41S Social Diversity	12.5
	465-410 ECP42S Administrative Processes	12.5
Total Points		75.00

Third year
	465-411 CDS 42S Assessment & Evaluation
	465-412 CTP 41S Inclusive Curriculum
	465-413 ECP 43S Managing the Centre
	465-414 Special Practicum Study (SP)
	Plus either
	465-418 Special Research Study (SP)
	OR
	465-415 Special Research Study (Honours - SP)
Total Points		62.50

Subject descriptions: Parkville program 1998 and 1999

First year

Second year

Subject descriptions: Parkville program prior to 1998

Second year

Third year

Honours year

Subject descriptions: Pathways Program 1999

First year

Subject descriptions: Pathways Program prior to 1999

First year

Second year

Third year

Fourth Year

Subject descriptions: Singapore Program

First year

Second year

Status:                   Official 1999
Last Modified:            Tuesday October 20 11:49
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au