472-203 Dimensions of the Profession

472-103 Orientation to the Profession

Critical debates surrounding responsibilities for children during the early childhood years provide the contexts to explore moral and ethical dimensions of professional practice. Case studies on topics such as separations and transitions, balancing work and family, quality assessment, children-at-risk and family poverty will provide meaningful contexts for dialogue and discussion. How the early childhood professional's work intersects with parental and societal values, attitudes and beliefs regarding responsibilities for children is analysed. Particular focus is given to laws, guidelines and policies that define and influence the early childhood profession such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Code of Ethics, State licensing regulations and legislation on child protection.

An assignment of 2000 words and a 2-hour written examination.