Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) Edith Cowan University

This nationally accredited course is designed to graduate early childhood educators who are competent teachers ready to work in schools and a range of early childhood settings.

A key feature of this course is connecting theory with practice. Graduates will have the knowledge and be able to develop early childhood education programmes for children from birth to 8 years of age.

Partnerships with over 1,000 schools and early childhood settings allow pre-service teachers to gain experience in diverse settings, including public, private, metropolitan, regional and remote contexts working with children, families and communities.

In addition, a distinguishing feature of this course is that pre-service teachers have the opportunity in the fourth year of their course to specialise and broaden their knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Units are also available in the degree that enables pre-service teachers to complete accreditation requirements to teach in Catholic schools.

Final year pre-service teachers can apply for a place in the internship programme in either a school or early learning setting.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by: Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)

Accredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)

This course is dedicated to producing quality graduates ready to take up employment across the early childhood education sector, including teaching children aged 0-3 years, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, pre-primary and years 1-3 in a primary school. Dealing specifically with children aged 0-8 years, Early Childhood Studies focuses on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities. A variety of flexible admission options is available to suit applicants with different needs, all of which are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy, as teachers require these skills to support the development of students. The course also includes the opportunity to complete a fast tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from term 4 of that year. A key feature of this course is the equal emphasis given to both the theoretical groundings of early childhood education and the practical application of knowledge and skills in a wide range of early childhood settings. A coordinated program of professional practice experiences at key points throughout the course allow students to make the connection between theory and practice, while building both professional and generic employability skills in real care and education environments. In addition, students have the opportunity to tailor their learning experience by specialising in curriculum areas of particular interest.

Specialisations you can study in this course

• Arts
• Catholic Studies
• Creativity in Early Childhood
• Diversity in Early Childhood
• Special Education

Semester availability

• Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment across the early childhood education sector, including teaching children from birth to 8 years of age.

Possible future job titles

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary or Junior Primary Teacher, Child Care Professional, Pedagogical Leader, Centre Director.