Early Childhood Perspectives Past and Present

This subject introduces students to early childhood education within the context of a contemporary and changing world. They will engage with theoretical perspectives that have contributed to the history and philosophy of early childhood education. Students will identify and analyse connections between historical and contemporary philosophical and theoretical perspectives and educational practice, examining the impact of past and current policies and practices, and will critically engage with current research and theoretical perspectives informing multiple understandings of children and childhoods. They will consider historical perspectives on children and childhood and the development of education and care in Australia. Students will also analyse philosophies, theories, and theorists that have helped shape views about children and children’s learning, curriculum development and the role of the teacher. They will also develop comprehensive knowledge about the principles of practice embedded within legislative, regulatory practices and curriculum documents.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: EDU430
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Cassandra Pendlebury

Awards offering Early Childhood Perspectives Past and Present

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood (Australian Skills Quality Authority)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

Outcomes

1	Demonstrate an understanding of history, philosophies that have influenced past and present early childhood education and care frameworks and practices in Australia.
2	Critically engage with current research and theoretical perspectives to demonstrate awareness of multiple understandings of children and childhoods.
3	Analyse and critique the ways educational philosophies affect curriculum, pedagogy and service provision in early childhood and analyse and critique contemporary theoretical and philosophical frameworks in relation to early childhood practice in the Australian context.
4.	Analyse and critique representations of childhood, and articulate concepts of the diversity of children’s lived experiences, child agency children as competent and capable learners, holistic, integrated, and interconnected approaches, cultural responsiveness, and assessment and evaluation for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

Subject Content

1	The development of Early Education and Care internationally and within Australia. The Early Childhood practitioner and teacher – the development of this role, responsibilities, skills, values, strengths and disposition.
2	Contexts, policies and frameworks of Early Childhood Education and Care in contemporary Australia.
3	Historical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives on the image of the child
4	The theory and philosophy of approaches to Education and Care.
5.	Definitions of play, theories of play and the different types of play
6	Engaging children in play, the role of intentional teaching, and assessment of play-based pedagogies.
7	The relationship between the history of early education and care, understanding of pedagogy and how this influences practice and curriculum and learning program design.
8	Designing curriculum plans that integrate theory, philosophy and best practice

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to face on site (extensive)
E-learning (online/asynchronous)
E-learning (online/synchronous)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Assessment Type	Outcomes	Weighting	Assessment Date
Exam	1-4	30% (90 minutes)	Week 6
Presentation	1,3,4	30% (1500 words	Week 7
Major Project	1-4	40% (2750 words)	Week 12

Representative References

References will include the most current curriculum requirements for schools.

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any prescribed texts or representative references