BACHELOR OF
EDUCATION (EARLY CHILDHOOD)
(Birth to Five)
CRICOS Course Code: 116232J
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is a four-year program focusing on the preschool years (birth to five years of age). It provides students with comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices essential for professional early childhood educators. Through work-integrated learning and practicum experiences, it offers both theoretical frameworks and practical application in early childhood teaching.
6000
The job market in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is experiencing significant growth, with approximately 6,000 job vacancies each month.
ABOUT
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
COURSE STRUCTURE
AND CONTENT
MODES OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a broad and coherent knowledge base. Key areas of study include digital play, neurological influences on learning and development, outdoor learning and nature play, and learning through play. The program also emphasizes traditional areas such as the arts, sciences, numeracy, and creativity. Students will explore theories and practices in early childhood education, focusing on professional practice through work-integrated learning and practicum experiences. The curriculum is designed to ensure students understand child development, learning, and wellbeing, preparing them to create engaging and effective learning environments.
THE WAY YOU WILL STUDY
The program combines theory with practical learning: early years emphasize autonomy and foundational skills, the third year explores child development and social justice. In your fourth year, you will learn about advanced professional practice. Throughout, you will undergo 80 days of professional experience in early childhood education settings.
Guaranteed entry
ATAR Score 50
(for Domestic students only)
Duration
Full time: 4 years
(or equivalent part time for Domestic students only)
Start dates
Semester 2: JUL 22
September Intake: SEP 9
Summer Intake: NOV 25
Study options
Full Time
Part Time (for Domestic students only)
Fees
FEE-HELP applicable
(for Domestic students only)
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- A graduate of Crown Institute of Higher Education will possess comprehensive knowledge in their discipline area and be able to apply that knowledge effectively in the workplace.
- They will be able to identify problems and work pro-actively and creatively to develop solutions and to generate, analyse and interpret different types of information to inform and support decision-making processes.
- They will be able to think logically and critically to analyse and solve problems; be independent thinkers; engage with others proactively and collaboratively for continued personal and professional development; and act ethically and with an awareness of cultural diversity.
- They will also be able to communicate effectively to level required at the professional level.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A graduate of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) may progress to secure possible jobs which include:
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Early Childhood Consultant
- Playgroup Facilitator
- Family Support Provider
- Childcare Administrator
- Home-Based Service Provider
- Before/After School Care Program Coordinator
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS:
- Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- Successful completion of an equivalent secondary qualification either interstate or overseas (in English)
- Successful completion of an Australian qualification recognised as at least AQF Diploma (minimum period of study of 1 school year within the last 2 years)
- Satisfactory completion of an accredited Tertiary Preparation Program or a Foundation Year Program offered by an Australian university that would enable students to gain entry to an Australian university
- Satisfactory completion of one year of accredited full-time study at a registered institute of tertiary education at AQF level 4 or above
- Admission to candidature for an undergraduate degree at an Australian university
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in the English language. English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing proof of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall test result (or equivalent alternative test result as defined by regulation) that meets the specified level of English proficiency specified for the course: IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0, Pearson PTE Academic 58 overall with no individual communicative skill below 50, or recognised equivalency.
All candidates will be required to undergo an online interview to provide a second layer of assurance of English competence and vocation for study and the profession associated with their degree. Other acceptable evidence of English proficiency includes:
Completion of secondary education/undergraduate qualification via the medium of English
- Successful completion of Year 12 secondary schooling in Australia (minimum of 1 school year to be completed in Australia within the last 2 years)
- Successful completion of an Australian qualification recognised as at least AQF Diploma (minimum period of study of 1 school year within the last 2 years)
- Successful completion of a Tertiary Studies Foundation Program (minimum period of study of 1 school year)
- International students who do not meet the specified English proficiency requirements may undertake an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program prior to undertaking the course.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is a 4-year, 8-semester degree. To fulfil the requirements of the award, students must complete a total of 320 credit points. Each unit is 10 credit points.
Level 1 Semester 1
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC100 | Learning and Development 1 |
| EC101 | Play-based Pedagogies |
| EC102 | Language and Literacy 1 |
| EC103 | Global and Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood |
Level 1 SEMESTER 2
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC104 | Social and Emotional Development and Wellbeing (Pre-Req: EC100) |
| ECP001 | Professional Experience 1 – Community Engagement (Pre-Req: EC100; Co-Req: EC106) |
| EC105 | Visual Arts in Early Childhood |
| EC106 | Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Evaluation 1 (Co-Req: ECP001) |
Level 2 SEMESTER 3
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC200 | Health |
| EC201 | Designing Early Learning Environments |
| EC202 | Numeracy and Mathematics 1 |
| EC203 | Indigenous Australian Perspectives in Early Childhood Education |
Level 2 SEMESTER 4
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| ECP002 | Professional Experience 2 – Infants and Toddlers Setting (Pre-Req: EC100/EC200/ECP001; Co-Req: EC204) |
| EC204 | Learning and Development 2 (Pre-Req: EC100; Co-Req: ECP002) |
| EC205 | Performing Arts in Early Childhood |
| EC206 | Cultural and Linguistic Diversity |
Level 3 SEMESTER 5
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC300 | Engaging with Families and Community |
| EC301 | Science and Sustainability |
| EC302 | Language and Literacy 2 (Pre-Req: EC102) |
| EC303 | Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education |
Level 3 SEMESTER 6
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC304 | Supporting Children’s Behaviour and Safety (Pre-Req: EC104) |
| ECP003 | Professional Experience 3 – Reflective Practice |
| EC305 | Numeracy and Mathematics 2 |
| EC306 | Professional Communication |
Level 4 SEMESTER 7
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| EC400 | Learning and Developmental Diversity (Pre-Req: EC100) |
| EC401 | Early Childhood Teacher Identity and Professionalism |
| EC402 | Transitions and Continuity |
| EC403 | Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Evaluation 2 |
Level 4 SEMESTER 8
| Unit Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| ECP004 | Professional Experience 4 - Professional Identity and Ethical Practice (Pre-Req: ECP001;ECP002;ECP003) |
| EC404 | Trauma Responsive Practice |
| EC405 | Technologies for Learning |
| EC406 | Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood |
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Crown Institute of Higher Education (“CIHE”) grants credit towards a course of study on the basis of prior learning, whether from formal studies or professional work experience to ensure that students commence study at a level appropriate to their prior learning experiences so that they are not required to repeat prior learning.
For more information please visit:
MODES OF STUDY ASSESSMENT
At CIHE we provide workshop-based engaged learning.
All our units involve participation in 3 hours of on-campus workshop per week for 12 weeks. Each week’s workshop will require preparation – reading, activities and online work.
All our units are supported by an online learning management system – Moodle.
We use a range of assessment tasks at CIHE to help you monitor your learning – quizzes, group work, case-studies and scenario-based activities, reports and exams.
Throughout the course, achievement of unit and course learning outcomes will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment activities.
Lecturers will aim to provide timely and constructive feedback to support the success of students in the achievement of learning outcomes and to acquire the necessary attributes that will distinguish them as a graduate of the Institute.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
CIHE’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)( Birth to Five)) course is yet to be recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers under the National Quality Framework. CIHE has submitted an application for professional accreditation and its current status is “pending approval”.
GUIDANCE ON TEACHER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT
Guidance on teacher registration requirements
Every State/Territory in Australia has its own Teacher Registration Authority. You can find a link to authority which covers your location here. For Example, in New South Wales, the Authority is the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA). For graduates with qualifications from Birth to Five, NESA does not do its own assessment but refers to the assessment of the professional body, which is called Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), so your first step is to seek accreditation with ACECQA before applying for registration with NESA. You can apply for accreditation with ACECQA here .