Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit builds the pre-service teacher’s professional knowledge of and skills related to the role educators play in provision of high quality early learning experiences. Emphasis will be given to experiences that promote and support young children’s well-being, development and educational outcomes, particularly in relation to children aged birth to two. These skills will include understanding and guiding behaviours, implementing responsive care strategies, planning for, implementing and evaluating play and learning experiences that are responsive to children in a range of socio-cultural contexts. These practices will be informed by relevant national and state curriculum frameworks and professional, legal and ethics obligations. The unit enables engagement with early childhood centre operations, management and service delivery, and provides opportunities for professional interactions with a range of professionals working with children under two and their families.
The aim of this unit is to support pre-service teachers’ understanding of the complexities of pedagogical practices, building collaborative relationships, documentation, curriculum decision-making, and teaching strategies that inform high quality learning environments, specifically with children under two.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate an understanding of the complex roles ...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate the ability to negotiate and enact an ...
Learning Outcome 02
Observe and effectively respond to critical featur...
Learning Outcome 03
Collaborate in and at times lead the planning and ...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate the ability to plan and implement soci...
Learning Outcome 05
Demonstrate skills and knowledge related to the en...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
- The ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of early childhood educators
- Collaborative relationships and roles in early childhood learning communities
- Pedagogical practices to support the learning and development of children aged birth to two years
- Observation, planning, curriculum decision-making and teaching strategies that are responsive to and inclusive of a range of socio-cultural contexts and children’s stages of development.
- Responsive care practices to support and enhance the wellbeing of children aged birth to two years
- Strategies and principles for establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment of the Professional Experience program is based on the pre-service educator’s performance across the unit learning outcomes and will documented against the following domains professional knowledge, professional practice and professional relationships.
Minimum Achievement Standards
Candidates must achieve a minimum satisfactory standard in all domains and attendance for the required professional experience placement days in order to achieve a pass for the unit.
Overview of assessments
Formative Assessment A satisfactory Interim Rep...
Formative Assessment
A satisfactory Interim Report must be submitted by the Supervising Teacher and the ACU University Supervisor before a candidate can move on to undertaking a summative assessment. This is designed to support the candidate in monitoring their professional practice and to identify areas of practice that may require further development and to ensure they are supported in developing strategies to address their particular needs.
Satisfactory/
Unsatisfactory
Summative Assessment Final Report. In this asse...
Summative Assessment
Final Report. In this assessment candidates are expected to demonstrate satisfactory teaching performance during their Professional Experience Program as evidenced by both practical and written work.
Pass/Fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The unit will consist of the mandated days of Professional Experience including induction, preparation and online reflection.
AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL
On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should be able to:
ACECQA CRITERIA
On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following specific knowledge: