Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education
Turn your teaching dream into a reality…
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is your pathway to an exciting career as an early childhood teacher where you will gain a contemporary body of knowledge and skills to educate children from birth to five years across a variety of settings and professional roles. Central to the course design is the significance of the development and learning that occurs between birth and starting school for every child.
This degree is for anyone who has a genuine interest in understanding and enhancing children’s learning in a comprehensive and holistic manner. It is also suitable for those who have completed a related qualification and want to further their education to become an early childhood teacher.
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualification Framework.
CRICOS Code: 102713G
Australian Qualification Framework: Level 7
Download Course Brochure
Attend Open Day
Ready To Apply?
Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education
Turn your teaching dream into a reality…
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is your pathway to an exciting career as an early childhood teacher where you will gain a contemporary body of knowledge and skills to educate children from birth to five years across a variety of settings and professional roles. Central to the course design is the significance of the development and learning that occurs between birth and starting school for every child.
This degree is for anyone who has a genuine interest in understanding and enhancing children’s learning in a comprehensive and holistic manner. It is also suitable for those who have completed a related qualification and want to further their education to become an early childhood teacher.
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualification Framework.
CRICOS Code: 102713G
Australian Qualification Framework: Level 7
Download Course Brochure
Attend Open Day
Ready To Apply?
Key Information
Award
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Duration
4 Years Full Time (or Part Time Equivalent)
Intakes
February, May, September
Study Modes
On Campus, Distance Learning
Locations
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
Course Fees
Domestic (FEE-HELP available)
International
Professional Recognition
The course is 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.
Trimester 1 Applications Close
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Course Overview
The importance of access to early childhood education and its long-term benefits is well recognised. In the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, you will study the significance of the learning and development that occurs between birth and starting school for every child. As graduate early childhood teachers, you will have an understanding of educational theory and contemporary approaches to empower you to design and deliver curriculum that enhances each child’s learning dispositions and cognitive, social, emotional and physical development skills.
During your four-year degree, you will develop skills in play pedagogy to teach literacy, maths, science, technology, engineering, arts, music, dance, drama, multimodal media, and STEM to young children. This will be balanced with safety, health and wellbeing; documentation, planning and assessment; sustainable practices; working with families and communities; diversity and inclusion practices; advocacy and research; pedagogical and educational leadership; and service provision and management.
As part of the degree, you will actively engage in 80 days of professional experience across four discrete placements to develop your teaching practice with young children. The final 30-day placement will give you the opportunity to consolidate your pedagogical and leadership practice, and the confidence and practical experience to enter the sector as a graduate early childhood teacher.
This course meets the required guidelines as specified by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.
Nurture our youngest global citizens.
Studying Early Childhood Education at Ikon…
Turn your teaching dream into a reality.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is for progressive and motivated students ready to embark on a meaningful teaching career. You’ll learn how to inspire young children’s wonder and creativity through innovative content and approaches to early years education. We collaborate with international and local communities to ensure our future teachers are perfectly primed for the world they’ll inspire.
Belong to a like-minded, connected community
When you join our Early Childhood Education program at Ikon, you’ll become part of a diverse and collaborative community united by the drive to positively influence young lives. You’ll walk out our doors with not only an unsurpassed higher education, but also the knowledge you’re part of a bigger collective cause.
Educate yourself for a world of opportunities
Qualified and inspiring teachers are in demand the world over. As you learn how to educate young children, you’re also opening up a world of possibilities for your own future. Our degrees are internationally respected and our unique approach merges grounded academic theory and contemporary concepts with practical learning and real-life workplace experiences.
Be the inspiration every young child needs
Through our degree you will become an inspiring teacher, leader, and advocate, for every child you educate. You’ll be armed with the absolute latest knowledge and contemporary perspectives on learning in the early years so you can be the champion of children’s voices across the globe.
Career Opportunities
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education prepares graduates for an exciting career as an early childhood teacher with the skills to educate children from birth to five years across a variety of early childhood settings, and in professional and community roles within the sector. Graduates wishing to advance their learning in early childhood education may be eligible for postgraduate studies.
Professional Recognition
The course is 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. Graduates may be eligible for teacher accreditation recognition via their relevant state regulatory authority.
Course Structure
What Will I Learn?
- Teaching theory, skills and practice directed specifically for the learning and development of children aged birth to five years through meaningful learning experiences and curriculum based on sound pedagogical principles.
- The importance of play-based learning where children are actively engaged with activities that, while incorporating elements of play, also supports their learning and development
- How to encourage children’s participation and support diversity, equity and inclusion in the early years with emphasis on the construction and dynamics of families and communities in diverse contexts.
- The correlation between social and emotional development and behaviour, the importance of promoting and encouraging children’s agency and positive behaviour, and how to support children to self-regulate, develop their social-emotional skills and connect through positive social interactions.
- Preparation for educational leadership and service management including how to critically analyse issues and policy developments in the sector and to reflect on their own practice as professional early childhood educators
- Professional experience through a series of placement under the supervision of experienced educational leaders, giving you a real sense of early childhood education practices.
Study Sequence
The course consists of 32 subjects including four placement subjects. You must successfully complete all subjects to graduate with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (192 credit points).
Each academic year consists of three study periods called trimesters. Each trimester consists of eleven weeks of teaching plus one exam week.
A full-time study load is eight subjects per year across three trimesters.
A part-time study load is typically five subjects per year.
Delivery & Workload
Course delivery for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a combination of on-campus lectures, tutorials, out of class self-directed study and workplace learning.
Each year includes the completion of one placement to accumulate 80 days professional experience by the end of the degree.
You should allow for 3 hours per subject for on-campus lectures and tutorials. For each subject, you should then spend approximately 10 hours per week for self-directed study to complete prescribed readings, practice skills, research, study and complete assessments.
Interested in studying this course online? Click here to learn more about our distance learning options.
Subjects
Year 1
- Professional Practice
- Exploring Play & Documentation
- Holistic Child Development
- Diversity & Equity
- Safety, Health & Wellbeing
- Development, Assessment & Planning
- Exploring Creativity
- Professional Experience 1
This subject explores the role of the early childhood professional; the operations of early childhood settings; relevant conventions, legislation, regulations, codes of conduct; policy; and quality assurance processes that inform the day to day practices of an early childhood teacher.
Assessments: Report (30%), Presentation and Leaflet (30%), Essay (40%)
This subject explores early childhood play theory and pedagogy; the role of the early childhood teacher in play; how to reflect on and utilise play to document, assess, plan and reflect on children’s learning and development; as well as the variety of documentation techniques utilised in early childhood settings to document and create play environments for children.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Leaflet (30%), Documentation, Planning and Assessment Records (40%)
EDEV103 Holistic Child Development
This subject explores child development; developmental theories and influences; genetics and growth; the brain and neuroscience; developmental domains and milestones; learning dispositions; and the importance of using child development to inform the pedagogical practices of an early childhood teacher.
Assessments: Research Task (30%), Booklet (40%), Exam (30%)
This subject explores diversity and equity in the early years context; personal and professional cultural identity and competence; dominant discourse and bias in practices; the diversity and richness of inclusion in an early childhood curriculum of First Nations Peoples and culture, abilities, race, ethnicity, linguistics, gender, sexuality, and spirituality by an early childhood teacher.
Assessments: Report (30%), Essay (30%), Presentation and Leaflet (40%)
This subject explores the significance of a holistic approach to the health, wellbeing, wellness, nutrition and safety of infants and children in early childhood education and care settings.
Assessments: Presentation and Report (30%), Essay (40%), Exam (30%)
This subject explores child development, teaching practices and pedagogy, assessment and planning for nurturing and educating children three to five years.
Assessments: Annotated Bibliography (30%), Essay (30%), Booklet (40%)
This subject explores creativity in the early years across all curriculum areas, as well as the early childhood teacher’s role in documenting, assessing, and planning meaningful learning experiences to foster creativity and support children’s holistic development.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Presentation and Leaflet (40%), Reflective Practice Journal (30%)
This subject applies learned theory, knowledge, skills, and practices of an early childhood teacher in an approved early childhood education setting with children aged three to five years.
Assessments: Portfolio (40%), Service Report (15%), Supervising Academic Report (15%), Student Report (15%), Essay (15%)
Year 2
- Theoretical Perspectives & Pedagogy
- Understanding & Supporting Exceptionality
- Understanding & Guiding Behaviour
- Working with Families & Communities
- Sustainability Perspectives
- Development, Assessment & Planning
- Curriculum Approaches & Teaching Strategies
- Professional Experience 2
This subject investigates early childhood theories, perspectives and understandings that influence early childhood teachers’ pedagogical approaches to curriculum design, implementation, analysis, and reflection.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Presentation and Leaflet (40%), Report (30%)
This subject investigates contemporary inclusive education approaches in facilitating learning outcomes for all children, as well as in-depth studies of areas of exceptionality for inclusion in curriculum and teaching practices in early childhood settings.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Report (40%), Presentation (30%)
This subject investigates teachers understanding of the links between children’s contexts, development, and behaviour, as well as early childhood teaching strategies and approaches to support children’s behaviour and nurture positive self-esteem, wellbeing, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Leaflet (30%), Presentation (40%)
This subject investigates the diversity, complexity and changing nature of contemporary families and childhoods in differing contexts; theories and intervention strategies in working with individuals, families and communities; as well as the significance of engaging with relevant community organisations, external professionals, events and services.
Assessments: Presentation (30%), Essay (30%), Report (40%)
This subject investigates the key concepts, theories, priorities, and practices of education for sustainability, as well as teaching strategies and curriculum provision to nurture children’s active citizenship in sustainable practice.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Project (40%), Exam (30%)
This subject investigates child development, teaching practices and pedagogy, assessment and planning for nurturing and educating children birth to three years.
Assessments: Exam (30%), Booklet (40%), Documentation, Planning and Assessment Records (30%)
This subject investigates the historical, contemporary, and critical approaches to curriculum provision; the teaching strategies and national teaching standards required of an early childhood teacher; and the creation and facilitation of effective early childhood curriculums through the provision and management of learning environments across diverse contexts.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Presentation (30%), Report (40%)
This subject applies learned theory, knowledge, skills, and practices of an early childhood teacher in an approved early childhood education setting with babies and toddlers.
Assessments: Portfolio (40%), Service Report (15%), Supervising Academic Report (15%), Student Report (15%), Essay (15%)
Year 3
- Language & Literacy in the Early Years
- Mathematics in the Early Years
- Digital Technology & Media in the Early Years
- Teaching Curriculum: Literacy & Numeracy
- Teaching Curriculum: Science and Engineering
- Teaching Curriculum: Music, Dance & Drama
- Teaching Curriculum: Art
- Professional Experience 3
This subject examines children’s acquisition of language; learning opportunities to support language and literacy in early childhood environments; and the role of the early childhood teacher in facilitating each child’s language through teaching strategies such as singing, rhyming, storytelling, and digital technology.
Assessments: Research Task (30%), Essay (40%), Test (30%)
This subject examines various theoretical underpinnings and key concepts of mathematics education; the role of the early childhood teacher; teaching strategies and the content areas for teaching mathematics in early childhood education settings.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Report (40%), Test (30%)
This subject examines digital technologies and media in contemporary early childhood pedagogy; service provision; continued professional learning; and the use of multimodal media, digital technologies, coding, and robotics with children.
Assessments: Literature Review (30%), Learning Experience Plans and Resources (40%), Presentation (30%)
This subject examines the contemporary literacy and numeracy approaches to educating young children; and the role of the teacher and teaching strategies required to design curricula and embed literacy and numeracy into play-based learning opportunities.
Assessments: Research Task (30%), Teaching Portfolio (40%), Report (30%)
ETCH305 Teaching Curriculum: Science and Engineering
This subject examines contemporary approaches to educating young children; and the role of the teacher and teaching strategies required to design curricula and embed science and engineering, into play-based learning opportunities.
Assessments: Multimodal Text (20%), Pedagogical Documentation (40%) and Multimedia Presentation (40%)
This subject examines contemporary creative arts approaches to educating young children; and the role of the teacher and teaching strategies required to design curricula and embed music, movement, dance, and drama into play-based learning opportunities.
Assessments: Report (30%), Teaching Portfolio (40%), Performance (30%)
This subject examines contemporary creative arts approaches to educating young children; and the role of the teacher and teaching strategies required to design curricula and embed visual, media and sensory art into play-based learning opportunities.
Assessments: Presentation (30%), Teaching Portfolio (40%), Art Show (30%)
This subject applies learned theory, knowledge, skills, and practices of an early childhood teacher in an approved early childhood education setting with children aged three to five years.
Assessments: Portfolio (40%), Service Report (15%), Supervising Academic Report (15%), Student Report (15%), Essay (15%)
Year 4
- Inclusive Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
- Contemporary Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
- Indigenous Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
- Advocacy & Social Justice in Early Childhood Education
- Educational Leadership
- Leadership & Service Management
- Researching in Early Childhood Education
- Professional Experience 4 (Capstone Subject)
EPRO401 Inclusive Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
This subject synthesises the key principles, theories, legislation and government programs informing inclusive education in early childhood settings; as well as educational scholarship in applying approaches, perspectives and pedagogical practices to design contemporary inclusive learning environments, curriculum, and assessment for all children.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Report (40%), Presentation (30%)
ECUR402 Contemporary Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
This subject synthesises international and national early childhood curriculum models; current issues, debates, and ongoing professional learning in contemporary early childhood curriculum provision; as well as the impacts of educational policy decisions on families, children, the community, and society.
Assessments: Annotated Bibliography (30%), Report (30%), Project and Presentation (40%)
EPRO403 Indigenous Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
This subject synthesises Indigenous education in Australia; the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations, cultures, practices and beliefs on embracing reconciliation in early childhood service provision; as well as the role of the teacher in embedding First Nation perspectives through applying historical and contemporary culturally related learning provisions.
Assessments: Research Task (30%), Report (30%), Project and Presentation (40%)
EPRO404 Advocacy and Social Justice in Early Childhood Education
This subject synthesises contemporary issues in social justice in early childhood education; the role of the curriculum in addressing social justice issues to ensure children are participating as democratic citizens within the learning environment; as well as the personal, participatory and political advocacy requirements of the early childhood teacher.
Assessments: Literature Review (30%), Project and Presentation (40%), Journal (30%)
ELDR405 Educational Leadership
This subject synthesises the theories and functions of early childhood educational leadership; the contemporary context of educational leadership in the National Quality Framework and Australian Professional Standards for Teachers; and the professional identity of pedagogical and educational leader in early childhood service provision.
Assessments: Essay (30%), Research Report (40%), Professional Learning Presentation (30%)
ELDR406 Leadership and Service Management
This subject synthesises legislation, business operations, management skills and leadership practices to create a positive service culture with emphasises on informed decision-making and delivering quality early childhood settings to the community.
Assessments: Report (30%), Management Plan (30%), Literature Review (40%)
ELDR407 Researching in Early Childhood Education
This subject synthesises historical and contemporary research projects in early childhood education, as well as designing and implementing small-scale research projects in early childhood settings.
Assessments: Research Proposal (30%), Research Project (50%), Conference Presentation (20%)
This subject consolidates learned theory, knowledge, skills, and practices of an early childhood teacher in an approved early childhood education setting with children.
Assessments: Portfolio (30%), Service Report (30%), Supervising Academic Report (20%), Student Report (20%).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process used to determine the extent to which a student has achieved the learning outcomes of a subject from earlier learning, experience or achievements. Where equivalence of prior learning can be established, course credit will be granted and the student is exempt from attending that particular subject in order to complete their course.
If you would like to apply for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning please contact us admissions@ikon.edu.au (domestic students), or international@eduholdings.com.au (international students).
Credit Transfer
If you have already completed a previous qualification, you may be able to credit this against our Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. We will review your previous qualification and/or studies to ensure that you are provided with the correct credit for your course with us.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VET)
Graduates of a vocational Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification may be eligible for entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Eligible applicants may receive course credit via the grade of Advanced Standing for up to 66 credit points. For more information on Credit Transfer please visit our Course Credit and Pathways page.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Ikon)
Graduates of the nested Diploma of Early Childhood Education through Ikon Institute of Australia may gain entry into the third year of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Eligible applicants will receive course credit via the grade of Advanced Standing.
Exit Pathways
Students who successfully complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and decide they do not wish to continue their degree studies may exit with the nested award of Diploma of Early Childhood Education.
Admission Criteria
Ikon has a range of admission pathways available to students of all circumstances and academic backgrounds. You should choose the admission pathway most relevant to your academic background.
Domestic Students
Our admission pathway options include:
- Applicants with recent Senior Secondary Education (within the past two years) must have completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent. For guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education applicants must have achieved an ATAR of 60 with a minimum of an NSW Band 4 in English (or equivalent).
- Applicants with Higher Education (HE) study must have undertaken a higher education qualification (or at least a semester of study).
- Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study must have completed a vocational qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Applicants with Work/Life experience who left senior secondary education more than two years prior to their application, and have not undertaken VET or HE study since, may gain entry based on professional or work experience and/or any non- formal courses undertaken in preparation for tertiary study or that are relevant to the subject area. Work/Life experience applicants must submit a written admission statement outlining their reasons for undertaking the intended course of study. For more information about writing your admissions statement click here.
All applicants must submit a 600-word statement outlining reasons for wanting to become an early childhood teacher, and may be required to participate in an informal interview with an Ikon representative.
To discuss the best pathway for your circumstances, please contact us at 1300 000 933 or admissions@ikon.edu.au
For more information see:
Application Process
Domestic Student Admission Policy
Student Profile Table
International Students
International applicants must have an English Language Proficiency Score of IELTS 6.5 (Academic) with Speaking no less than 6.5; Listening, Writing and Reading no less than 6.0, or equivalent.
Our admission pathway options include:
- Applicants with recent Senior Secondary Education (within the past two years) must have completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12). For guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education applicants must have achieved an ATAR of 60 with a minimum of an NSW Band 4 in English (or equivalent).
- Applicants with Higher Education (HE) study must have undertaken a higher education qualification (or at least a semester of study).
- Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study must have completed a vocational qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Applicants with Work/Life experience who left senior secondary education more than two years prior to their application, and have not undertaken VET or HE study since, may gain entry based on professional or work experience and/or any non- formal courses undertaken in preparation for tertiary study or that are relevant to the subject area. Work/Life experience applicants must submit a written admission statement outlining their reasons for undertaking the intended course of study. For more information about writing your admissions statement click here.
All applicants must submit a 600-word statement outlining reasons for wanting to become an early childhood teacher, and may be required to participate in an informal interview with an Ikon representative.
To discuss the best pathway for your circumstances, please contact us at international@eduholdings.com.au
For more information see:
Application Process
International Student Admissions Policy
Student Profile Table
