Content
New degree in Early Childhood Education
The University of the Sunshine Coast will introduce a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2011.
The new program, which is expected to attract more than 100 students in its first year, will round out USC’s range of Education degrees that already includes programs in primary and secondary education.
USC Lecturer in Early Childhood Education Anne Tietzel said the degree would appeal to school leavers, non-school leavers, TAFE diploma graduates, and staff of child care centres seeking tertiary qualifications.
“This four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education will help meet the national need for more early childhood educators and lead to broad career opportunities in the education of children from birth through to Year 3,” she said.
“This degree will prepare graduates to work across a range of services in early childhood from long day-care centres, kindergartens and the early years of primary school.”
Ms Tietzel said the program would have a strong focus on teaching children under five, using the new Early Childhood Learning Framework and the Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.
“From July 2010, the Australian and Queensland governments will require those who work in early childhood education and care centers to hold a four-year tertiary qualification,” she said.
“Our graduates will have a well-defined understanding of the national quality framework which is being implemented.”
Ms Tietzel said Early Childhood Education students would undertake extensive practical placements in preparation for careers across the range of early childhood settings.
She said there were strong employment prospects for graduates, particularly as the Sunshine Coast continues to grow and attract more families.
“This program will produce excellent graduates who will be highly sought after,” she said.
— Terry Walsh