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Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. examine how historical and philosophical perspectives have impacted upon early childhood education and care contexts and practices
  2. compare and contrast different beliefs and attitudes about the conception of childhood and towards children throughout the ages
  3. analyse the impact of historical and contemporary social and political transformations on current theory and practice in early childhood education and care
  4. interpret and critique policy and procedure development in the light of current legislative and accountability requirements
  5. critically reflect on leadership implications of the philosophical and historical influences in the contemporary Australian early childhood sector.
    • Historical perspectives in early childhood education and care: Early influences
    • Philosophical perspectives in early childhood education and care: Thinkers from the 20th Century
    • Contemporary approaches to pedagogy: Montessori, Steiner, HighScope, Te Whariki
    • The educational project of Reggio Emilia
    • Early childhood education and care in Australia
    • Leading professional learning communities
    • Leading continuous improvement
    • Advocating for children and ethical practice
    • Leading pedagogy and professional research
    • Engaging families and communities
    • Reflection

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Chat Rooms
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Online Assessment

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • CUR-MTE-MAS-2018

Special requirements

  • OtherDetails -

    Access to Microsoft Office or a unit approved alternative, Access to video creation and editing software

This subject will provide an overview of local and international, historical and philosophical perspectives that have influenced contemporary Australian early childhood education and care contexts. Notable theorists, trends, theoretical perspectives, and curriculum approaches that have contributed to historical and contemporary social and political transformations will be explored, and their impact on early childhood education and care and its leadership and management will be critically examined. The subject affords the opportunity to explore and critique policy and procedure development in the light of current legislative and accountability requirements. Pre-service teachers are invited to examine approaches to: leading professional learning communities; engaging with families; sustaining advocacy for children; relating theory to practice and supporting professional research; and creating a climate for continuous debate and improvement of Early Childhood settings.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Case Study (50%)
  • Report (50%)

Related degrees

postgraduate CUR-MTE-MAS-2018

Master of Teaching Early Childhood Education