Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - CC14

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is an initial teacher education course usually studied over a period of four years. This course qualifies you for professional registration which is administered in Queensland by the Queensland College of Teachers. You will demonstrate evidence of meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Career Stage) throughout the course of study. On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible for employment in primary schools from Prep to Year 6 and in early childhood settings (long day care settings & kindergartens/pre-prep) throughout Australia.

In addition to building the professional knowledge and skills required to teach effectively, the course is designed to foster dispositions for engaging in and contributing to the teaching profession through a commitment to ongoing professional learning.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) includes 105 days of planned teaching practice in schools and other learning sites and an optional additional 20 days diploma practicum - 15 of which must be spent with children in the birth to 35 months group. You MUST complete a 15-day placement with children in the birth to 35 months group. This 15 day placement fulfils the requirements for Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) which stipulates that students must complete a minimum of 15 days with children in the birth to 35 months group. Professional practice blocks are included in each year of the course structure, and many opportunities for applying theoretical knowledge in practical ways have been embedded in each of the 32 units that make up the course.

A key feature of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is the embedded VET qualification: The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. On successful completion of the 9 first-year units and the required diploma practicum and associated tasks, you will receive the Diploma as an interim award. The structure of the course also allows for recognition of prior learning. Applicants who already hold a recent Diploma qualification may be eligible for up to 6 units.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) also includes a specialisation in English providing you with knowledge and skills in this specialisation area. Students located in the Rockhampton Diocese, if selected to be part of the program, can undertake a specialisation in Catholic Education allowing you to be accredited to teach in a Catholic School.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) you can progress to postgraduate study courses that are available for registered teachers through CQUniversity.

To be eligible for teacher registration, students in this course are required to undertake and pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (ITE) prior to graduation. This test, referred to as LANTITE, is administered Nationally by the Australian Council of Education Research (ACER).

Core Units	32	Major Units	None
Electives	None	Minor Units	None

Course structure

To graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) you are required to complete 32 core units.

Unit information

For information on the units you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

Your choices

Our teaching courses are initial teacher education course and qualify you for professional registration by the Queensland College of Teachers.

Choose from:

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 

If you hold a Bachelor degree in a non-education discipline and wish to gain a teaching qualification, choose from:

• Master of Teaching (Primary) 
• Master of Teaching (Secondary) 

Real-world opportunities

You will have the opportunity to complete professional practice blocks where you will gain practical and relevant experience. These blocks are scheduled in each year of your course giving you opportunities to continually apply the skills and knowledge you gain from your studies to authentic teaching scenarios.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) features 105 days of planned teaching practice in schools and early childhood learning settings, broken into professional practice blocks. If you are completing the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as part of your study, you will complete an additional 20-day placement (120 hours) to satisfy this award. As part of the professional practice for the diploma, you will complete 15 days with children in the birth to 35 months group to fulfil Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority requirements. 

Embedded pathways

Within the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) you will have the option to complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. On successful completion of the nine first-year units and the required diploma practicum and associated tasks, you will receive the Diploma as an interim award. And, if you hold a recent Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you may be eligible for credit for some of your Diploma studies should you wish to complete further study with the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).

Your e-portfolio

Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to develop an e-portfolio. Your e-portfolio is a valuable career planning and preparation tool that you can use to showcase to future employers your abilities and demonstrate the experience, skills and knowledge you have gained through your studies.

Your professional practice blocks and the authentic assessments that you complete throughout your studies provide you with opportunities to build and develop your e-portfolio and enhance your career outcomes.

On-Campus Availability

Term 1 - 2024	Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2023	Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2024	Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton

Online Availability

Term 1 - 2024	Available Online
Term 2 - 2023	Available Online
Term 2 - 2024	Available Online

Majors and minors are not applicable to this course.

Unit Name	Code	Description
Early Childhood Pedagogies	EDEC11027	Supervised Placement as per EDEC11027 Unit Profile
Professional Practice 1 - Introduction to Teaching	EDFE11038	Supervised Placement as per EDFE11038 Unit Profile
Professional Practice 2 (ECE) – Kindergarten	EDFE11039	Supervised Placement as per EDFE11039 Unit Profile
Professional Practice 3 (Primary/ECE) - Managing the Differentiated Classroom	EDFE13032	Supervised Placement as per EDFE13032 Unit Profile NB: If students are in the Catholic Education Strand, they complete this unit instead: EDFE12044
Professional Practice 4 - Engaged Teaching and Learning	EDFE14021	Supervised Placement as per EDFE14021 Unit Profile
Early Childhood Education and Care Placement	EDFE40002	Optional Early Childhood Education and Care Placement If students wish to complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, they will need to enrol in the following additional unit: EDFE40002 Early Childhood Education and Care Practice

Duration of Professional Practice units

Benefit from supervised placements to graduate classroom ready. Check below for more detail on the length of each placement block. 

UNIT NAME	CODE	DURATION
Early Childhood Pedagogies	EDEC112027	15 days of supervised placement in early childhood learning sites.
Professional Practice 1 - Introduction to Teaching	EDFE11038	15-day block of practical experience under the guidance of a supervising teacher in a school setting.
Professional Practice 2 (ECE) - Kindergarten	EDFE11039	25-day block placement in a kindergarten setting under the supervision of a registered teacher.
Professional Practice 3 (Primary/ECE) - Managing the Differentiated Classroom	EDFE13032	20-day block placement in a school. Students taking the Catholic Education Strand will complete EDFE12044 instead, and complete a 20-day block placement.
Professional Practice 4 - Engaged Teaching and Learning	EDFE14021	25-day block placement in a classroom environment plus five one-day visits to prepare you for the continuous five-week teaching block.
Early Childhood Education and Care Placement	EDFE40002	Optional 20-day block placement (120 hours) to satisfy placement requirements for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

This course has no residential schools.

Rank Threshold

The rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank required for your application to be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 62 | ATAR 62.0

Student profile

If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2022.

Institute profile

To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2022 view our Institute Profile.

Vaccination Requirement

COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for workers in high-risk settings including early childhood, primary and secondary education. Decisions on mandatory vaccinations will instead be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Preservice teachers will need to adhere to the individual education setting requirements. To be eligible to complete placements in early childhood settings, pre-service teachers may be required to show proof of immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella and influenza.

Entry Requirements

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent; and

General Mathematics, Mathematics Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent; and

General Science subject (Units 3 & 4, C) or Psychology (Units 3 & 4, C)

Non-Academic Requirements

Non-academic capabilities of all initial teacher education applicants will be assessed based on the submission of a personal statement that addresses the key attributes and motivations to become an effective teacher, as outline by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership).

Applicants may consider the prompts mentioned below in each question to frame their response.

• Tell us what has inspired you to become a teacher and tell us why you think teaching is a good career choice for you.

(In your response, describe who and what has inspired you to become a teacher and describe the types of skills and abilities you will bring to teaching.)

• Describe one or two leadership, community and/or learning and development activities that you have engaged in.

(In your response describe how these leadership, community and/or learning and development activities demonstrate your conscientiousness and coping strategies when you are faced with challenges.)

• Describe how you manage your time when you are both planning and coordinating activities in your personal schedule.

(In your response provide examples of how you have put both your planning and coordinating skills to use.)

• Tell us about one or two times where you have utilised your problem-solving skills to achieve an outcome.

(In your response explain what you learned, regardless of whether the outcome you achieved was positive or undesirable.)

Please note, personal statement requirements may differ depending on application method.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:

• A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
• Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 1 year fulltime with a minimum GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) test with an overall band score of at least 7.5 with a minimum 7.0 for Reading and Writing and 8.0 for Speaking and Listening.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Security Requirements

Students must be in possession of a current Positive Notice Blue Card (or equivalent “Working with Children” check issued in other Australian states or territories) to be eligible for placement in a school site.

Health Requirements

Students must meet the inherent requirements for teaching and must ensure they adhere to any requirements within the scope of teaching across the curriculum learning areas.

Vaccination Advice

To be eligible to complete placements in early childhood settings, pre-service teachers may be required to show proof of immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella and influenza. In addition, some states and territories are requiring vaccination against COVID-19 for all school staff. Please be aware that these regulations would apply to preservice teachers. Regulations may be introduced in your state prior to, or at the time of, your scheduled placement/s and you must adhere to these requirements.

Assumed Knowledge

Nil

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) you will be qualified to teach in primary school settings from Prep to Year 6 and in specialist early childhood contexts, including childcare and kindergartens throughout Australia.

Like most professions, teaching has specific workforce demands and sometimes oversupply. Before undertaking a course of study, you should check with major employers regarding potential future employment prospects.

Professional recognition is not applicable to this course.

2023 Indicative Fees
Fee Type	Fees
Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee	$4,120.00

Indicative first-year fee

The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth support and government assistance loans

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.

Other study costs

Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more. 

Northern Territory	ONL: 150612
Queensland	ONL: 851255; ROK: 851252; MKY: 841252; BDG: 811252; CNS: 821259
South Australia	ONL: 150612
Tasmania	ONL: 150612
Victoria	ONL: 150612
Western Australia	ONL: 150612

If you apply via a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) listed under 'How to Apply', please use the relevant TAC code listed above to complete your application.

If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way. Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.

Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.

What’s the best way to apply?

• Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
• Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
• Option 3: Ideal if you are a past CQUni student.

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Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre

View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.

If you live in	Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)
Queensland	Apply via QTAC
All other states	Apply via ApplyCQUNI

Please note that you may be required to pay an application fee if applying via a TAC.

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Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni

Benefit from local support, space, technology and facilities offered by one of our delivery partners.

If you are studying with:	Study Support
Geraldton Universities Centre	Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities.
Country Universities Centre	Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities.
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf	Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities.
Murray River Study Hub	Access to local study facilities.

Across Australia, you can access local spaces, technology and facilities offered by any one of our Regional University Centre partners. 

ApplyCQUNI

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Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQU, apply direct 

You may be eligible to apply directly to CQUniversity provided you meet one of the following criteria:

• have completed or are completing a prescribed* CQUniversity course. (*A prescribed course includes our Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program, Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), Start Uni Now (SUN) initiative, or a CQUniversity certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree.)
• are applying for a change of course or readmission.

Apply direct