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