• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

This  unit  provides  an  introduction to  the  many  early  childhood
services available to children 0-8 years, with a specific focus on day
care.   It  will  provide a brief overview of  the  history  of  early
education in Australia, and review the more recent developments in the
day  care  field.  Students will be introduced to the concept  of  day
care by frequent visits to a local Day Care Centre, whee they will  be
able  to  observe and work with children, but be directly involved  in
planning  sessions with the staff in all the sections of  the  centre.
This will complement the on-campus lecture and workshop programme. The
major  focus  of  the practicum related to this unit will  be  in  the
development of programmes and environments for the nursery and toddler
sections.   Many of the lectures will occur in the centre  with  brief
excursions to observe, or participate in the day care programme.