Pre-requisite: 80260 practicum
This unit provides an introduction to the many early childhood services available to children birth-8 years, with a specific focus on child care. It will provide a brief overview of the history of early education in Australia, and review the more recent developments in the child care field. Students will be introduced to the concept of child care by visits to a child care centre, where they will be able to observe and work with children, and be directly involved in planning sessions with the staff of the centre. The major focus of the practicum related to this unit will be in the development of programmes and environments for young children with an emphasis on children birth to 3 years.