This course prepares you for employment as a teacher in early childhood education, primary education, childcare, early intervention and special education. You may undertake specialist studies to enable you to teach to Year 6 in primary schools or you may undertake specialist studies in special education and early intervention focusing on children 0–8 years. The course consists of core professional studies in early childhood education and key curriculum areas including 100 days of practical experience in pre-school settings, childcare centres, primary schools and special education settings (according to area of specialisation). You will gain teaching experience in each of the four years. Applicants must satisfy the University's normal entrance requirements, including VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in English other than EAL.
Applicants with a Diploma of Children‘s Services gain accelerated entry to a reduced program. The Victorian Department of Education and Training requires a satisfactory criminal record check for all teacher education students undertaking practicum requirements in Victorian Department of Education and Training schools. It is expected that equivalent requirements will exist for all other Victorian schools. Before starting the course, you will be required to complete a Working with Children application. You must provide a certified copy of your valid Working with Children card before starting teaching placements. Confirmation of a criminal record may jeopardise your ability to gain access to a suitable, or any, practicum placement(s) and may therefore delay or prevent completion of the course. The three Essentials - Global Citizenship, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Thinking - are specialist areas designed to give you an edge with employers. They will enable you to adapt your knowledge and skills to new contexts in a rapidly changing world.