Details for EDU142 Early Childhood Ethics and Professional Practice

This subject guides student to develop awareness of and clarify their thinking around ethical frameworks and professional practice in Early Childhood practice. Quality practice requirements and issues such as compliance and quality improvement will be addressed.  

This course will introduce what a ‘Code of Ethics’ means in everyday practice, and students will explore how to use professional standards and ethical principles to guide professional conduct in decision-making and practice. 

The requirements of the National Quality Framework including the National Law, National Regulations, the National Quality Standard, the approved learning frameworks, Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, National Child Safe Standards, as well as a services’ philosophy, policies and procedures will be examined. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU142
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Nil

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Define the various roles and responsibilities of staff within the Early Childhood Education and Care professional practice context.  
2. Articulate the nature and importance of professional advocacy in their role as an Early Childhood Teacher. 
3. Reflect on and discuss the importance of professional roles, both general and leadership   in modelling professional and ethical practice in an Early Childhood context. 
4. Demonstrate and apply the relevant legal and ethical codes to Early Childhood Teacher practice. 
5. Demonstrate skills including confidentiality and risk assessment. 
6. Recognise personal values and beliefs and evaluate how these align to a professional work identity. 
7. Integrate relevant ethical codes, guidelines and/or principles to inform evidence-based opinions and decision-making processes to address professionally relevant ethical dilemmas.
8. Apply ethical reasoning and decision-making skills to navigate complex situations in Early Childhood practice. 

Subject Content

1. Professional Standards and Ethical Principles in Early Childhood 
2. National Quality Framework, National Law, National Quality Standard, Approved Learning Framework. 
3. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
4. Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics 
5. National Child Safe Standards 
6. Roles and Responsibilities in early Childhood Education and Care 
7. Management systems in Early Childhood Education and Care 
8. Communication, planning and organisational skills and strategies 
9. Management and Leadership skills in Early Childhood and Care 
10. Leading Teams and Professional Collaboration 
11. Building Partnerships with Families and Communities  
12. Ethical Practice in Early Childhood 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• ​​Face to face on site (extensive) 
• ​​E-learning (online/asynchronous) 
• ​​E-learning (online/synchronous) 

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Critical Reflection (20%)
2. Verbal Essay (Viva Voce) (30%)
3. Integrated Project (50%)

Prescribed Text

Rodd, J. (2013). Leadership in early childhood (4th ed.) Allen & Unwin.