Details for EDU132 Early Childhood Development, Wellbeing and Inclusivity

This subject introduces child development theories and approaches to child well-being, protection and inclusivity. Students will examine major theories and current issues in child development, well-being, and inclusivity and apply them to educational practice. They will investigate the implications for early childhood education to maximise developmental outcomes, with particular emphasis within the Australian socio-cultural context with a focus on developing an awareness of resources and pedagogies that value student diversities. Barriers to education will be explored together with a range of social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors and strategies for addressing these barriers. With emphasis on knowing individual students and how they learn, this subject also examines effective engagement and interaction with parents/carers and maintaining safe supportive, respectful, inclusive education and care environments.  

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU132
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Nil

Unit Content

Outcomes

• Identify and analyse contemporary theoretical perspectives and approaches to different domains of development and discuss the many and varying influences important to the development of the child and a growth mindset. 
• Identify and apply a professional understanding of health, well-being and inclusivity issues, regulations, policies, and practices in Early Childhood services.  
• Identify aspects of child development related to specific chronological age groups and demonstrate awareness and respect for cultural, historical, and contextual influences on children’s development when applying this knowledge in an Early Childhood context 
• Apply theory and knowledge of child development to analyse and interpret children’s development and learning, appraise typical and atypical patterns of child development using developmental indicators and synthesise them to plan follow-up experiences that support their development, well-being, and inclusivity. 
• Identify and critically evaluate effective education-based intervention strategies and apply legislation and policies to support children with special education needs. 
• Observe, document, and assess children’s learning. 

 

Subject Content

1. Theories of development in contemporary early childhood education
   Behavioural Child Development Theories –behaviour management strategies and consequences of behaviour
   Developmental Theories – social, emotional, cognitive – EYLF Learning outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity. 
   Sociocultural Theories – Fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, literacy, numeracy – EYLF Learning outcome 4 – Children are confident and involve learners + Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators.
   Critical Theories – children’s agency, strategies for children’s input and critical inquiry approach to curriculum planning, evaluation, and assessment.
   Post structuralist theories – equity, inclusion, and social relationships.
2. Child Development and Care
3. Legislation, policies, and Frameworks for health and safety, wellbeing and inclusivity
4. Historical and contemporary perspectives of Inclusive education, student diversity, barriers, and strategies. Cultural identity. The development of identity – Imago Dei 
5. Areas of challenge: abuse, bullying, identity, and self-concept. The impact and use of digital devices and social media. 
6. Managing behaviour – positive discipline, prosocial behaviour strategies and programs. Classroom interventions. 
7. Teaching pedagogies, key concepts and practices
8. Health, safety and hygiene
9. Effective engagement for health, safety, wellbeing, and inclusion with stakeholders
10. Creating and maintaining safe and respectful environments in culturally diverse environments
11. Appropriate and safe nappy changing practice 
12. Creating and maintaining safe and respectful environments which value and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face on site (extensive) 
• ​​Face to face on site (intensive) 
• ​​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. Exam (30%)
2. Unit of work (30%)
3. Case Study and individual learning plan (40%)

Prescribed Text

Textbook 

Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2021). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (8th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia 

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any textbooks