Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Online Study

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Study load

Approx. 12–15 hours per week* (see course structure)

Duration

3 years (360 credit points)

Intakes

Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct

Fees

$4,908* per year

Our Bachelor of Education equips you with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience to become a confident and qualified early childhood teacher, shaping children’s learning and development during their most formative years.

Why choose this course?

Flexible online study with mandatory placements – Delivered primarily online; however, you are required to complete compulsory professional placements in approved early childhood settings.
Real-world placements – Complete a minimum of 80 days of supervised professional placements to apply your learning in early childhood classrooms.
ACECQA-approved – This degree is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority, ensuring that it meets national teaching standards.
Open doors to multiple career options – Graduate eligible to teach children aged 0–5 years in kindergartens, preschools, long day care centres and early intervention programs across Australia.
Learn from experts – Study with experienced teacher educators and Online Learning Advisors who support you every step of the way.

Your future in early childhood education

By completing this degree, you’ll graduate with the confidence and practical teaching skills to nurture children’s social, emotional, language and cognitive development from birth to five years. Whether you see yourself teaching in kindergartens, preschools or long day care centres, or supporting children in early intervention and inclusion programs, Federation University will set you on the path to a meaningful and impactful career as an early childhood teacher.

Applications now open. Take the first step toward becoming a qualified early childhood teacher today. Apply or book your free consultation today with our course advisors.

Hear what one of our students has to say

Melissa Northway – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Course structure

Please note that study load will vary depending on the number of units you choose to study and the credit point cost of that unit.

12–15 contact hours are estimated for one 15-credit-point unit, while 24–30 are expected for those studying two 15-credit-point units or one 30-credit-point unit.

Year 1

Literacy and Numeracy

Code: EDBED1011

Credit Points: 15

In this unit, you’ll learn to develop resources and skills that enable you to develop an engaging literacy and numeracy curriculum that is in line with teaching and learning for pre-service teachers (PSTs).

You will develop a strategy for these topics and apply this in an educational context. You will explore the components of language (grammar, phonics, spelling, vocabulary), literacy (speaking, listening, writing, reading and viewing) and understandings of genre, along with how these develop engaging learning experiences. You will also explore the numeracy topics of number sense, fractions, the four operations and measurement as part of your study.

Learning and Teaching

Code: EDCEL1016

Credit Points: 15

This unit will introduce you to the process of teaching and learning, with a focus on educators as reflective inquirers into professional practice. You’ll learn to observe, plan, organise and monitor a range of teaching and learning approaches.

You will also gain an understanding of physical, social and intellectual characteristics of students, as well as how these may affect their learning. This unit includes a five-day placement in an early childhood setting, where PSTs will have the opportunity to observe teaching and students working in small groups, and to plan for a small group experience.

Curriculum Through Play

Code: EDECE1019

Credit Points: 15

This unit will introduce you to the historical and contemporary theories of play and their implications for the practice of pre-service teachers (PSTs). You will learn how play contributes to development, with an emphasis on play in natural spaces. You will also learn about cultural diversity and explore play as a socially inclusive practice.

Science and Environmental Education in Early Childhood

Code: EDECE2018

Credit Points: 15

In this unit, you’ll explore the concepts of science and environmental awareness appropriate for young children in an early childhood environment. You will learn to plan and implement science activities for young children in prior-to-school settings. You will also explore the importance and impact of culture, diversity and inclusion in the planning and programming of science and environmental education experiences. In addition, you will examine appropriate contemporary teaching strategies and curricula approaches, including play-based and inclusive strategies, as well as alternative curricula approaches.

Understanding Early Human Development

Code: EDECE1002

Credit Points: 15

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to explore and understand the development of young children. You will examine physical, social, emotional and cognitive development to build your understanding of how children feel, think and make sense of the world around them. You will also explore theoretical perspectives on how children learn from interaction with peers and significant adults. This unit focuses on how adults can best support and advocate for children, ensuring that each child has opportunities to express their own perspectives and be heard.

Diversity: Children, Families and Communities

Code: EDECE2001

Credit Points: 15

This unit will examine diversity and difference through a range of theoretical lenses. Pre-service teachers (PSTs) will explore constructed categories such as age, ability, gender, sexuality, disadvantage and ethnicity, and consider how these may impact on children, educators, families and communities. Policies, organisations, resources and teaching practices that honour diversity and support participation for all children will be identified.

Planning, Supporting and Assessing

Code: EDECE1020

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to provide pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the skills and knowledge to observe, plan and assess children’s learning within play-based pedagogies effectively. You will explore a range of teaching strategies to plan play-based experiences to engage young learners. You will also learn the importance of child, family and community consultation and partnerships in the planning and assessing of learning.

Professional Experience 2

Code: ECCEL2723/ECCEL2713

Credit Points: 15

This unit supports the second-year professional experience in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) where you complete a 25-day or 20-day placement (depending on your pathway) in an early childhood setting with children from age three to five years. You are required to complete the activities outlined in Professional Experience Assessment Report (Form A).

This will take place in collaboration with your Mentor Teacher in the education setting where the placement occurs. You will also document your professional learning in Professional Experience Pre-Service Teacher Learning Log (Form B) supported by your assigned University Mentor.

Year 2

The Early Childhood Professional

Code: EDECE2023

Credit Points: 15

This unit will help you to gain the professional skills needed for entry into the early childhood teaching profession. You’ll learn about key organisations, laws, regulations, codes and the National Quality Framework for early childhood education. You’ll also learn about opportunities and challenges that affect the profession and reflect on your own identity as a professional.

Guiding Behaviour

Code: EDECE3022

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to give you insight into current research and practices in guiding the behaviour of children from birth to eight years of age. You’ll explore the core principles of child development learning theory and care to understand the importance of responsive and sensitive education for young children. You’ll take into account social and cultural backgrounds and learn how to foster effective relationships with parents and carers in a collaborative approach to behaviour guidance.

Numeracy and Digital Technology

Code: EDECE2017

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to provide you with a sound understanding of the role of mathematics in the lives of babies, toddlers and young children. It examines theoretical, cultural, historical and current approaches to teaching mathematics and digital technology.

You will explore regulatory requirements and family preferences and expectations, as well as ways to document and share children’s mathematical learning with families. You will also build a resource of learning experiences to address a range of mathematical concepts. Lastly, you will examine how these learning experiences can be modified to meet the needs of diverse learners, including children of different ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds.

Infants and Toddlers

Code: EDECE3029

Credit Points: 15

This unit introduces you to education and care for infants and toddlers with a focus on social and emotional development and attachment.

Using your knowledge of child development, learning frameworks and inclusive teaching strategies, you will plan engaging experiences for infants and toddlers. Reflection on values and beliefs about teaching, care, learning and relationships will enable you to develop your personal teaching philosophy and advocate for quality early childhood education and care experiences for young children and their families.

Infants and Toddlers Professional Experience

Code: ECCEL3723

Credit Points: 6

This unit supports the professional experience component of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), where you will complete a 15-day field-based early childhood internship with children under three years of age. You will be introduced to the individual and collective responsibilities of education professionals. Here, learning is framed within the context of developing practices and knowledge associated with becoming an active and engaged early childhood teacher.

You will examine verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support the learning and engagement of young children. Effective communication strategies to work with the professional learning community and parents/carers are also considered. Drawing on the relevant legislation and policies, you will consider your ethical responsibility to young children and identify strategies that support their wellbeing and safety in early childhood settings.

You are required to complete the activities outlined in Professional Experience Assessment Report (Form A). This will take place in collaboration with your Mentor Teacher in the early childhood setting where the placement occurs. You will also document your professional learning in Professional Experience Pre-Service Teacher Learning Log (Form B) supported by your assigned University Mentor.

Health and Safety in Early Childhood

Code: EDECE2019

Credit Points: 15

In this unit, you’ll learn to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all young children and staff in an early childhood education setting. You’ll learn the importance of providing responsive and sensitive care in the development and learning of young children. This unit will focus on both physical care and social, emotional and culturally safe environments, including the mental health of young children.

Multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives will also be explored – particularly in relation to developing family and community partnerships that enhance children’s wellbeing. You will be prepared to identify and respond to common children’s allergies, illnesses and emergencies, and will know how to administer and store medications according to regulatory frameworks. Finally, you will learn about the role of nutrition, hygiene and the handling of meals and snacks to meet the needs of children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Wellbeing in Early Childhood Contexts

Code: EDECE2021

Credit Points: 15

In this unit, you’ll learn about the discourse surrounding wellbeing in relation to children within early childhood education and care settings. You will explore the concept of wellbeing in the area of psychological, mental health, social and emotional development. You will critically reflect on the determinants of wellbeing and how these can be promoted within education and care contexts. Upon completion, you’ll have a variety of socially inclusive teaching strategies that also foster resilience in young children.

Nature Pedagogy

Code: EDECE3018

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the theory and pedagogical approaches underpinning learning with nature as an alternative approach to curriculum design. Historical and contemporary approaches to nature programs will be addressed, including the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on early nature programs in Australia.

This unit will introduce you to the value and benefits of learning with nature, and how these approaches create opportunities to differentiate teaching strategies and methods to meet a range of children’s abilities, interests and dispositions, including children with additional needs and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Year 3

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: Learning and Teaching

Code: EDBED3016

Credit Points: 15

You will develop strategies to improve learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You will build a broad knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, cultures and languages, in alignment with professional teaching standards. You will also explore cultural protocols and inclusive pedagogies that support positive and inclusive learning environments and outcomes for all students.

Catering For Diversity In Inclusive Early Childhood Settings

Code: EDECE3024

Credit Points: 15

This unit will focus on inclusion for children with diverse educational needs in the context of early childhood education and care settings. You will reflect on your personal beliefs and attitudes, and examine environmental and social factors to identify potential barriers to access and inclusion.

A range of principles, theoretical perspectives, legislation and practices to support the rights and needs of all children will be explored. The unit emphasises strengths-based approaches and collaboration with all stakeholders.

Art, Movement and Music In Early Childhood

Code: EDECE3028

Credit Points: 15

This unit will explore music, movement and visual arts as a series of expressive and creative experiences that contribute to the development, learning and wellbeing of young children.

The unit will introduce you to various strategies and resources to plan, implement and assess arts-based experiences for young children.

Curriculum Approaches

Code: EDECE2016

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to introduce you to influential theoretical thinkers in the field of early childhood education. You will explore and critique both historical and contemporary theories of learning and development, as well as the ways these influence curriculum approaches and pedagogy.

You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a curriculum document that incorporates a teaching philosophy, curriculum approaches, learning outcomes and pedagogy. A variety of early childhood educational contexts will be considered in this unit, including multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on the teaching of young children.

Early Childhood Language and Literacies

Code: EDECE2020

Credit Points: 15

This unit is designed to provide you with an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and sociocultural perspectives of language development and literacy acquisition in early childhood. The symbolic representations of language through play-based and other key literacy pedagogies in early childhood will be examined.

The design and function of multimedia texts, digital technologies, popular culture and new media will also be examined. You will consider socially inclusive practices that support learners who have English as an additional language, as well as language diversity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literacies.

Professional Experience Early Childhood Final

Code: ECCEL4722

Credit Points: 15

This unit supports the final professional experience in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), where you will complete 30 days of professional experience in an early childhood centre with children from three years of age to school entry.

Pre-service teachers (PSTs) are required to complete the expectations outlined in Professional Experience Assessment Report (Form A). Assessment of PST achievement against all Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is undertaken at the completion of the placement by the Mentor Teacher.

You will document your professional learning in the Professional Experience Pre-Service Teacher Learning Log (Form B), supported by your assigned University Mentor. You will also record reflections on your learning by completing the reflective Self-Evaluation Report (Form C) with your Mentor Teacher.

Social Justice and Agency in ECE Settings

Code: ECCEL3712

Credit Points: 15

Children’s agency is centred on the beliefs that children have a right to participate in decisions that affect them, are capable of making choices and decisions, and can initiate and lead their own learning. In this unit, you will consider the frameworks and models of children’s participation in which the concept of agency can be considered and theorised. Social justice and children’s rights are considered as important interrelated concepts.

You will identify and discuss children’s agency and how it can be supported or inhibited. Ways of listening to children and ensuring their authentic participation, particularly with regard to their learning, are considered.

Foundations of Language and Literacy

Code: EDECE2022

Credit Points: 15

This unit will examine how young children learn to communicate from birth to six years of age. Emphasis will be placed on children from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the influence of family, community and educational environments on language and emergent literacy learning and development.

The unit will consider the literacy development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Different theoretical perspectives will be explored so that you develop a deep understanding of the development of oral language. Literature, including poetry and storytelling, drama, music and play, will also be studied as pedagogy to foster language and literacy.

What you will learn

Early childhood education skills

Develop a specialised and adaptable teaching skill set that enables you to respond to the unique abilities, interests and developmental needs of young children. You’ll learn how to create engaging learning environments that foster play-based learning, encourage exploration and nurture children’s natural curiosity and creativity.

Guiding children's behaviour

Gain valuable insights into creating and setting up stimulating learning environments for young children. You’ll learn how to facilitate meaningful opportunities for creative exploration, foster deep engagement in learning and promote positive, respectful relationships with others.

Innovative teaching methods

Inspire young children’s sense of curiosity through nature, open-ended materials and technology, grounded in indoor and outdoor play. Learn exciting teaching methods for the 21st century.

Curriculum development

Devise educational experiences that foreground creative play and fun, and that encourage engagement and learning.

Entry requirements

Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) course is only open to domestic students.

Delivered primarily online with in-person placements.

Year 12

Admissions criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past two years):

Prerequisites:

Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics, or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Minimum ATAR: 50.

Extra requirements
Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Non-Year 12

Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study:

Satisfactory completion of at least one year of tertiary study in a relevant field or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course.
Meets the VCE Maths and English requirement benchmarks. Literacy and Numeracy test: If VCE Maths and/or English requirements or equivalent have not been met, a literacy and/or numeracy assessment is required to demonstrate the prerequisite requirements. Alternatively, applicants may elect not to complete the Literacy and Numeracy test and enrol in a nested 60-credit-point course, the Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies. On completion of this certificate, a student will be eligible to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) with full 60 points of credit for units completed.

Applications with previous Vocational Education and Training study:

Successful completion of a TAFE qualification at Certificate III or IV in a cognate or appropriate area, such as Community Services, Education Support, Children’s Services or Nursing; and
At least one year of experience in a relevant area of education or support service.

Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience:

Applicants who have not completed secondary education or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program.

Extra requirements
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Pathways

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (on-campus) is a pathway into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education). You may receive one year of credit (120 credit points) through this pathway.

Fees

2027 Indicative Fees

$4,908 annual student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)

If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band that determines the student contribution amount.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.

Other fees

You may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Accreditations

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) is professionally recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Support services

Be supported through your studies with services tailored to the online learning environment. Federation University Online personalises support for every student, accessible at every stage of your study journey.

Student Advisors are dedicated to answering your questions about anything from enrolment and course management to essay writing and technical support.
Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) guide you through your course, bringing industry experience and expertise in online learning to your studies.
Study and assignment resources help you get the most out of each unit and submit high-quality assessments.
Our online community is made up of a diverse network of students, who you’ll study alongside in learning groups and discussion boards.

Flexible study requires flexible support – discover the services available to you so you can go further.

Learn More

Career outcomes

With a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), you can pursue a range of careers that support children’s learning and development from birth to five years, including:

kindergarten teacher
early childhood teacher
early childhood educational leader.

Kindergarten teacher

Create a welcoming and creatively designed learning environment for kindergarten-aged children. These children may be within a standalone kindergarten setting or within a long-day environment.

Early childhood teacher

Guide children from birth to school-aged entry in a variety of early childhood contexts, and play a pivotal role in encouraging children’s creative expression in the form of art, music, movement and more.

Early childhood education leader

Develop curriculum and educational courses to mentor teams and lead the way to nurturing exciting learning environments for children.

Federation University’s undergraduate courses have been ranked #1 in multiple categories

#1

#1 in Victoria for Teaching Quality – Recognised nationally for outstanding online teaching.

#1

#1 in Victoria for Student Support – Because no student should ever feel alone in their study journey.

#1

#1 in Victoria for Postgraduate Employment & #2 for Undergraduate Employment – Federation graduates are landing great roles across Australia.

#1

#1 in Victoria for Median Postgraduate Salary ($104,200) and #2 for Undergraduate Salaries.

Being an early childhood teacher

With a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), you can pursue a range of roles that suppor children’s learning and development from birth to five years, including:

kindergarten teacher
early childhood teacher
early childhood educational leader.

Demand for Early Childhood Teachers is rising, with Australia’s workforce needing to grow 1.5% every year over the next decade.

The most common annual salary for an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia is $90,000.

Early Childhood Teachers have a vital role to play, preparing young children for their schooling and future life skills, and doing so at a vital time in their developmental journey.

Fees

2027 Indicative Fees

$4,908 annual student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)

If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band that determines the student contribution amount.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.

Other fees

You may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Why study Education at Federation University Online?

When you undertake an Education course with Federation University Online, you study units that are designed to ensure that you’re readily employable come graduation and are equipped with skills to help you succeed.

88.5% of our graduates secured full-time employment within four months of completing their course.

83.6% of students were happy with the learning resources provided during their education course.

80.1% of students were happy with their skills development during their education courses at Federation University.

Meet the people behind your course

Dr Alison Lord

Senior Lecturer

Dr Alison Lord is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Early Childhood in the School of Education at Federation University. Dr Lord has taught education at a range of universities and has been involved in many community-based preschool services and education settings. She is also a member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Early Childhood Learning and Development Advisory Board.

Federation University has been an incredibly supportive environment to study in – even online. And having spoken to friends attending other universities, I believe Federation is the best choice for early childhood education.

– Stephanie Jeffery, Online Student, Education

The most in-demand teachers in Australia

Multiple schools around Australia have teaching roles that need to be filled, which means it’s never been a better time to study for a Bachelor of Education. The need for educators is trending upwards and is likely to remain high for at least the next ten years, particularly for high schools and early childhood education centres.

Why study online with Federation University?

Unparalleled flexibility

Online study is the freedom to fit further study in your life, and to do it on your terms.

Studying online

Personalised support

You will have full access to support services, with tailored support available across extended hours.

Your support

Make it happen online

You will make an impact in whatever you choose to do with practical- and industry-focused courses.

Why us?

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