弗林德斯大学

Develop theoretical knowledge and effective strategies for educating young children, including those living with disability and other special needs. The degree provides up-to-date knowledge about contemporary issues in disability, child development and learning. You will examine inclusion as a response to achieving an excellent and equitable education and implement and develop inclusive teaching and community practices during well-supported site placements.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

• topics contributing to your education studies include: teaching and educational contexts, foundations of special education and Play, learning and development
• topics contributing to your disability studies include: communication and language
• 5 days of professional experience in an early childhood setting towards the end of the year.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

• topics contributing to your education studies include: interventions for students with literacy difficulties, the expressive arts and literacy and numeracy birth to age four
• 20 single days of professional experience in an early childhood setting
• 80 hours practicum in a government or non-government agency
• topics contributing to your disability studies

Third year

A typical third year may include:

• topics contributing to your education studies include: critical pedagogies, science and design technology and differentiation for diverse learners
• 35 days of professional experience in an early childhood setting
• topics contributing to your disability studies component include: positive behaviour support.

Fourth year

A typical fourth year may include:

• topics in assessment and programming for students with special needs, designing appropriate curriculum for students with complex disabilities, and reflecting upon the roles of the professional educator in early childhood settings
• 35 days of professional experience in an inclusive early childhood setting
• enhance understanding of the work of the developmental educator through studying topics such as case management, intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

Your career

Although the majority of graduates seek employment as teachers in the public or private sector, some follow other pathways. These include employment in the disability sector such as a: program coordinator, case manager, service coordinator, leisure and recreation coordinator, early intervention coordinator, disability employment officer.

Potential occupations include:

• early childhood teacher
• special education teacher
• youth and children’s support officer
• disability liaison officer.

Potential employers include:

• childcare centres
• kindergartens
• early learning centres
• junior primary schools
• special education settings
• disability service settings.