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Flinders Uni launches early childhood post grad qualification ahead of preschool push
Freya Lucas
Jul 11, 2024
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South Australia’s Flinders University is introducing new teaching degrees aimed at preparing early childhood teachers for roles in long-day childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools ahead of the state’s launch of preschools for three-year-old children in 2026.
Supported by scholarships offering financial support up to $25,000, the University has developed a leading, birth-to-five postgraduate degree launching in Semester 2 of this year which is currently accepting applications.The new Master of Teaching (Birth to 5) has been developed in response to the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, and will ensure students gain the skills and knowledge to effectively plan, implement and advocate for transformative teaching and learning for children aged up to five years of age.
It will also teach students how to apply policies and practices that take into account social and individual differences, ensuring that all children learn in supportive environments.
The university will also launch a three-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) in 2025, Course Coordinator & Early Childhood Senior Lecturer, Rachael Hedger shared.
“The University is providing a one-year credit for students who hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and this degree will qualify for the government's new $25,000 financial support,” she said.
“Flinders will also offer a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth-to-five) designed for Primary and Secondary teachers to upskill and work in early childhood. This degree will be offered online to support upskilling whilst students are managing their current work commitments.”
The new study pathways support the University’s launch of its specialised Early Childhood teaching space at Bedford Park, where students can apply their learnings in a real-world setting.
For Vice-President and Executive Dean, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Professor Deborah West, the new range of study options will help to ensure that Flinders students are ready to support the transformation of the early childhood sector in South Australia while advancing their own careers.
“Whether you hold an undergraduate degree and are looking for a new opportunity, or already working in an early childhood setting and want to build on the skills you’ve developed in your Diploma of Early Childhood Education, this is your chance to discover a rewarding career in the early childhood teaching profession.”
“The Flinders Master of Teaching (Birth-5) will be taught separately to our school-based teaching degrees, so that pre-service teachers can specialise in the essential aspects of young children’s play, learning and development.”
“Our students will have opportunities to engage in inquiry-led and research-based projects, construct and assess play-based learning for children, and gain an understanding of the importance of all children learning about, and through, indigenous ways of knowing and being. This course also includes work integrated learning opportunities and professional placements.”
More information on the Master of Teaching (Birth to 5) is available here.
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