Orientation to the Profession

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides students with a mapping framework to understand the fundamental structural and organisational elements of the early childhood field in contemporary Australia. It begins by examining the notion of a profession and professionalism, as it relates to the early childhood profession. It will study the roots of the early childhood field by exploring the philosophical, historical, political, economic and social forces which have shaped its growth and development. Students will be introduced to the wide range of services accessible by children aged 0-8 years, and these in turn, provide a range of career opportunities for early childhood professionals.

An assignment of 2000 words and a 2-hour written examination.

Prescribed Texts:

• The Politics of Australian Child Care: From Philanthropy to Feminism (D Brennan), Sydney, Cambridge University Press, 1998

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Information Not Available