Infant and Toddler Learning and Care (11995.1)

This unit complements the Child Development unit and explores in detail development and learning in the first three years of children's lives. Students will explore contemporary research and approaches to infant and toddler learning and caregiving. Infants and toddlers are positioned as competent and capable learners from birth. This unit includes a 5-day professional experience placement with children aged between 6 weeks and two years in an early learning centre approved by the local regulatory authority. Successful completion of the professional experience placement is required to pass this unit.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Discuss a range of theories that inform infant and toddler learning and care;
2. Articulate an in-depth understanding of theoretical and pedagogical ideas relating to the effective learning and teaching of infants and toddlers in early childhood settings;
3. Create inclusive and engaging learning environments for infants and toddlers; and
4. Create inclusive programs of play and learning that support the holistic development of infants and toddlers.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - use Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline

Prerequisites

Must be enrolled in EDB001 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) OR 326JA Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

10169 Infant and Toddler Education

Assumed knowledge

None.