Early Years education enriches learning in children from birth to five years by giving children the opportunity to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for lifelong learning. It focuses on the significance of early education to foster children’s health, development and wellbeing. For the duration of this four-year degree Early Years students will engage in continuous professional mentoring through the Professional Partners in Practice (PPP) program. This will give you invaluable sector experience and professional connections that will enhance your employment pathways and opportunities. Throughout the degree students spend up to 16 weeks teaching in Early Childhood Education and Care Centres and two weeks in the Community and Family sector, complementary to the mentoring experience within the Professional Partners in Practice program. Students holding a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) may apply for 1-year credit towards the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years. Mature aged students can apply through direct entry and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A cover letter statement of suitability should be attached to the online application. During your study you will have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs. You can study on-campus at Wollongong with weekly classes, or in flexible mode. Flexible delivery means lecture content and online activities will be delivered online, while tutorials will occur during a one week block at Wollongong Campus. What you will study During this degree you will study: The development of young children and their connection to family, community, and culture Improving education and developmental outcomes for children Establishing relationships with children and families Cultural and social diversity Early intervention and transition to school Leadership and advocacy Creating physical and social learning environments. Course Learning Outcomes Students graduating from the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years will demonstrate: A broad and coherent knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Care pedagogies, policies and professional practice. Ongoing analysis of and engagement with the philosophy, ethics and practice in Early Childhood Education and Care. Developed cognitive, practical and communication skills to foster wellbeing in children and to collaborate respectfully with families, communities and educators. An understanding of the theory-practice nexus, its role and theirs as the teacher as researcher. Emerging skills in autonomous problem solving, adaptive and innovative approaches to planning, programming and evaluating for all learners in the Early Childhood Education and Care context. A holistic understanding of socially inclusive practice; respect for culture, diversity and community in Australian society. Career opportunities School teacher Child care worker Educational consultant Educational manager Preschool teacher Private college teacher Recreational activities coordinator Sport development officer TAFE teacher Training and development officer.