The Honours program is an alternative option for students wishing to undertake research during the fourth year of either the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years pass degree or the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years (Dean's Scholar) degree. Entry to your honours year is based on application and merit. 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. Working closely with two supervisors, you will undertake a major project during the program, you will undertake special experiences for research work either in the field or that examine other aspects of education. The degree will culminate in the production of a thesis or other project work that disseminates your research findings and the results from your project and research inquiry. 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 Developing skills and experiences in research in educational settings. Course Learning Outcomes Students graduating from the Bachelor of Education – The Early Years (Honours) will demonstrate: A broad and coherent knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Care pedagogies, policies and professional practice. The successful completion of a sustained independent research project utilising the skills of analysis, synthesis and knowledge that will identify the research findings pertaining to an educational issue. Developed cognitive, practical and communication skills to foster wellbeing in children and to collaborate respectfully with families, communities and educators. The ability to coherently communicate to a variety of audiences the research findings. An active professional who is articulate with regards to the theory-practice nexus, its role and theirs as the teacher as researcher. 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. Higher order thinking in relation to current and future educational challenges. A holistic understanding of socially inclusive practice; respect for culture, diversity and community in Australian society. Ethical and responsible behaviour. 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.