Outline

Overview

Second of four professional experience units in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). This unit focuses on the education and care of infants and toddlers and includes a 20-day placement. Students will observe and engage in daily practices and routines with the support of a supervising teacher and mentor including interacting with, documenting observations of, and planning and implementing learning and caregiving experiences for infants and toddlers. Students will take increasing responsibility for planning and implementing the curriculum, working as a member of the teaching team, and incorporating knowledge from other units of study including child development and curriculum.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	84 credit points including EDEC2010 and EDEC2008
Corequisites ?	EDEC3007
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tina Stratigos, tina.stratigos@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Professional experience ePortfolio Tutor assessment of professional experience eportfolio	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 19 Jun 2026 at 23:59	6,000 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Professional experience placement - supervising teacher report Achievement of professional experience placement outcomes as outlined on the professional experience report.	0%	Ongoing	n/a	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Satisfactory professional experience attendance Attendance as explained in the Early Childhood Professional Experience Handbook and the EDEC3008 Professional Experience Requirements document	0%	Ongoing	20 days 25/5- 19/6 + 1 day pre visit
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Profesional experience placement, attendance and ePortfolio: Participation in professional experience placement as specified in professional experience handbook and professional experience requirements documents. 100% attendance for 20 days of placement plus one day lead-up visit is required. Satisfactory completion of ePortfolio as described in the professional experience requirements document. Professional experience reports as assessed by the supervising teacher. Attendance, ePortfolio and supervising teacher report must all be graded Satisfactory for the student to pass the unit.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Professional experience units are awarded either Satisfied Requirements for students who have met all unit and professional experience requirements to a satisfactory standard or Failed Requirements for students who have not met unit and professional experience requirements to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit, curriculum and philosophy in infant and toddler education and care	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the unit, curriculum and philosophy in infant and toddler education and care	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The planning cycle with infants and toddlers part 1 – observation and assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The planning cycle with infants and toddlers part 1 – observation and assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	The planning cycle with infants and toddlers part 2 – planning and evaluating	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	The planning cycle with infants and toddlers part 2 – planning and evaluating	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Learning materials for infants and toddlers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Learning materials for infants and toddlers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Learning environments for infants and toddlers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Learning environments for infants and toddlers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Teaching strategies with infants and toddlers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Teaching strategies with infants and toddlers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Loose parts/heuristic play resource collection showcase and feedback	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Loose parts/heuristic play resource collection showcase and feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Relationships with infants and toddlers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Relationships with infants and toddlers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Infant and toddler wellbeing and safety	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Infant and toddler wellbeing and safety	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Professional relationships	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Professional relationships	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Preparation for professional experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Preparation for professional experience	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Preparation for professional experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Preparation for professional experience	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority. The Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90 per cent. Please speak directly with your Unit of Study Coordinator if you have concerns regarding attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify and explain early childhood curriculum that promotes infant and toddler learning, development and wellbeing
LO2. document and analyse observations of infants and toddlers and identify implications for teaching
LO3. develop and implement appropriate teaching plans for infants and toddlers which are linked to observations and the EYLF
LO4. interact with infants and toddlers in ways that support relationships, learning and development
LO5. utilise a range of teaching strategies with infants and toddlers in an early childhood setting
LO6. communicate appropriately with parents and centre staff from diverse backgrounds
LO7. critically reflect on professional experience, early childhood curriculum and own developing philosophy and practices with reference to theory and research
LO8. demonstrate professional responsibility by meeting all unit and professional experience requirements

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 2.2. Play based pedagogies 2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners 2.4. Teaching methods and strategies 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 2.4. Teaching methods and strategies 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 1.4. Child health, well-being and safety 2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 2.2. Play based pedagogies 2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners 2.4. Teaching methods and strategies 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 4.1. Developing family and community partnerships 4.4. Socially inclusive practice 4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion 5.3. Ethics and professional practice
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation 5.3. Ethics and professional practice 6.3. Professional identity and development
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 5.3. Ethics and professional practice 6.3. Professional identity and development

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Work, health and safety

Please make yourself familiar with the inherent requirements for this course: https://sydney.edu.au/students/student-responsibilities/inherent-requirements.html

Please make yourself familiar with the Early Childhood Professional Experience Handbook and the Professional Experience Requirements document pertaining to this unit which are available through Canvas.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDEC3008: EC Professional Experience 2

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links