Accreditation placement in Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)
Professional placement overview
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) is a four-year full-time degree that requires students to engage in 80 days of professional experience placements spread across Early Childhood settings with qualified Supervising Teacher/mentors.
The placements are broken down into 4 individual placements over the four years. During the placements, pre-service teachers (PSTs) will have the opportunity to develop their professional knowledge and skills, along with bringing the theory they learn at the University to the Early Years setting.
During the placements it is expected the PSTs engage in evidence-based practices and that they follow the guidance of the Supervising Teacher/mentors at all times.
Professional Experience handbook
Professional Experience Calendar
Understanding professional placements
Unit overview
This is the first Professional Experience unit in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary and Early Childhood Teaching). It prepares Pre-service Teachers (PSTs) for placement through an introduction to curriculum planning and assessment.
- curriculum planning aligned to learning outcomes
- assessment strategies in early childhood and primary contexts
- readiness for real-world teaching
Professional placement
PSTs complete a 20-day supervised placement where they:
- apply theory to classroom practice
- observe and trial different teaching approaches
- begin developing their professional teaching identify
Mentor Teacher Role
Mentors are vital in guiding PSTs, offering feedback, and supporting professional growth. We value the time and expertise mentors contribute to this process.
Completion Requirements
- Engagement with unit content and placement
- Demonstrated application of planning and assessment in practice
- Active reflection and participation beyond observation
Unit overview
EDU20053 is the second Professional Experience unit in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching). It prepares Pre-service Teachers (PSTs) to deepen their understanding of curriculum, planning, and assessment in early childhood settings.
Professional placement
PSTs will complete a 20-day supervised placement during the allocated teaching block. During placement, PSTs are expected to:
- engage with the daily life of the service
- reflect on their teaching practice with support from their mentor
- progress from small group teaching to whole-class lessons, as appropriate
Mentor teacher role
Mentors play a key role in supporting PSTs’ development through guidance and feedback. Their contribution is essential to a successful placement experience, and we appreciate the time and dedication they provide.
Unit Requirements
- completion of unit content and 20-day placement
- active involvement in teaching and learning
- ongoing reflection and professional growth
Unit overview
This is the second or third Professional Experience unit in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary). It supports Pre-service Teachers (PSTs) in further developing their skills in curriculum planning and assessment, with a focus on infants in early childhood settings.
Professional placement
PSTs will complete a 20-day supervised placement during the scheduled teaching block. At this stage, PSTs are expected to:
- take on a significant portion of full-class teaching
- apply curriculum knowledge in early learning environments
- engage in reflective practice in collaboration with their mentor
Supervising Teacher/Mentor Role
Supervising Teachers play a vital role in guiding PSTs through feedback, support, and modelling effective practice. We greatly value the time and expertise they contribute to this process.
Unit Requirements
- completion of all academic and placement components
- demonstrated teaching competence with infants and young children
- active reflection and contribution to the learning environment
Unit Overview
This is the fourth Professional Experience unit in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching). It prepares Pre-service Teachers (PSTs) for the ‘Ready to Teach Practicum’, the final placement focused on demonstrating graduate-level teaching competence.
Professional Placement
PSTs will complete a 20-day supervised placement and are expected to:
- fully engage in the life of the early childhood setting
- reflect on their teaching with support from their mentor
- take on significant teaching responsibilities in the first two weeks
- assume full teaching responsibility for the final 10 days
- demonstrate competence across all seven Graduate Standards (APST)
Mentor Teacher Role
Mentors are essential in supporting PSTs’ development through guidance, feedback, and modelling. We sincerely thank mentors for their time, expertise, and commitment.
Unit Requirements
- completion of unit content and placement
- full teaching responsibility and demonstration of all APST Graduate Standards
- reflective, engaged, and competent professional practice
Reporting responsibilities
Assessing Professional Practice
All Professional Experience Interim and Final Reports must be completed in collaboration with the PST and submitted using the Online Report links provided in the confirmation email. We place great faith in the Mentors professional judgement and request an honest assessment of the Pre-Service Teacher’s (PSTs) progress and final assessment.
Considering the level expected for the particular professional experience, Mentor teachers and the nominated supervisors are asked to make a professional judgement and assess the overall performance of the Pre-Service Teacher. In order to satisfactorily complete this practicum, the Pre-service Teacher is required to meet the relevant Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at Graduate stage (AITSL, 2014).
Supervising teachers should apply professional judgements using evidence of the PST’s demonstrated knowledge, practice, and engagement in relation to the expected APST descriptors for the stage. Consideration should be given for the placement context and opportunities to encounter relevant experiences enabling the PST to demonstrate the APST.
Have a question?
If you would like to support this placement or require further information, please email eceplacement@swinburne.edu.au.