Reference no: EM133868931 , Length: word count:1500

Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education

Assessment - Critical Review

Learning Outcome 1: describe and justify curriculum in early childhood education and care services.

Learning Outcome 2: understand and demonstrate conceptual knowledge related to key learning areas for children from birth to five years.

Learning Outcome 3: argue, with reference to the literature, how curriculum key learning areas can be applied to support children's learning.

Learning Outcome 4: create and analyse learning environments of curriculum key learning areas for children's development and learning explain the role of the early childhood educator

Rationale
This unit develops conceptual knowledge of the holistic approach to curriculum in the early childhood setting. There is a focus on an integrated and holistic approach of learning domains for children aged from birth to five years. Students develop children's conceptual knowledge of these domains, with links made to the Early Years Learning Framework [EYLF] (AGDE, 2022), National Ouality Standard [NOS] (ACECOA, 2018) theory and literature.

Task Description
Assessment 1 invites you to step into the role of a curriculum architect for a new early childhood service, "Southern Cross Early Learning". The task requires you to demonstrate your understanding of how to design a vibrant and engaging curriculum and learning environment for children aged birth to five, drawing on your understanding of play-based learning as described in the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Ouality Standard. This task encourages you to critically analyse your curriculum choices, provide justification based on theoretical perspectives, and ensure that learning areas and experiences foster holistic child development. The importance of aligning theory, curriculum standards, and practical pedagogical decisions in early childhood education are emphasised. 

Task Instructions
In this task, you are the curriculum architect for a brand-new early childhood centre: "Southern Cross Early Learning". You will unleash your creativity and expertise to develop a vibrant, engaging curriculum and design learning spaces that inspire curiosity, wonder, and development for children aged birth to five. This project allows you to step into the shoes of an early childhood educator, crafting unique learning areas while grounding your ideas in research and evidence-based practices.

Part 1.

Instructions: Write a 500-word document in full paragraphs (not dot points) for the service's Educational Leader explaining your vision for the service's curriculum.Create a lively, persuasive piece that includes:

Curriculum definition: Describe what "curriculum" means in early childhood education
Curriculum vision. Explain how the service can incorporate play-based learning, and the approaches that can be used.
Use an engaging scenario or anecdote to illustrate your point.
Justification: Share how a curriculum framework benefits children, educators, and families.
Use relatable examples to show how the curriculum ensures every child thrives.
Links to the Early Years Learning Framework [EYLF] (AGDE, 2022), National Ouality Standard [NOS] (ACECOA, 2018) theory and literature (as appropriate).

Part 2.
Use the templates to create 2 (two) different learning environments at "Southern Cross Early Learning" that could support thinking and learning: 1 (one) indoor environment and 1 (outdoor) environment.
Both of your 2 learning environments must integrate the following learning domains: Science, Numeracy/Maths, Technology.
Each learning environment should be approximately 550 words (this does not include headings).
You are required to demonstrate how each environment supports integrated learning across multiple (maximum 3) developmental domains (physical/cognitive/language/social and emotional/creative) by:
Describing the physical layout and resources you will include in the learning environment (e.g., furniture, materials, displays)
Providing a rationale/justification for the learning environment. Explain how the elements included in the environment support the developmental domains. Make direct links to theory and relevant literature
Analysing your learning environment. Reflect on the strengths and potential limitations. Discuss adaptations to ensure inclusivity for children with disabilities or developmental delays. Explain how you would make the environment culturally responsive (e.g., including artifacts or materials representing various cultures).
Making 2 (two) connections to the EYLF v2.0
Making 2 (two) connections to the NOS
Providing examples of resources that can be found in the learning environment
Images of the learning environment (these can either be images that you have taken yourself, or ones that you have sourced *these images do not need to be referenced)

Part 3
Referencing
APA 7th edition Referencing style is required to be used for this task
Include one reference list for all responses on a new page at the end of task
A minimum of 10 (ten) academic sources are to be included in the reference list