Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and nested Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood are designed to produce future early childhood professionals who are ready for work. The qualifications have been designed for students who have obtained an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in areas other than education. The courses are built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences.

The range and number of professional practice experiences are a key feature of the course. This ensures students can make the essential connection between theory and practice while building professional and generic skills in authentic early childhood environments. Partnerships between Holmes and childhood educational organisations enable students to gain experience in diverse settings enabling them to work with children from differing economic, social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

Successful completion of the course provides graduates with the opportunity to gain employment as early childhood professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference to the lives of young children.

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

1. Critically evaluate and analyse theory and practice in child development, health and well-being, pedagogy, leadership, and management.
2. Appraise pedagogy and practice in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
3. Monitor and assess children’s learning and development using a range of assessment tools.
4. Critically evaluate research, issues and principles connected with professional decision-making as an early childhood professional/leader in educational settings.
5. Communicate effectively as ethical, reflective, and informed early childhood professional when working with colleagues, communities, children, and their families, and other stakeholders.
6. Identify abilities, interests, and needs of communities, children, and their families to develop inclusive programs which reflect an understanding of the diversity of Australian society.
7. Synthesise educational research principles and methods to critically evaluate education programs and policies.

As an early childhood professional, graduates are qualified to secure roles working with children aged birth to 5 years in private, independent, or public settings. Graduates are also qualified to seek employment in a range of other education-adjacent fields, including in early years’ service management, policy, consultancy, research community and government organisations. This specialised field shows promising job prospects, with very strong growth in Australia. Careers could include: Pre-primary Teacher, Early Childhood Professional, Pre-school Teacher, and Centre Director. Students will graduate with an ACECQA approved qualification and be eligible to apply for registration as a Teacher with their local regulatory authority.* Students are able to access a range of resources and services to help with gaining academically relevant employment both during and after graduation.