E&AL1 – Introduction to early childhood education

The first 20-day placement, Engaging and Assessing Learners 1 (E&AL1), introduces early childhood Teacher Candidates to teaching and learning in the age group from birth to two years old. During this placement, you'll learn how relationships, responsive caregiving, and the daily rhythm of routines support children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and learning.

Attendance and time requirements

• Attend 20 full placement days (typically 8 hours per day; 6 contact hours, 1 non-contact hour, 1 hour break, or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 120 hours contact time (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 20 hours non-contact/planning time
  (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Plan and implement a minimum of one play-based learning experience.

Teaching expectations

Engagement in teaching activities will vary depending on context in each individual placement setting, but should include:

Other expectations

Teacher Candidates are expected to engage in a range of other activities, including:

• Demonstrating ethical and professional conduct at all times
• Documenting a minimum of 8 multimodal observations and reflections focusing on children’s learning, teacher practice and the learning environment
• Completing two reflections based on your own teaching practices and Mentor Teacher’s practices
• Greeting families/caregivers and starting to participate in professional conversations, supported by Mentor Teacher and/or other educators
• Participating in staff meetings and professional development opportunities (optional, but strongly encouraged)
• Other relevant duties as directed by the Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator.

Note: Please contact the Clinical Educator if you have any questions or concerns with the above.

E&AL2 – Developing teaching

The second 20-day placement, Engaging and Assessing Learners 2 (E&AL2), extends Teacher Candidates’ learning in early childhood settings. In this placement, you'll work with children aged three to five. You will have increased responsibility for observing, assessing, planning, teaching and reflecting. You will deepen your understanding of contemporary assessment approaches. You will contribute to the educational program, implement planned learning experiences and engage with transition-to-school opportunities.

Attendance and time requirements

• Attend 20 full placement days (typically 8 hours per day; 6 contact hours, 1 contact hour, 1 hour break, or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 90 hours contact time (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 15 hours non-contact/planning time
  (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Plan and implement a minimum of three informed, play-based, holistic learning experiences for individual children, small groups, or whole groups.

Teaching expectations

Engagement in teaching activities will vary depending on individual placement locations, but should include:

Other expectations

Teacher Candidates are expected to engage in a range of other activities, including:

• Demonstrating ethical and professional conduct at all times
• Documenting a minimum of 8 multimodal observations and reflections focusing on children’s learning, teacher practice and the learning environment
• Participating in professional conversations with families/caregivers, supported by Mentor Teacher or other educators
• Participation in staff meetings, team planning, and professional development opportunities is optional but strongly encouraged
• Other relevant duties as directed by the Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator.

Note: Please contact the Clinical Educator if you have any questions or concerns with the above.

E&AL3 – Graduate-ready teaching

The final 20-day placement, Engaging and Assessing Learners 3 (E&AL3), consolidates your learning as a Teacher Candidate. You'll have greater responsibility and independence in planning, teaching, and assessing children's learning. You will demonstrate increasing confidence as you design and implement inclusive, responsive, and play-based learning experiences in collaboration with your mentor and the teaching team.

Attendance and Time Requirements

• Attend 20 full placement days (typically 8 hours per day; 6 contact hours, 1 non-contact hour, 1 hour break, or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 120 hours contact time (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Engage in 20 hours non-contact/planning time
  (or as negotiated with Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator)
• Plan and implement a minimum of four full planning cycles using either the EYLF or VEYLDF planning cycle.

Teaching expectations

Engagement in teaching activities will vary depending on individual placement locations, but should include:

Other expectations

Teacher Candidates are expected to engage in a range of other activities, including:

• Demonstrating ethical and professional conduct at all times
• Engaging in professional conversations with families/caregivers
• Documenting a short reflection on how the Centre Philosophy and key policies are translated into teaching practice
• Documenting a minimum of 8 multimodal observations and reflections focusing on children’s learning, teacher practice, and the learning environment
• Documenting evidence of teaching practice aligned with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in Early Childhood
• Participating in staff meetings and professional development opportunities (optional, but strongly encouraged)
• Other relevant duties as directed by the Mentor Teacher and Clinical Educator.

Note: Please contact the Clinical Educator if you have any questions or concerns with the above.