Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) qualifies you to teach children from birth to 12 years of age in childcare, kindergartens, preschools, and primary school settings.

Focused on developing children’s foundation and early learning needs, our dual-accredited degree will equip you with the pedagogical knowledge and experiential skills to inspire and support children in developing lifelong learning abilities. You will learn how to engage children in exploring their creative, physical, and cognitive capabilities within inclusive environments that encourage and nurture diversity.

Hone your knowledge and build a solid foundation with a specialised teaching area from literacy, numeracy, or religious education and your professional experience placements will be conducted in both early childhood and primary education settings. You may also have an opportunity to complete a community engagement unit overseas where you will spend time with local communities and experience an international classroom.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the ACT Teacher Quality Institute require students to pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test prior to completing the final professional experience placement.

All students in initial teacher education courses must meet the LANTITE test standard prior to graduation. You need to demonstrate once that you have met the standard for each test component (literacy and numeracy) before you undertake your final teaching placement. Test results are transferrable and do not expire.

If you have not met the standard for either component after your first attempt, it is very important that you contact the Course Coordinator immediately to discuss your options.

Areas of study

Early childhood education, teaching in a primary setting.

Career opportunities

Early years education, primary school education, policy development, community centre education, private colleges, inclusive education settings, education and training roles in other sectors – e.g. zoos, correction facilities for youth or adults, research, special education.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as primary and early childhood teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a primary and early childhood teacher in all states and territories.

It is also listed on the Australian Children's Education and Care Authority (ACECQA) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as an early childhood teacher.

Practical experience

The Professional and Community Engagement program, embedded in the course, provides a number of opportunities for students to complete a practicum in a range of early childhood and primary school settings. Students must obtain a Working With Children Check before the first professional experience placement.

Fees and charges

Visit the ACU website for general information about tuition fees.