Diversity and Special Nature of Early Childhood Education (10 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- assess a child's individual needs for growth, development and learning
- work in a goal-oriented manner and as required by the child's needs for special support and development
- work for a child in cooperation and in a family-oriented way in multiprofessional networks
- apply his/her competence in early childhood education in work, respecting the strengths of different children, families, cultures and views of education

Location and time

This study unit takes place between September and December 2021. Attendance is compulsory for all meetings (at least 80% of the meetings) unless agreed separately.

Materials

Literature will be informed in the beginning of the study unit.

Teaching methods

This study unit is implemented by contact lessons and assignments.
We follow the current corona virus safety instructions and this may result in this study unit being implemented in part or in full online.But basically, this study unit involves participating in teaching on campus.

Modules of this study unit:
Module 1: The role of an educator in a diverse early childhood education environment (2 cr)
Module 2: Diversity and multiculturalism in early childhood education (3 cr)
Module 3: Supporting and assessing the child's development and learning (4 cr)
Module 4: Cooperation with multiprofessional networks (1 cr)

This study unit is part of the qualification of an early childhood education teacher (varhaiskasvatuksen opettaja) or Bachelor of Social Services specialising in early childhood education and care (varhaiskasvatuksen sosionomi).

Employer connections

The contents of the study unit are partly implemented in co-operation with working life.

Exam schedules

See the section Suggestions for timing and rooms ("Rytmitys- ja tilatoiveet ja ajoitus) in Peppi.

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. If they fail to notify the teacher of their absence in the first contact session, their enrolment will be rejected. Another student in the queue may be enrolled in the study unit in the place of the absent student.”

Completion alternatives

According to the degree regulations “all students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the module or study unit or another person designated by the director of the UAS unit. The assessment is carried out according to the same criteria and grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit.” For further infomation please check Student Intranet.

Student workload

One credit equals approximately 26.7 hours of work performed by the student.

Content scheduling

Module 1: As an educator in a diverse early childhood education environment (2 cr)

Module 2: Diversity and multiculturalism in early childhood education (3 cr)

Module 3: Assessment and support of child’s development and learning (4 cr)

Module 4: Working in multiprofessional networks (1 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

The quality criteria of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available in Canvas.