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The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Duration1 year part-time up to 3 years maximum.1 year full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face, Online
Start datesSemester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024)Intake in 2025Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.Further information is available from Newcastle Australia IHE.AUD 18,500 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (40 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (40 units). Find out more about fees
Program Code40267
Study Early Childhood Disability Support
Extend your understanding of early childhood disability support and education in this dynamic graduate certificate course.
Explore the constructs of holistic child development, focusing on young childrens’ development in the context of their family/carers and early childhood settings.
Learn about different communication skills and strategies to promote language as well as augmentative and alternative communication systems. Increase your knowledge of childrens’ social and emotional development and positive behaviour support and explore collaborative, family-centred and inter-disciplinary approaches to early intervention, within the context of early childhood education and care.
Why study with us?
- Quality Teaching Model – a framework highlighting three key concepts, or dimensions, of teaching that make a difference for student outcomes, backed by robust evidence.
- Study anywhere at any time – whether you choose part-time or full time, on campus or online, our flexible program and advanced online learning system allow you to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study.
- Ideal program for many professions – the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support provides opportunities for both teachers and health-related professionals working with children and adolescents with additional needs.
- Become an Industry expert – you’ll graduate with an expanded knowledge of early childhood students with additional needs and possess the ability to create a supportive learning environment.
World top 175
?
for Education
What you will study
The four CORE courses will support skill development across a range of disability support areas and also offers a taste of available options, should you choose to articulate into the full MSIE Early Childhood specialisation:
- supporting communication skills
- contemporary issues in early childhood intervention
- social-emotional learning and positive behaviour support for children 0-5 years
- collaborative and inter-disciplinary approaches in early childhood intervention
Career
Career opportunities
The University of Newcastle’s Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support will enhance your expertise in the areas of disability, and additional needs, whether that focus is on face-to-face education, support, child development, or working with families.
For those with a teaching qualification you will be additionally equipped with skills and knowledge to assess student needs and abilities and to address unidentified developmental difficulties or challenge-specific areas. Your learning journey will empower you to apply research-based strategies to your professional context.
For graduates with a prior degree in an allied health related field – you can be part of a brighter future in community or disability services. You will be additionally equipped with the insight to understand the impacts of deficit or disability on a child’s social, physical and academic functioning and to implement effective family-centred approaches and intervention strategies.
Professional recognition
Upon completion of the program, qualified teachers will have advanced skills if wishing to embark on career pathways in special or inclusive education settings or early childhood intervention services. Career pathways for those with an allied health degree include special care worker, developmental support worker, community/disability support worker, or therapeutic support staff.
Please note the program does not provide a pre-service teaching qualification.
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Application info
Applying for Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support
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Apply to study in Australia
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
Entry into the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support (40 units) will be available for applicants who have:
- 4 year Bachelors Degree; or
- 3 year Bachelors Degree; or
- Advanced Diploma or Diploma in a related field/discipline and 2 years relevant work experience; or
- Advanced Diploma or Diploma not in a related field/discipline and 3 years relevant work experience; or
- At least 5 years relevant work experience in a related field/discipline.
Related fields/discipline areas are:
- Teaching, Early Childhood Educator
- Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Social Work,
- Mental Health Care Worker, Community Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, Art and Music Therapy
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.