Students

ECHX8260 – Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings

2022 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Tamara Cumming
Contact via iLearn
Room 217, 29 Wally's Walk
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
[Admission to MTeach(0-5) and (40cp from ECEX or ECHX units at 6000 level) and (40cp from ECEX or ECHX units at 8000 level)]
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
This is 8260X, cobadged with 8260.
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores micro and macro systems that impact on the effective leadership and management of early childhood settings. The unit will focus on the critical exploration of three content areas: the social, political and legal contexts within which early childhood organisations in Australia operate; early childhood leadership theory; and roles and responsibilities of early childhood leaders and managers. Students will investigate diverse management structures, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the ethical and professional roles and responsibilities of early childhood teachers as leaders and managers. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO2: Identify key differences between the managing and leading of an early childhood setting, and the range of management structures under which early childhood settings operate.
  • ULO1: Understand and critically engage with the ever changing socio-political and legal contexts within which early childhood settings operate.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate a strong understanding of leadership theories.
  • ULO4: Demonstrate knowledge and foundational skills that they, as future managers and leaders of early childhood settings require.
  • ULO5: Apply high order analytical and integrative thinking skills through critique of practice and theory to understand the complexities of early childhood management and leadership.
  • ULO6: Demonstrate a commitment to managing and leading ethically and professionally.
  • ULO7: Develop professional judgement and vision in relation to leading and managing early childhood settings.
  • ULO8: Reflect on their own knowledge and skill base and consider professional development priorities that will enable them to, as a future leader of an early childhood setting, play a critical role in that centre's provision of quality early childhood education for young children.

General Assessment Information

 

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.

Please note:

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission.
  • Students are responsible for checking that the correct file has been uploaded, that their submission has been successful, and that it has been submitted by the due date and time.

Assignment extensions and late penalties

  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
  • Late submissions: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply - 10/100 marks of credit (10% of the total assessment weighting) will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessment - e.g., quizzes, online tests. A zero result for the assignment will be recorded after the late submission period has ended if no task has been received.
  • If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.
  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Note:

  • Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.
  • The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade.
  • Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

University policy on grading

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

 

Grade

Descriptor

HD

(High Distinction)

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

D

(Distinction)

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Cr

(Credit)

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

P

(Pass).

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes

F

(Fail)

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. 
There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement.

Withdrawing from this unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assessment Task 1: Leadership and the NQF 30% No Monday 28 March
Assessment Task 2: Reflecting on leading 20% No Wednesday 18 May
Assessment Task 3: Leadership in action 50% No Monday 6 June

Assessment Task 1: Leadership and the NQF

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Monday 28 March
Weighting: 30%

An essay addressing two key questions related to the application of the NQF in early childhood settings. 2000 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically engage with the ever changing socio-political and legal contexts within which early childhood settings operate.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and foundational skills that they, as future managers and leaders of early childhood settings require.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to managing and leading ethically and professionally.

Assessment Task 2: Reflecting on leading

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Wednesday 18 May
Weighting: 20%

This assignment requires students to participate in the weekly discussions forum attached to each topic. 500 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically engage with the ever changing socio-political and legal contexts within which early childhood settings operate.
  • Apply high order analytical and integrative thinking skills through critique of practice and theory to understand the complexities of early childhood management and leadership.
  • Develop professional judgement and vision in relation to leading and managing early childhood settings.
  • Reflect on their own knowledge and skill base and consider professional development priorities that will enable them to, as a future leader of an early childhood setting, play a critical role in that centre's provision of quality early childhood education for young children.

Assessment Task 3: Leadership in action

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Monday 6 June
Weighting: 50%

This assignment requires students to analyse leadership enactment within an early childhood centre of their choice. 2500 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically engage with the ever changing socio-political and legal contexts within which early childhood settings operate.
  • Identify key differences between the managing and leading of an early childhood setting, and the range of management structures under which early childhood settings operate.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of leadership theories.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and foundational skills that they, as future managers and leaders of early childhood settings require.
  • Apply high order analytical and integrative thinking skills through critique of practice and theory to understand the complexities of early childhood management and leadership.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to managing and leading ethically and professionally.
  • Develop professional judgement and vision in relation to leading and managing early childhood settings.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Information about the unit iLearn site 

This unit has a full web presence through iLearnStudents will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies.

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and external students especially are encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures if you do not attend these ‘live’.

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357 or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks. 
  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.

Structure

The unit is completed through independent study, there are no tutorials as part of the unit offering. There is a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

 

Unit Schedule

A full unit schedule will be available on the unit iLearn site.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

School of Education Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit.

Unit Expectations

  • Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks 
  • Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks 

Note: It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.

Electronic Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via:

  • Official MQ Student Email Address
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn
  • Other iLearn communication functions
  • Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis.

5Rs Framework

5Rs Framework

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling.

In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

 

Reflexive: you will understand and critically engage with contexts of early childhood education settings, enabling you to consider how individual practice instersects with socio-political and legal contexts. 

Resilience: by engaging with theories and standards informing leadership practices in early childhood education you will build resilience as a future leader in the sector. 

 


Unit information based on version 2022.02 of the Handbook