Educating Early Childhood Professionals: A Collaborative Approach in the ACT

Abstract

In February 1998 the University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology enrolled the first intake of students in the joint program of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and the Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services). At the end of 2001 that first cohort of students completed the four-year program. All graduates reported a high level of overall satisfaction with the course. Recruitment ratings of the cohort by the Australian Capital Territory's Department of Education and Community Services were very positive, with an unusually high proportion of students ranked as outstanding or meritorious. Since February 1998 more than 250 students have enrolled in the dual qualification program. The purpose of this article is to examine how the program came about, how some of the issues and early problems were dealt with, and how the innovation represented by the program can contribute to the general debate on the education of early childhood professionals.

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