Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will gain the knowledge and understanding of:

• How children grow, develop and learn throughout childhood with a particular focus on birth to seven years
• The principles, theories and multiple perspectives on early childhood
• The diverse social, cultural and historical constructions of the child and childhood and the significance of family, community and ecological contexts
• Children’s rights and the impact of inequalities on children, families and their communities across the world
• The process of inclusion and the development of inclusive practice to promote equality and participation
• Safeguarding principles and legal frameworks and the importance of multi-agency working
• The importance of children’s voices and their perspectives
• Early childhood research paradigms and the range of research methodologies used in early childhood and how research can inform practice and have a systematic and critical understanding of the key ideas, theoretical debates, issues and policies relating to informal education work with young people.

Cognitive skills

On completion of the diploma you will be able to:

• Analyse and discuss competing concepts, theories, research and practice critically and systematically
• Identify and reflect on your own and others’ values and positions and consider the implications for practice
• Reflect upon the role of the researcher and the ethical considerations for the study of children and their families
• Take different perspectives on issues and problems in order to present, develop and summarise arguments and arrive at supported conclusions.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of the diploma you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to constructively critique theories and research in the area of early childhood
• Demonstrate the knowledge and awareness of the skills needed for different pedagogical approaches, including the formation and promotion of mutually respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues and other professionals
• Use the communication skills and tools necessary to converse, debate, negotiate, persuade and challenge the ideas of others
• Develop sensitivity and awareness of different contextual and inter-personal factors that shape behaviour and social interaction
• Recognise the importance of contributing, collaborating and taking leadership responsibility within a team.

Key skills

On completion of the diploma you will be able to:

• Organise and synthesise arguments associated with early childhood
• Communicate and write accurately and clearly in different genres that take account of purpose and content
• Read independently and purposefully, identifying and recording what is relevant from a range of resource material and different media
• Understand and engage in digital practices and share digital content in collaborative activities. communicate complex information, arguments and ideas effectively and appropriately, using diverse media and to diverse audiences.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with two modules that explore how children learn; and the importance of children’s play.
• Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops and broadens your knowledge and understanding of young children’s lives and learning, followed by one from a list of options.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109)
• Young children's play and creativity (E110)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study the following:

• Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)

You’ll choose one from:

• Exploring childhood and youth (E232)
• Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)
• Making a difference: working with children and young people (KE206)
• Psychology of childhood and youth (E219)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This diploma of higher education is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and to integrated coherent services for young children and their families. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early childhood, you’ll also develop a range of key communication, IT, numeracy, analytical, critical thinking and time management skills – all attributes that are highly valued by employers across all sectors.

Career relevance

This DipHE is relevant for existing early years practitioners (normally with a Level 3 early years qualification) or those interested in finding out more about young children’s learning and development. It provides a foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. It is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work.

• Nursery Worker/Manager
• Teacher
• Family Support Worker
• Counsellor
• Child Psychotherapist
• Careers Adviser
• Advice Worker
• Probation Officer
• Social Worker
• Education Welfare Officer
• Learning Mentor
• Community Development Worker

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.