The course is based on an understanding of children that emphasizes children’s participation and children’s competences, a societal view that emphasizes responsibility for the environment and sustainable development, and a view on culture that embraces both cultural heritage and cultural criticism. The course gives the students an insight into children’s culture and the formative influences that are part of the processes in a child’s development.
Other values fundamental for this course are gender equality and equality between all people in a social and ethnic diversity. Accompanying this are moral values which constitute the foundation for a modern democracy, and are in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Human Rights. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) forms the ethical foundation by emphasizing the child’s rights to a life that allows a physical, spiritual, moral and social development.
This course will contribute to the development of a beginner teacher with the ability to support and promote an inclusive, stimulating and child friendly learning environment. He/she will take responsibility of his/her continuing professional development and engage in ongoing comparative reflection and learning as early childhood teachers with intercultural experience.
The course contains elements from the following subjects
- Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Art/Drama/Music
- Norwegian language
- Maths
- Education/Pedagogics
- Norwegian Culture and Society
- Religion, Philosophies of Life and Ethics
International students have to take the course "NECEC2300 Norwegian Early Childhood Education and Care" together with the course "ECEC for Sustainability".
Organisation, Teaching and Working methods
The course is part of a professional education where theory and practice form two equal sources of knowledge which are inter-related. The course is a platform for a reflexive meeting between theoretical subject knowledge, practical skills and professionalism, and the three areas of competence should be seen as a holistic unit. Therefore parts of the programme will be practical training in an ECEC setting
Mentored practical training
During the programme the students will gain experience with planning, carrying out and evaluate pedagogical work in the ECEC setting, and gain experience with the preschool teacher profession. Tutoring of the practical training is a joint responsibility for all teachers during the course. The students will have 25 days practice experiences throughout the programme. The practice tutor at the college has the coordinating responsibility for the students during their practical training, and the practice mentor in the ECEC setting is responsible for the practical training in the ECEC institution.
Duration of Practical Training
Early Childhood Education and Care Setting 0-5 years: 25 days
Responsibility for own learning
Students are expected to take joint responsibility and to have a joint influence during the programme. They are required to work independently and actively to be well prepared for co-operation with children, colleagues, parents and the community, both during the study and in a lifelong learning process. In addition to lecturers and other teacher initiated activities, the students have to take responsibility to acquire knowledge of the contents of the course through self-study, groups, as well as individual work.
Student participation
All teaching and learning activites throughout the course is compulsory. In order to have the various parts of the course approved and to take the final exam the students have to fulfill all compulsory assignments.
Residence permit
There are different rules about what to document, how to apply for residence permit and how to register with the police depending on which country you are from. Choose the right category below, to find information that applies to you.
EU/EEA citizens:
As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a residence permit since they have the right of residence in Norway. If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days you have to register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration online at the Application Portal Norway and schedule an appointment with the police to receive your residence card. Please book this appointment as early as possible after arrival date.
You must have applied prior to your arrival in Trondheim to be granted permission of residence more than 3 months (one day more than 90 days is more than 3 months). You need to bring your passport and other relevant documents to show that you are an EU citizen.
Non-EU/EEA citizens:
Citizens from outside the Schengen area have to apply for a Tourist Visa/Visitor’s visa (up to 90 days) or a Residence Permit (more than 90 days) from their country of residence. List of Norwegian embassies/consulates.
All non-EU/EEA students must submit documentation that they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses, approximately NOK 61 760 NOK for one semester (2020 rate). We refer you to Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s webpage for required documents. UDI charges an application fee of NOK 4 900 (2020 rate). Attached to the application, you should also include the Letter of Admission from QMUC to your application. International exchange students have housing guarantee, and this information is included in the Letter of Admission.
Passport
Remember to make sure that you have a passport and that it is valid during the time of your stay. If you have to apply for a new one or make changes or updates, do it as soon as possible.
Health insurance
EU/EEA citizens:
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you must bring either the European Health Insurance Card (ec.europa.eu) or documentation of private health insurance when you enter Norway.
If you have private health insurance, please clarify with your insurance office whether your coverage applies to Norway. We strongly recommend a travel insurance in addition.
Non-EU citizens:
Students staying in Norway for more than 3 months can become members of the National Insurance Scheme (nav.no).
All students from countries outside the EU/EEA should have private or public health insurance to cover their stay in Norway or until they have become a member of the National insurance Scheme.
Please note that this membership means "coverage under the health section". If you should get ill and need medical treatment, the insurance will cover this within Norway, but not in another European country.
During your stay in Norway you will get free medical treatment, apart from a minor fee. The Norwegian National Health Scheme does not cover dentists' fees or opticians.
Other insurances
It is the student's own responsibility to make private insurance arrangements for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to persons or property (cameras, stereo, personal computer etc) resulting from, or in any way connected with, the study period in Norway. You should therefore consider whether you need a private/group travel/accident insurance policy. Check with your insurance office that your policy gives 24 hour cover and is valid for trips outside Norway during your stay (even for a few days).