What exactly are placements on the Early Years Education degree?
When we talk about curricular work placements, we are not referring to an optional activity, but to a formal and essential module within the curriculum of the Early Years Education degree. They form the first real, supervised bridge you’ll cross between the academic knowledge you acquire at university and the vibrant, complex reality of a pre-school classroom.
The main aim is for you to immerse yourself fully in the day-to-day life of a nursery school. During this period, you will not be a mere observer, but an active participant in the planning, delivery and evaluation of educational activities, always under the guidance of a professional mentor from the school and an academic tutor from the university. It is your first major opportunity to put your skills to the test, develop new abilities and, ultimately, begin to feel and act like the teacher you are destined to be.
Why are they a cornerstone of your training as a future teacher?
Beyond being a requirement for obtaining your degree, external placements are arguably one of the most transformative experiences of your entire degree programme. Their importance is multifaceted and directly impacts your professional and personal development.
- Development of key skills: you will learn to manage a classroom, to plan meaningful lesson plans, and to assess children’s progress , to cater for diversity, and to collaborate with other professionals and families.
- In-depth understanding of child development: you’ll see first-hand how the theories on learning, play and socio-emotional development that you’ve studied play out in practice.
- Building your professional network: you’ll meet headteachers, teachers and other professionals in the sector who may become mentors, colleagues or future employers.
- Confirming your vocation: this is the moment of truth, when you will confirm your passion for teaching and reaffirm your decision to pursue one of the most important professions there is.
- Significantly boosting your employability: a well-utilised work placement – particularly if undertaken at prestigious institutions – is one of the best assets you can have on your CV.
How are work placements organised for the Early Years Education degree at UAX?
At Alfonso X el Sabio University, we understand that practical experience must be progressive and sustained over time to truly become an integral part of your training. That is why, on this online Early Years Education degree, placements are strategically spread across three academic years, allowing you to become gradually and increasingly immersed in the field.
The structure is as follows:
- In the 2nd year: you will complete 225 hours of work placements, your first opportunity to familiarise yourself with the school environment.
- In the third year: the workload increases to 338 hours, allowing you to take on greater responsibilities and participate in more complex projects.
- In the fourth year: you will complete 262 hours, consolidating your independence and applying everything you have learnt in a final placement project.
This adds up to a total of 825 hours of real-world practical experience in schools – a very impressive figure that ensures that, upon graduation, you will not only have a degree but also valuable experience that will set you apart in the job market.
Where can you undertake your work placement if you’re studying the Online Bachelor’s Degree at UAX?
One of the great advantages of studying at UAX is the enormous flexibility and support we offer to help you find the ideal placement for you. We know that many of our online students balance their studies with other responsibilities, so we make this process as straightforward as possible.
We provide you with access to a network of over 700 prestigious educational institutions across Spain, including state, private and state-subsidised schools. Among them are institutions with highly renowned educational models such as the Montessori School, the Waldorf School and Los Sauces, amongst many others.
This extensive network allows you to find a school that is not only close to where you live, but also aligns with your educational interests. Furthermore, if you have a specific school in mind that is not part of our network, the UAX Placements Department will help you arrange a new agreement so that you can undertake your placement wherever you wish.
What makes UAX placements unique? Projects that make a difference
At UAX, we go a step further than conventional placements. Thanks to our collaboration with leading institutions, we incorporate unique practical projects into your training that will provide you with invaluable added value.
- Sustainable Pedagogy Project: in a world that urgently needs greater environmental awareness, we prepare you to be an agent of change. Through a practical project designed in collaboration with UNESCO and the SM Foundation, you will not only learn to integrate sustainability into your daily teaching, but you will also obtain a recognised certificate that will help improve your score in competitive examinations.
- Project on Supporting Diversity (ASD): inclusive education is both a reality and a necessity. That is why we offer you an innovative paediatric dentistry project focused on supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This project will provide you with key tools and specific knowledge to understand and address the needs of these children, preparing you for a truly inclusive classroom.
These projects are not merely supplementary; they are specialised modules that position you as a professional who is up to date and prepared for the real challenges of 21st-century education.
What is the step-by-step process for organising your placements?
Although it may seem like a complex process, at UAX we support you at every stage to ensure everything runs smoothly and in a structured manner.
- Personalised Guidance: from the very start, the Work Placement Department will guide you through the deadlines, documentation and steps to follow.
- Searching for and Selecting a Placement Organisation: you can explore our extensive database of organisations or suggest a new one. You’ll have the university’s support to ensure the organisation meets the quality requirements.
- Signing the Agreement: once you have chosen the organisation, the Educational Cooperation Agreement is formalised; this document governs your work placement and guarantees your rights and responsibilities.
- Assignment of Tutors: You will have two people to support you: an academic tutor at UAX, who will monitor your academic progress, and a professional tutor at the school, who will guide you in your day-to-day work.
- Placement and Monitoring: during your time at the school, you will carry out the tasks assigned to you, participate in school life and maintain regular contact with your tutors.
- Assessment and Final Report: upon completion, you must submit a placement report in which you reflect on your experience and learning. This, together with your tutors’ assessment, will determine your final mark.
Can I undertake the work placement if I am already working in an educational institution?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions among students on the online degree programme. The answer is yes, subject to certain conditions. The education system allows for the possibility of applying for the recognition or accreditation of professional experience.
If you are already working as a a senior early years education specialist or in a role directly related to the skills covered by the degree programme at an authorised institution, you can begin the process to have that experience recognised as part of your work placement. Generally, a minimum length of service is required, and the duties you perform must be aligned with the learning objectives of the Practicum module. This process demonstrates the flexibility of the system and the practical focus of the programme. We recommend that you consult the university department to find out the exact procedure and the necessary documentation.
Expert tips for making the most of your work placement
Work placements are a golden opportunity. To ensure they aren’t just a formality, here are some key tips:
- Be proactive: don’t wait to be told what to do. Show interest, offer your help and put forward ideas.
- Observe through a teacher’s eyes: take note of how your mentor manages conflicts, how they organise the space, and what teaching methods they use.
- Build relationships: talk to all the staff at the school, from the management team to the caretaker. Everyone is part of the educational community.
- Apply theory: try to link what you see with what you’ve studied. Can you identify stages of Piaget’s theory of development ? Can you see applications of Montessori pedagogy?
- Keep a field journal: jot down your reflections, anecdotes and any questions that come to mind. It’s a hugely powerful learning tool.
- Ask for feedback: don’t be afraid to ask your tutor how you’re getting on and where you can improve. Constructive feedback is the best gift for your personal growth.
Conclusion: a springboard to your professional future
Ultimately, Early Years Education placements are much more than just an academic requirement. They are at the heart of your training, the moment when all your theoretical knowledge comes to life and becomes real-world experience.
At UAX, we have designed a placement programme for the Online Bachelor’s Degree that not only meets academic excellence but exceeds it, offering you a network of top-tier centres, constant support and innovative projects with organisations such as UNESCO that will clearly set you apart in your future career. They are the key element that will turn you into a well-prepared, competent and passionate teacher.
Summary
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the teaching placements on the Early Years Education degree programme, an essential component of teacher training. It details how they are structured at UAX, with 825 hours spread over three academic years, the flexibility to undertake them at more than 700 centres across Spain, and the unique projects in sustainable pedagogy (with UNESCO) and supporting diversity (ASD) that set you apart. You’ll also find practical advice on how to manage and make the most of this transformative experience, turning it into a real springboard towards your professional future as a teacher.
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