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Advance your early childhood career with a nationally recognised Diploma
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) opens doors to leadership roles across the early childhood education sector. This qualification is delivered as a workplace-based online course designed specifically for learners already employed in the early childhood sector in regional Victoria.
At Practical Outcomes, we believe early childhood training should be a supported and personal experience, not a self-directed process where you’re left to manage on your own. Our trainers work closely with you and your workplace to ensure you stay on track and build genuine competency at every stage.
Call 1300 799 610 to speak with our team about this diploma and how we can support your early childhood training journey.
Course code
CHC50125
Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Course units
15 units (12 core and 3 electives)
Duration
12 months
Workplace (Skills First funded); distance/online available for fee-for-service learners
Placement hours
Minimum 280 hours (2 days per week, 7.5 hour days) in a long day care environment. For workplace learners, practical placement hours for diploma of early childhood education can be scheduled during usual working hours.
Government funding & fees
VIC (Skills First)
Course Units
To complete the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, learners must successfully complete 15 units: 12 core and 3 electives.
Core units
CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Elective units
BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
Skills You’ll Learn
- Planning and implementing inclusive, play-based learning curricula
- Fostering holistic learning, development and wellbeing in children
- Nurturing creativity and positive interactions
- Building effective networking and family partnerships
- Embedding environmental responsibility in service operations
- Leading and managing team effectiveness
- Facilitating compliance in an early childhood service
- Reflecting on and improving professional practice
Your Career Opportunities
Early childhood careers are thriving in Victoria, driven by the expansion of early childhood education programs.
This diploma could advance you to roles that include:
- Room leader/Lead educator
- Early childhood educator
- Family day care educator
- Kindergarten early childhood educator
- Nanny /in home carer
- Assistant director
- Centre director
Is This Course For You?
This qualification is suited to learners who are:
- Currently employed in the early childhood education sector in regional Victoria
- Holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and ready to upskill to the diploma level
- Seeking to step into an educational leader, room leader, or early childhood service manager role
- Working in long day care centres, kindergartens, family day care services, community organisations, independent schools, government schools, local councils, or private businesses operating early childhood services
Why Study With Practical Outcomes?
Your Dedicated Trainer
Every learner is assigned a qualified and experienced trainer that provides individualised feedback on all assessments and is available via visits, phone and email throughout your studies.
Study Your Way
Choose online learning, in the workplace, by traineeship or by virtual classroom. Whichever you choose, you will be supported every step of the way.
AI-Powered Learning Tools
Receive an interactive AI learning companion, AI assessment coach, and innovative avatar training experience to deepen confidence.
Skills First Funding & Interest-Free Payment Plans
Government funding available for eligible applicants and payment options with no hidden fees and fast approvals.
Course Requirements
Prerequisites
To enrol in the CHC50125, learners must hold one of the following:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121) [internal link]
- An Australian Certificate III in Children’s Services, plus at least 12 months of cumulative full-time-equivalent employment within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence
- CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Entry Requirements
All applicants must also meet the following standard requirements:
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills at ACSF Level 3
- Access to a computer and internet
- Physical ability to meet the demands of practicum requirements
- A current Working with Children Check (WWCC), or evidence of an application in progress
Please Note
If you are unable to obtain a WWCC, you will not be able to complete the requirements of this course.
Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination may be requested by individual services at their own discretion. While this is not a government mandate, it may affect placement arrangements at certain services. Practical Outcomes cannot guarantee alternative placement if a service’s vaccination policy prevents attendance.
Important: If you are working, volunteering, or undertaking practical placement in a regulated early childhood education and care service, the Education and Care Services National Law require you to complete National Child Safety Training. This training is separate from this qualification. Please visit Child Safety and Child Protection Training | ACECQA for further information.
Work Placements and Practical Hours
The CHC50125 requires a minimum of 280 hours of work placements in a regulated early childhood education and care service. For workplace learners, these hours can generally be completed during your usual working hours.
We encourage our learners, if unable to complete placement at their current workplace, to find their own placement. This is a great way to build confidence and network in your local area. If required, your trainer can provide support to confirm placement details.
Program Delivery and Assessment
Delivered through your workplace, this program allows learners to build real-world competencies while managing existing work and life commitments. All learning materials and assessment tasks are accessed through our interactive online portal.
Assessment methods include: research and reflection tasks, knowledge questions, projects, and workplace-based observations and assessments, all contextualised to your role in an early childhood and education service.
Training delivery includes:
- One-on-one trainer support (online and face-to-face visits)
- Self-paced online study modules
- Workplace-based practical assessments
Tuition Fees and Payment Plans
For detailed information on government funding eligibility, tuition fees and enrolment contributions, please visit our Government Funding & Fees page.
Regional Victorian learners enrolled under the Skills First government funding program pay a enrolment contribution of $249.
For fee-for-service learners, Practical Outcomes offers interest-free payment plans (weekly, fortnightly or monthly), making this qualification accessible regardless of your funding eligibility.
Already working in an early childhood service in regional Victoria?
This diploma can be completed through your employer. Work placements are scheduled during your usual working hours, your trainer visits you on-site, and Victorian Skills First funding may cover your costs where eligible. It works like a traineeship: earn, gain experience and qualify at the same time.
Further Study Pathways
After completing this diploma, you can further your early childcare education into:
- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), for learners pursuing early childhood teacher qualification and registration
Make an enquiry
Interested in a fulfilling career working with children? Our consultants are here to help you get started. Click enquire now and fill out our form to learn more about entry requirements, fees, learning options, and how to enrol.
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Testimonials
“I recently graduated from Practical Outcomes, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience. The program has equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills I need to excel in my chosen field. The hands-on approach of the course truly set me up for success, allowing me to apply what I learned in real-world settings.”
“My trainer, Angela, was fantastic. She brought a wealth of knowledge, patience, and genuine support throughout the entire course. Angela’s teaching style was engaging, and she made sure I fully understood the material before moving on to more advanced topics. Her constructive feedback and encouragement helped me stay motivated and focused, and I always felt confident asking questions or seeking clarification when needed.”
“I feel well-prepared to continue into my career now that I’ve graduated, and I couldn’t have asked for a better learning experience. I highly recommend Practical Outcomes to anyone looking to develop their skills and pursue a career with the confidence and competence that comes from quality education.”
“Thank you to Angela and the entire team at Practical Outcomes for helping me achieve my goals.”
FAQs
Who is this course suitable for?
This diploma is designed for learners already working in the early childhood education sector who want to progress into educational leader, room leader, early childhood service manager, or centre director roles. It is particularly relevant for educators in regional Victoria looking to upskill within their current workplace.
Do I need a Certificate III to enrol?
Yes. Applicants must hold one of the following: CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; an Australian Certificate III in Children’s Services plus 12 months’ employment in a regulated service; or CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
How long does the diploma take to complete?
This qualification is typically completed within 12 months, delivered through your workplace.
Is work placement required?
Yes. A minimum of 280 hours of work placement must be completed in a regulated early childhood service.
What student support is available?
Every learner receives dedicated support from a qualified trainer throughout the course, including regular face-to-face visits, trainer-led sessions, personalised assessment feedback, and ongoing guidance during practical placement. Our team is also available by phone and email for additional support.
What career opportunities can this qualification lead to?
Graduates can pursue roles including Lead Educator, Educational Leader, Early Childhood Service Manager, Centre Director, and Family Day Care Coordinator. Many continue their pathway toward an early childhood teacher qualification through further university study.
Is the course available online?
Learners access all course materials and assessment tasks through our interactive online portal. The program is delivered through your workplace, supplemented by trainer-led sessions and practical workplace assessments. Distance delivery is also available for fee-for-service learners.
Is this diploma nationally recognised?
Yes. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is an approved learning framework nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is recognised by ACECQA for leadership roles in regulated early childhood services.
How do I enrol?
Apply directly through the Practical Outcomes website or contact our team on 1300 799 610 to discuss your eligibility, funding options, and the best pathway for your goals.
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