The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is highly sought-after qualification designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to become a lead educator in the delivery of early childhood education programs in a range of child care settings.
This program includes management competencies which will equip graduates with the knowledge and confidence to meet the daily challenges of working within the early childhood industry and the ability to lead and mentor other staff and volunteers.
Whichever delivery mode suits your lifestyle, our experienced and supportive trainers will be with you every step of the way.
Call us on 1300 799 610 to talk to us about how to begin or advance your career in the rewarding child care industry!
Kick start your career today.
Course code
CHC50121
Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Course units
15 units (12 core and 3 electives)
Duration
12 months
Delivery modes
Workplace or distance (online)
Placement hours
280 hours (2 days per week, 7.5 hour days) in a long day care environment that we can help you organise. For workplace learners, practical placement hours can be scheduled during usual working hours.
Government funding & fees
VIC
Course Units
Core units
CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE050 Work in partnership with the children’s families
CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE049 Embed sustainable practices in service operations
CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform learning
CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in an education and care service
BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
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
Entry requirements
- Must hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121).
- To commence this program, your Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills must meet required standards for ACSF LEVEL 3.
- Access to a computer and internet.
- You need to either provide a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or provide evidence that you have applied for a WWCC. Find out more information here.
- If you are unable to obtain a WWCC you will not be able to complete the requirements of the course.
- Evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations may be required by a service to undertake your practical placement.*
*While not a Government public health mandate, individual services have the choice to require evidence of vaccination against COVID-19 and other illnesses. Depending on the service you attend and their vaccination policy, this may affect your ability to undertake practical placement. Practical Outcomes has no authority over the decisions made by individual services and cannot warrant you will be able to be placed elsewhere if you are unable to attend an early childhood service because of your vaccination status and will not be responsible for any impact which this may cause on your ability to complete your course requirements.
Program delivery and assessment
Offered in the workplace or by distance you can study to suit your life commitments. With either delivery mode you can study via our interactive online portal.
Assessment methods include: Readings, research and reflection tasks, knowledge questions, projects, workplace/placement assessments and observations.
Placement hours
This program requires a minimum of 280 hours to be logged in at least one education and care service. If you are not already in the workplace we can help you organise practical placement in a centre that is suitable to you. Learn more
Your dedicated trainer and assessor
You will be provided with a qualified trainer and workplace/placement coach who will support you throughout your entire learning journey. Your trainer will provide you with individualised feedback on all your assessments and support you every step of the way. As well as face-to-face visits, for extra support, your trainer is available to help via phone or email too.
Fees and funding
For information on fees, government funding and payment options please click here.
Job outcomes
- Room leader/Lead educator
- Early childhood educator
- Family day care educator
- Kindergarten early childhood educator
- Nanny /in home carer
- Assistant director
- Centre director
Further education pathways
- CHC50221Diploma of School Age Education and Care
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management