Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The course takes 52 weeks full-time (approximately 8 hours of study per week plus 2 practical days per week) or 104 weeks part-time (approximately 4 hours of study per week plus 1 practical day per week). Online study is self-directed, so you can complete it at times that suit you — morning, evening, or weekends.

You need to complete 280 hours in a regulated early childhood service in Australia. If you are already working in childcare, your workdays count as part of your practical days. If you're not yet working in the sector, ACCCO can help you find a paid position or placement at an approved childcare service, and your trainer will organise regular video calls to support you while you get started.

No, there are no exams. Skills are assessed through quizzes, written tasks such as reports or reflections, projects like planning activities or events, role plays that practise real-life scenarios, workplace observations, and feedback from supervisors or mentors.

Yes, depending on your location, state government programs may help cover training costs to make them cheaper or even free. Programs like Queensland Career Boost, NSW Smart & Skilled, SA WorkReady, and traineeships provide this support. If funding isn't available, ACCCO offers flexible payment options including credit card, direct debit, payment plans, and VET Student Loans.

To enrol, you must hold a CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, have basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, have access to a regulated education and care service to complete placement, and have access to a computer and internet for learning materials, assessments, and submissions.