Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The qualification is delivered over 78 weeks in total, comprising 60 weeks of training and assessment spread across 6 terms of 10 weeks each, plus 18 weeks of holidays. The course also requires completion of 280 hours of work placement.

The total course fee is AUD $15,000.00, with an additional enrolment fee of $200 and a material fee of $1,000. Please note that intake dates and course fees are subject to change without prior notice.

International students must have an IELTS score of 6.0 (no more than 2 years old), or demonstrate equivalent English competence through evidence such as completing a foundation course in Australia, completing at least 6 months of a Certificate IV level course at an Australian RTO, being educated for 5 years in an English-speaking country, or passing an English Placement Test. Other tests such as PTE and TOEFL may also be accepted if confirmed equivalent to IELTS 6.0.

Yes, students may apply for recognition of existing qualifications or skills, knowledge, and experience through credit transfer or recognition of prior learning (RPL). The granting of course credit may affect both course fees and the duration of the course. This process is outlined in Victorian Institute of Education's Student Enrolment and Completion Policy and Training and Assessment Policy & Associated Procedures.

Graduates can pursue roles such as Family Day Care Educator, Kindergarten Assistant, and Long Day Care Educator, working in settings such as long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools, or kindergartens. Students who complete this course may also wish to continue their education into higher education qualifications in early childhood education and care.