Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Swinburne University of Technology

CRICOS Institution Code 00111D

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

On Campus

Study Load

Full-time, Workplace training

Intakes

VET Feb Intake: 01-February-2027 (Hawthorn)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a required qualification for educators responsible for designing and implementing curricula in regulated early childhood settings. Diploma-qualified educators are accountable for curriculum development and may supervise educators holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This qualification equips educators with the skills to implement approved learning frameworks, lead teams, and maintain ethical, inclusive, and compliant practice. Completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121) is a prerequisite for entry. Delivered over 12 months, the course progresses from foundational knowledge to advanced skills, preparing graduates to manage an early childhood room and team. This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia. Along the way you'll build skills in areas like Leadership and Management, Advocacy and Collaboration, Child Development and Wellbeing, Health, Safety, and Compliance, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Policy and Research Application. Graduates typically move into roles such as Early Childhood Educator / Team Leader, Educational Leader, Kindergarten Assistant, School-aged Care Assistant, Nanny or Family Day Care Provider. 91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

18290

Duration

52 weeks

Intakes

VET Feb Intake: 01-February-2027 (Hawthorn)

Study Mode

Full-time, Workplace training

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Able to get up and down off the floor easily
Able to lift/ carry young children safely
Able to perform the physical activities for care and safety of children ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Use email effectively
Create files and folders
Upload and download files
Log in using a username and password
Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
Course pre-requisites Students must hold a Certificate III in Early childhood Education and Care: either CHC30113 or CHC30121. Mandatory documentation Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.

International students:

Successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent. Minimum GPA score required, check your specific requirements via the link below.
IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5
Equivalent measures available at English language requirements

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Educator / Team Leader
Educational Leader
Kindergarten Assistant
School-aged Care Assistant
Nanny or Family Day Care Provider

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

VRQA / ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) / AITSL

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / ACECQA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units15 units

BSBTWK502

Manage team effectiveness

Core unit

CHCECE041

Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

Core unit

CHCECE042

Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing

Core unit

CHCECE043

Nurture creativity in children

Core unit

CHCECE044

Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service

Core unit

CHCECE045

Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

Core unit

CHCECE046

Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

Core unit

CHCECE047

Analyse information to inform children's learning

Core unit

CHCECE048

Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum

Core unit

CHCECE049

Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

Core unit

CHCECE050

Work in partnership with children's families

Core unit

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Core unit

BSBHRM413

Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

Elective unit

BSBPEF502

Develop and use emotional intelligence

Elective unit

CHCECE053

Respond to grievances and complaints about the service

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course free to study?

Yes, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) at Swinburne University of Technology is a Free TAFE course, meaning eligible domestic students may be able to study at no cost.

Do I need a Working with Children Check to enrol in this course?

Yes, all applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) prior to enrolment and must hold it for the duration of the program.

What are the prerequisites for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?

Students must hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, either CHC30113 or CHC30121, as a course prerequisite. Applicants must also have completed Australian Year 12 equivalent or other equivalent study and be at least 18 years of age.

How long does it take to complete this diploma and where is it offered?

The diploma can be completed in 12 months full-time on-campus or 18 months through workplace training. The course is offered at Swinburne's Hawthorn and Wantirna campuses, with multiple intake dates available.

Are there physical requirements for this course?

Yes, students must be physically capable of responding effectively to emergency situations, including being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously, get up and down off the floor easily, and lift and carry young children safely.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$55,000 – $70,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$70,000 – $82,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$82,000 – $92,000/yr

Career Paths

Early Childhood Educator (Certificate III level)
Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)
Room Leader / Lead Educator
Educational Leader
Childcare Centre Director / Centre Manager

Key Skills

Child development assessment and observation
Play-based curriculum design and implementation
Application of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Inclusive education practices for children with diverse needs
Behaviour guidance and positive relationships with children

Full course overview

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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students