Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care supports educators ready to progress into leadership roles within early learning services. This course develops advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating high-quality education and care programs that support children's wellbeing, learning and development. Through practical learning, industry placement and strong sector connections, students build confidence to lead teams, mentor colleagues and create inclusive early childhood environments. Graduates are well prepared for roles such as Room Leader, Educational Leader, Coordinator or Early Childhood Service Director.

At Holmesglen, you'll build advanced skills to design, implement and evaluate high-quality education and care programs that support children's learning, development and wellbeing. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care develops your understanding of the National Quality Framework, including the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards, while strengthening your ability to lead teams, mentor others and contribute to inclusive early learning environments. Learning combines classroom study with extensive practical experience, including structured industry placement in registered education and care services. You'll learn in modern early childhood facilities and be supported by experienced educators with strong industry knowledge.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

585 Waverly Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$15,650

Duration

Full Time, 1 Year

Intakes

October, April

Study Mode

Full Time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

To be eligible for entry into this course, candidates must hold one of the following: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121 or CHC30113); any other Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or Diploma or Certificate III in Children's Services; or CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Candidates must also demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment within the last five years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence.
Candidates must be 18 years of age or older at course commencement
Candidates must be able to participate in assessable industry placements
A current Working With Children Check is required for placement
A current Police Check may be required by some industry partners
Candidates must complete a Pre-Training Review and be physically able to complete the practicum requirements

International Students:

Hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121 or CHC30113)
English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
Be at least 18 years old when the course begins
Be able to participate in industry placements; a current Working With Children Check card is necessary
Be physically capable of fulfilling the practicum requirements
May need to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for placement in an education and care service

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Educator
Out of School Hours Educator or Coordinator
Family Day Care Operator
Team, Group or Program Leader
Educational Leader
Early Childhood Service Director or Coordinator

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

CHCECE047

Analyse information to inform children's learning

CHCECE042

Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing

CHCECE043

Nurture creativity in children

CHCECE048

Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum

CHCECE045

Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

CHCECE046

Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

CHCECE044

Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service

CHCECE041

Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

CHCECE049

Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

BSBTWK502

Manage team effectiveness

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

CHCECE050

Work in partnership with children's families

BSBHRM413

Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

BSBPEF502

Develop and use emotional intelligence

CHCECE053

Respond to grievances and complaints about the service

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holmesglen offer the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as a Free TAFE course?

Holmesglen does promote Free TAFE options on its website, and prospective students are encouraged to explore the Free TAFE section on the Holmesglen website to determine whether the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualifies for fee-free study.

What support is available to students studying the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Holmesglen?

Holmesglen offers academic and personal support to all students, along with regular activities to enhance the learner experience, as part of its commitment to vibrant student life.

Why should I choose Holmesglen for my early childhood education studies?

Holmesglen is an award-winning institution with over 40 years of education experience, 160,000+ alumni, strong industry connections, and a track record of employment outcomes that are 2.8% above the 2024 TAFE employment average, making it a reputable choice for vocational education.

Are there pathways available after completing the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Holmesglen?

Holmesglen offers a range of study pathways including TAFE, higher education, apprenticeships, and secondary school study programs, which may provide further progression opportunities for graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Can I study the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as an international student at Holmesglen?

Holmesglen does offer international student study options, and prospective international students are encouraged to visit the international student study section of the Holmesglen website for specific information regarding eligibility and enrolment.

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

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $82,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $82,000 to $92,000 per year

Career Paths

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

Key Skills

Child development assessment and observationPlay-based curriculum design and implementationApplication of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)Inclusive education practices for children with diverse needsBehaviour guidance and positive relationships with children

Full Course Overview

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