Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification offered by The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd., trading as Canberra Business and Technology College (CBTC). It builds the practical knowledge to become an educational leader or manager in childcare, designing and implementing curriculum that meets an approved learning framework and maintaining compliance across service operations, using specialised knowledge and theoretical concepts across diverse work situations.

Training is delivered in a blended mode combining scheduled face-to-face classroom learning with online learning activities, and the course states a duration of up to 42 weeks (excluding holidays) domestically, with a CRICOS-registered duration of 52 weeks. It includes a mandatory work placement of 300 hours in an approved children's education and care service, alongside a minimum recommended weekly study commitment of 35–45 hours. Entry requires prior completion of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

The qualification covers 13 units of competency, spanning team effectiveness, fostering holistic early childhood learning and creativity, facilitating compliance, inclusion strategies and curriculum planning. It suits current early childhood workers seeking career progression, providing a pathway into roles such as childcare centre manager, children's services director and childcare staff supervisor.