Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TasTAFE builds a career in the sector by giving students the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work as a Diploma-level educator. TasTAFE currently delivers this qualification as CHC50125. It suits people interested in progressing their career in early childhood education and care who wish to gain the knowledge and skills required to design and implement curriculum in early childhood services. Experienced teachers show students how to work within the requirements of the National Quality Framework to implement the approved learning framework and support children's wellbeing, learning and overall development. Students learn to plan and implement programs that support children to learn through play in a safe and supported environment, ensure the health and safety of children in their care, maintain compliance in service operations, embed sustainability and environmental responsibility within the curriculum, support children to interact positively and respectfully with others, and implement strategies for the inclusion of all children using a strengths-based approach.

The course is delivered through mixed learning: a large portion is delivered online in a weekly virtual classroom session, with occasional face-to-face workshops at southern, northern and north-west campuses. Students complete a minimum of 280 hours of work placement in a regulated early childhood setting, organised by a TasTAFE teacher who also conducts visits and assessments. Domestically it runs full-time at Alanvale, Devonport and Clarence at $9,395 subsidised or $19,160 commercial and is available as an Australian Apprenticeship; international students study for 78 weeks in Hobart or Launceston with a February intake at AUD $24,410. Graduates can work as an educator, room leader, educational leader or manager, and are well placed to progress to a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).