Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 280 hours of work in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

Entry to this qualification is open only to individuals who are 18 years of age or over and hold a CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent). Alternatively, candidates may hold an Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an Australian diploma or certificate III in Children's Services, plus at least 12 months of cumulative full-time equivalent employment within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia. Candidates may also qualify by holding the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

The course is delivered over a period of 52 weeks equating to 36 contact study weeks plus 16 weeks for holidays. The mode of delivery is 20 hours per week on a blended delivery of 14 hours face to face in the classroom plus 6 hours online study.

Assessment is competency based. Students are required to complete written and practical tasks, which reflect the requirements of the units of competency and current workplace practices. Assessment is continuous throughout the duration of the course. Students are provided with a Student Assessment Booklet at the commencement of each unit of competency and the Booklet sets out the range and types of assessments that will be used for this unit.

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include Family Day Care Manager, Day Care Supervisor, Child Care Manager, and Preschool Manager. After achieving the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, candidates may also undertake Tertiary Studies or other Diploma qualifications.