Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. International students must also be 18 years of age or over, have completed Year 12 (HSC or equivalent), and have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.

Students are required to undertake 280 hours or 12 weeks of student work placement during the course. These hours must be completed in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia, and the total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is offered over 12 months full time study or 2 years part time.

Graduates of this qualification can pursue roles such as Family Day Care Manager, Day Care Supervisor, Child Care Manager, Team Leader, Preschool Manager, and Educator in settings including long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.

The course consists of a total of 15 units — 12 core units and 3 elective units. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.