Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) is designed for experienced early childhood teachers in the education sector who want to deepen their expertise in specialised areas and enhance their career prospects. At Ikon, we consider learning to be a lifelong skill. Whether you are already qualified as an early childhood teacher, or more broadly in education, this program will prepare you to pursue leadership positions or explore roles in other areas of education, such as a specialised teaching professional, education administrator, higher education academic, or educational researcher. This course will provide a deeper understanding of diverse learning, inclusive education, innovative teaching methods and curriculum delivery. This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Level 3, 127 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A Bachelor degree in education or teaching and professional experience equivalent to one year full-time in an education field; or
A Bachelor degree in any field and professional experience equivalent to one year full-time in early childhood education; or
An equivalent overseas higher education qualification in early childhood and professional experience equivalent to one year full-time in early childhood education.
Applicants must demonstrate they can meet the inherent requirements needed to successfully complete the course: ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal compliance, communication skills, cognitive skills, literacy (language) skills, relational skills, reflective skills, sensory abilities, strength and mobility and sustainable performance.
Applicants will need to complete an online questionnaire as part of the application process.
International students: English Language Proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (Academic) with speaking no less than 6.5, Listening, Writing and Reading no less than 6.0.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) meets the professional needs of aspiring teachers seeking lead teaching and curriculum positions, service director leadership and management roles, education administrator roles, higher education academic or educational research positions.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

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 Units4 units

EPRO581

Contemporary Early Childhood Educational Contexts

Students will explore and critically engage with the multifaceted landscape of contemporary early childhood educational contexts, including evolving roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations within the early childhood profession.

EPED582

Playful Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education

Students will explore the dynamic and transformative role of play and creativity in early childhood education, critically examining worldviews, theories, philosophies, and perspectives on play and playful pedagogies.

EPRO584

Diverse Learning and Inclusive Education in Early Childhood Contexts

Students will gain insight into the multifaceted world of inclusive education and its vital role in enriching the experiences of all children in early childhood settings.

EPED583

Thinking, Creativity and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical role that thinking skills, creativity, and curriculum provision play in the early years context.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course professionally accredited for early childhood teaching registration?

No. The Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) is not designed to be a graduate pre-service teacher education course and therefore is not professionally accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers, nor does the course meet the national standards required for graduates to be registered as teachers in Victoria. If you want to become a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, you should consider applying for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

What are the course fees and is FEE-HELP available?

The indicative domestic course fee for the Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) is $12,304 for 6 months full-time study delivered online. This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.

Can I continue my studies after completing the Graduate Certificate?

Yes. Students may continue into the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) or Master of Education (Early Childhood). The Graduate Diploma includes subjects such as Wellbeing, Trauma and Responsive Practices in Early Childhood Educational Contexts; Sustainability, Kinship and Nature in Early Childhood Education; Agentic Digital Citizenship in Early Childhood Education; and Research A: Introduction to Practitioner Research. The Master of Education adds further subjects including Operational Management of Early Childhood Educational Contexts; Empathy, Place and Community Connections in Early Childhood Education; Leadership of Early Childhood Educational Contexts; and Research B: Practitioner Research Project.

How is the course structured and what is the expected study workload?

The Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) comprises 4 equally weighted subjects of 6 credit points each (total of 24 credit points) delivered over two trimesters. A typical full-time load is 2 subjects per trimester. Course delivery is a self-paced combination of lectures, tutorials, discussions, assessment activities, and independent study. Students should allow a notional 10-12 hours per week for each subject studied. Each trimester consists of twelve weeks of teaching.

Can previous study or work experience count towards this qualification?

Yes. At Ikon, your past studies or work experience can be acknowledged through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. RPL evaluates your previous skills and experience against the learning outcomes of Ikon subjects, potentially exempting you from studying certain subjects. Credit Transfer allows your previous studies to contribute towards your qualification, granting credits based on matched content and learning outcomes between equivalent qualifications. These pathways could help you fast track your qualification, reducing study time and tuition fees.

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!

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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