Course Overview

About This Course

The first few years of a child's life are characterised by rapid brain development, boundless curiosity, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Recognising the profound, life-long impact of these formative years, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is an innovative course that offers professional practice across two trimesters, where you will be actively involved with children under aged three (generally 0-35 months) and children aged three until before they start formal schooling (generally 3–5-year-old children). This Graduate Diploma offers a transformative journey that will equip you with the pedagogical knowledge, professional skills, and the compassionate understanding required to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of young children, families, and communities. Upon graduation, you will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with children, families, communities, and other stakeholders, including early childhood teachers, educational leaders, and service directors. LHE's Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is accredited with ACECQA.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Age: Learners must be a minimum age of 18 years or above at the time of course commencement.
Qualifications (one of the following):
- Domestic: completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any field
- International: Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any field and IELTS result of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
English Language Requirement (one of the following):
- Completion of Year 12 in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada or Republic of Ireland
- Successful completion of an English Language course approved by LHE from a registered ELICOS provider
- Academic IELTS: 6.5 with no skills band less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 79+
- TOEFL paper based: 79+
- OET: C+ for all components
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (PTE-A): 58+
English test waiver may be available for applicants who can demonstrate:
- Work experience of four or more years in full-time employment (in an early childhood context) where the language of employment, both oral and written, is English
- Study experience if applicant has completed at least 3 years of full-time studies in a university where English is the main language of study
National Police Check: Required before enrolling in the Professional Placement unit
Working With Children Check & Child Protection Training: Required before enrolling in the Professional Placement unit
Vaccinations: Health based placement providers may require students to undertake various vaccinations before being accepted for placement in their agencies
Interview: Students who demonstrate that they have the minimum entrance criteria may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, students will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with children, families, communities, and other stakeholders, including early childhood teachers, educational leaders, and service directors. GDECT graduates will also have the opportunity to enter master's courses in education, teaching, social sciences, and other related fields.

Course Content