Course Overview

About This Course

Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning and development. With growing recognition of its importance across Australia, there's never been a better time to join this rewarding profession. LIHE's Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and aligns with the national vision for high-quality early learning. This one-year full-time course equips you with the essential skills to support children from birth to five years, preparing you for a fulfilling career in a rapidly growing sector.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Detailed academic and English language entry requirements are available for both international and domestic students via the institution's admissions page.
Please refer to the institution's entry requirements page for full details.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in long-day care centres, preschools, and early learning services. They may progress into leadership roles such as service manager or centre director, establish their own early childhood service with further experience, and are qualified to work across Australia in ACECQA-recognised roles. This course qualifies early childhood teachers to teach in birth-to-five-year-old settings (preschools/kindergartens) but does not qualify graduates to teach in primary school settings.

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

LEC801

Foundations and Principles of Early Childhood Education

Semester 1 unit covering foundational theories and principles of early childhood education.

LEC802

Planning for Learning and Development (Birth – 35 months)

Semester 1 unit focused on planning learning and development for children from birth to 35 months.

LEC804

Planning for Learning and Development (Three to Five Years including transition to school)

Semester 1 unit focused on planning learning and development for children aged three to five years, including transition to school.

LEC803

Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

Full-year unit covering language and literacy development in early childhood.

LEC808

Professional Practice

Full-year unit involving professional training experience (industry placement).

LEC805

STEM Learning – Early Years

Semester 2 unit exploring STEM learning approaches in early childhood education.

LEC806

Creative Arts in Early Childhood

Semester 2 unit focused on integrating creative arts into early childhood education.

LEC807

Ethical Leadership in Early Childhood

Semester 2 unit covering ethical leadership principles and practices in early childhood settings.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course accredited and what does that mean for my career?

Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and recognised under the National Quality Framework. This means graduates are qualified to work as Early Childhood Teachers in birth-to-five-year-old settings such as preschools and kindergartens across Australia. Note that this course does not qualify graduates to teach in primary school settings, and teacher registration requirements vary by state and territory.

Does the course include any practical work experience?

Yes, the course includes a 60-day industry placement through the Professional Practice unit (LEC808). This is an unpaid, supervised experience designed to help you build real-world skills and confidence. If you are already working in early childhood education, you may be able to complete your placement at your current workplace. A Placement Advisor will support you throughout the process to find the right placement and ensure it is safe, rewarding, and aligned with your career goals.

What topics and skills will I develop during this course?

Throughout the course you will develop evidence-based practices to support diverse learning needs, skills to build strong relationships with children, families, and communities, curriculum design focused on play, wellbeing, and sustainability, inclusive strategies for engagement and behaviour, and legal, ethical, and socially responsible approaches to education. Units cover areas including foundations of early childhood education, language and literacy, STEM learning, creative arts, and ethical leadership.

Where is the course delivered and what is the CRICOS code?

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is delivered on-campus at LIHE's Parramatta campus in Sydney. It is a one-year, full-time program. The CRICOS code for this course is 117610B.

Will I need to register as a teacher after completing this qualification?

Teacher registration requirements for early childhood teachers vary across Australian states and territories. An ACECQA approval of this course does not guarantee that graduates will meet teacher registration requirements in every state or territory. Graduates are encouraged to check the specific registration requirements for their jurisdiction via the ACECQA website at https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications-0/early-childhood-teacher-registration-and-accreditation.

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!

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Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education