For domestic students, start your study journey here.
Course code: CHC50121 | CRICOS Code: 108537C
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care gives you the skills to design early education programs that nurture creativity in children. Build on your mentoring skills and lead a team to create learning environments that enhance children’s development and education, and are safe for all.
This qualification provides you with extensive learning about how to critically reflect to enable you to make continuous improvements to your professional practice.
You'll graduate with the skills to make a real difference to children's education and help them grow personally. Learn from our experienced teaching staff as well as from your work placement experience. Take the opportunity to demonstrate your new skills and knowledge so you can lead and innovate in a growing industry.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Devise and implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- Establish and maintain a healthy learning environment for children
- Nurture creativity in children
- Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate education and care for children
- Lead teams in the workplace
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Making curriculum decisions to promote inclusion and participation of all children
- Using information gathered in the self-assessment process to inform the development of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
- Using analysis to inform children's development and learning strategies
- Teaching children how to use creativity to overcome challenges
- Designing programs that nurture creativity in children based on their interests and cultural activities
- Providing feedback to team members on team effort and contributions
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- A passion for continued learning in early childhood education and care
- A high level of professionalism
- High energy, commitment and dedication to your career
- Well developed communication and interpersonal skills
- A willingness to build leadership skills
- Patience and adaptability
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Lead Educator
- Early Childhood Director
- Educational Leader
- Coordinator
- Nominated Supervisor
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
Work placement builds on the knowledge and skills you gain in your course and helps prepare you for success in the work place.
During your course you'll undertake 280 hours of mandatory work placement in an approved children’s education and care service in Australia.
TAFE NSW will arrange your work placement with a suitable industry employer.
Before You Start Work Placement
Before you start work placement, you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
- Hold a valid Australian Working with Children Check
- Meet vaccination requirements
- Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
- Completion of any required work placement readiness activities
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- The ability to problem solve and work with people in difficult situations and circumstances
- Interest in leadership and supporting and guiding colleagues
- Empathy, patience and the capacity to empower others
- Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid change
- The ability to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) while kneeling on the floor
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011), the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements.
To understand Australian licensing requirements, please visit: ACECQA
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | Feb, Jul (Full) | $15,870 AUD |
| Glendale | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| Meadowbank | Feb | $15,870 AUD |
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| Petersham | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| St Leonards | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| Wollongong | Feb, Jul | $15,870 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | Feb (Full), Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Glendale | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Meadowbank | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Ourimbah | Feb | $16,510 AUD |
| Petersham | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Randwick | Feb (Full), Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| St Leonards | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
| Wollongong | Feb, Jul | $16,510 AUD |
Additional costs
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
12 core units 3 elective units, consisting of: 2 units from the electives listed below up to 1 unit from the list below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course.
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Manage team effectivenessBSBTWK502
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for childrenCHCECE041
Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeingCHCECE042
Nurture creativity in childrenCHCECE043
Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care serviceCHCECE044
Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in childrenCHCECE045
Implement strategies for the inclusion of all childrenCHCECE046
Analyse information to inform children’s learningCHCECE047
Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculumCHCECE048
Embed environmental responsibility in service operationsCHCECE049
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Grow your expertise with a TAFE NSW early childhood study pathway:
When you successfully complete this course you can apply for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth 5) degree program with credits.
You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.
We offer a range of support services including:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Studiosity - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International