OverviewAbout this course

    Pursue a career as a qualified teacher in early childcare education and combine your love for working with children, child development and pedagogical practices, welfare, ethics and social justice.

    The TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) combines theory with real world practical skills. As a graduate, you will have the expertise to thrive in a diverse environment as a teacher in preschools and long day care or gain employment in various roles in the children's and family services sector. There is also opportunity and scope to work within the Department of Education School systems.

    The academic and theoretical content is supplemented by professional experience work placements which will allow you to apply what you've learned in a real world environment.

    This degree qualification is an Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approved early childhood teaching course.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Through a mix of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Work closely with a range of age groups between birth and 5 years of age
    • Implement measures to ensure the health and safety of every child is the highest priority
    • Plan the curriculum for children aged 0-5
    • Develop positive, responsive relationships with children aged 0-5
    • Lead and manage early childhood services
    • Work closely with interagency organisations and families to provide inclusive curricula for children who are gifted or require specialised programs
    Course Outcomes:
    Develop professional skills for your career:

    • Graduate with a bachelor's degree
    • Professional networking opportunities through work placement
    • The recognised qualification to work in the early childhood education and care industry
    • An industry-recognised qualification that will allow you to work as an early childhood teacher in Australia. Please refer to the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website for further information.
    • The skills and knowledge to ensure the health and safety of children and to plan a stimulating curriculum
    • Graduates of the TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) will be eligible for an AITSL assessment for skilled migration.A successful AITSL assessment requires applicants to meet additional criteria to the qualification. Each application will be assessed on its merits against the nominated occupation criteria.
    Professional Experience Work Placement
    • Work placement provides you with opportunities to respond to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a learning or simulated environment. Work placement strengthens your training and supports continued learning and assessment in the workplace. Work placement is a valuable part of your course.
    • During your course, you'll undertake 805 hours (115 days) of mandatory work placement.
    • TAFE NSW will arrange your work placement with a suitable industry employer.
    Before you Start Your Work Placement:
    Before you start your professional experience work placement, you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    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.

    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.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    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.


    ECPPL304A Professional Experience 5 (Community Preschool)

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Professional, Cultural and Academic PracticeECSFC101A

    • Holistic Child DevelopmentECTPP101A

    • Play and DocumentationECTPP102A

    • Professional Experience 1 (BirthECPPL103A

    • Nutrition Health and WellbeingECCWC102A

    • Creativity in the Early YearsECCDD102A

    • Children’s Self-Identity and Family ContextsECCDD103A

    • Professional Experience 2 (2ECPPL104A

    • Manage an Education and Care ServiceECPPL203A

    • Diverse Australia: Equity and DiversityECSFC201A

    • ... 4

    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

    On successful completion of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care students will be required to complete an additional unit Introduction to Academic Study (ECIAS200A), to receive a full credit that will reduce the duration of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth 5) to 2.5 years.

    • This additional unit will be delivered in the first semester of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth 5).
    • The fee for this unit is $1875 (subject to review every year), which is payable at the time of commencement in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth 5). The fee for this unit will be included in your Letter of Offer.

    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

    To help you with your studies and time at TAFE NSW, you can access a range of support services and facilities across our campus locations. These include:

    • an International Student Coordinator, to help you settle in
    • access to a wide range of study spaces and libraries
    • spacious grounds for enjoying a break
    • complimentary advice to help you find casual work while you study
    • free and confidential counselling services
    • friendly security staff to ensure your safety while on campus

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International