Overview

Develop the knowledge and skills to work across a range of childhood settings with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Play a creative role in developing children’s imaginations by planning, implementing and developing engaging curriculums. Learn to effectively communicate with children and their families, manage teams and understand legal compliance.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Interested in this course?

Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Practical skills
  • Working with children
  • Planning

Your career opportunities

  • Long Day Care
  • Occasional Care
  • Family Day Care
  • Kindergartens
  • Out of School Hours Care

Location options

Professional accreditation 

The course has national accreditation, which allows domestic graduates the opportunity to apply for work throughout most States and Territories of Australia. Domestic graduates of this course are recognised in the award as Level 3 Child Care Workers.

Admissions

On-campus classes

All applicants must have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education (either CHC30113 or CHC30121) to be eligible for entry into CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

If applicants did not complete either CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne University, they must provide a certified copy of both their Academic Transcript and their Award with their application.

Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.

Workplace Learning (Traineeship)

All applicants must have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education (either CHC30113 or CHC30121) to be eligible for entry into CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. If applicants did not complete either CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne University, they must provide a certified copy of both their Academic Transcript, and their Award with their application.

To apply for workplace Learning (Traineeship), applicants must be working in a relevant workplace and have employer and other necessary approvals to enrol. Alternatively you must notify us that you will require a placement of 15 hours per week.

Successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent. Minimum GPA score required, check your specific requirements via the link below.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Other requirements

Social /behavioural capability:

Students must be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.

Physical requirement of lifting/handling children safely:

Students must be able to perform the physical activities required to assist a child or colleague in an emergency: An example would be that students must be able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor, as would be demonstrated in First Aid training.

All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) and a current Police Check prior to course commencement.

For placement purposes, immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella, and, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is required. Immunity to COVID-19 may be required. Immunity to influenza is recommended.

Digital  skills & resources:

Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.  

Capability to:

  • Use email effectively
  • Create files and folders
  • Upload and download files
  • Log in using a username and password
  • Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

To successfully complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 15 units (12 core and 3 elective units).

On-campus classes

Full-time standard delivery is on-campus classes combined with work placement.

Students attend on-campus classes 2 days per week (8.30am – 3.30pm) combined with work placement 2 days per week,  in our 2 x 2 model. Students must complete 360 hours of placement over the course duration.

Full-time standard delivery is on-campus classes combined with work placement.

Students attend on-campus classes 2 days per week (8.30am – 3.30pm) combined with work placement 2 days per week,  in our 2 x 2 model. Students must complete 546 hours of placement over the course duration.

12
Core units
+
3
Elective units
+
360
hours
Placement
=
Diploma

Workplace Learning (Traineeship)

Students completing a workplace traineeship course must attend face-to-face classes one day per week from 8.30am to 3.30pm. A minimum of 15 hours of workplace experience per week must be completed over the duration of the course (1080 workplace hours in total). Students can be employed for these hours, working in a centre for up to 4 days per week

12
Core units
+
3
Elective units
+
15
hours
Placement per week
=
Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 1368

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Manage team effectiveness
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
BSBTWK502
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
Core unit, 55.0 credit points
CHCECE041
Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
Core unit, 200.0 credit points
CHCECE042
Nurture creativity in children
Core unit, 80.0 credit points
CHCECE043
Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
Core unit, 110.0 credit points
CHCECE044
Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
CHCECE045
Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
Core unit, 65.0 credit points
CHCECE046
Analyse information to inform children's learning
Core unit, 75.0 credit points
CHCECE047
Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
Core unit, 180.0 credit points
CHCECE048
Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
Core unit, 73.0 credit points
CHCECE049
Work in partnership with children's families
Core unit, 70.0 credit points
CHCECE050
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit, 120.0 credit points
CHCPRP003
Elective units
Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBHRM413
Develop and use emotional intelligence
Elective unit
BSBPEF502
Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCECE053

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$16,900

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$7,970

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$18,990.00

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$18,990.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$18,097

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CHC50121
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
CHC50121
Apply directly
Course code
CHC50121
CRICOS code
110207C
Apply directly
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
June intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-May-2024
Start dates
03-June-2024
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
17-July-2024
Start dates
22-July-2024
August intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
21-August-2024
Start dates
26-August-2024
November intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
06-November-2024
Start dates
11-November-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
June intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-June-2024
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
22-July-2024
August intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
26-August-2024
November intake (Workplace/Traineeship)
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
11-November-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-February-2025
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
26-June-2024