Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
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.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
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
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.
Become a Kinder Teacher
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:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
- Equivalent measures available at English language requirements
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.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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.
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
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage team effectiveness
Core unit |
BSBTWK502 |
|
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
Core unit |
CHCECE041 |
|
Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCECE042 |
|
Nurture creativity in children
Core unit |
CHCECE043 |
|
Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
Core unit |
CHCECE044 |
|
Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
Core unit |
CHCECE045 |
|
Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
Core unit |
CHCECE046 |
|
Analyse information to inform children's learning
Core unit |
CHCECE047 |
|
Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
Core unit |
CHCECE048 |
|
Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
Core unit |
CHCECE049 |
|
Work in partnership with children's families
Core unit |
CHCECE050 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
| Elective units | |
|
Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
Elective unit |
BSBHRM413 |
|
Develop and use emotional intelligence
Elective unit |
BSBPEF502 |
|
Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
Elective unit |
CHCECE053 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$17,580
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$8,290
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$19.960
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$19.960
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 2025 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 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.
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.