Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is for those who are interested in working in the early childhood services sector, or who are already working in the field and are responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in early childhood services. At this level, workers have responsibility for the supervision of staff and volunteers.
In most states this is the highest qualification required at director or service manager level for early childhood service centre-based care.
The course includes on-campus and online classes, as well as multiple work placements.
This Free TAFE course is in high demand. Apply early for a better chance of securing your place in it. Otherwise, you may have to wait for the next intake.
Duration
Standard delivery: 18 months full-time or up to 3 years part-time. Please note that April intake is full-time only.
Intakes
Croydon (March, April, August)
Hawthorn (April, August)
Wantirna (April, August) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day),
- Workplace Training
VTAC course codes
- 3400278054
Hawthorn (fee type determined by provider) - 3401078054
Wantirna (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Study this course for free in 2020
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2020 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
You may be eligible if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too.
The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course reflects the role of early childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services, within the approved learning framework requirements of the Education and Care Services, national regulations and the National Quality Standards.
Current work placement for students holding an international student visa, who have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113), is approximately 240 hours.
Students who complete the course may be eligible for significant credits in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (BA-EDECP), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) [Online delivery] (BA-EDUEC2), Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BA-EDUPRI1) and Bachelor of Education (Primary) [Online delivery] (BA-EDUPRI).
Applicants who have successfully completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) may be eligible for up to 16 credits towards the 28 units of the diploma qualification.
Students holding an international student visa are required to complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) before commencing the diploma.
Course structure
To successfully complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 28 units (23 core and five elective units).
*Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
Graduate skills
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Free TAFE! You could have your tuition fees for this course covered in 2020 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. Find out about your eligibility for Free TAFE.
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
Please note: The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $15,793. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and CareEstimated course fees for 2020* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are granted a Free TAFE place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | Fully covered | $10,520 | $23,350 |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | Fully covered | Fully Covered | $7,557 |
If you’re deemed eligible, you could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Indicative nominal course hours: 2,028.
Entry requirements
- Working with Children Check: All students must have a valid Working with Children Check or be prepared to obtain this prior to placements.
- Police Check: Some early childhood services require students to hold a current Police Check, therefore students must be willing to obtain this as required.
- Immunisations: Some early childhood services require students to be immunised. More information will be provided if applicable.
- It is essential that each student is able to perform all physical activities linked to the unit, Provide emergency first aid response in an education and care setting (HLTAID004). This is a required unit that must be completed to qualify for the award. To complete this unit students must be able to perform life support skills such as administering CPR for two minutes to a mannequin on the floor on more than one occasion. It is mandatory to be able to do this task in order to achieve this unit.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059