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.
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Duration
Standard delivery: 18 months full-time or up to 3 years part-time.
Intakes
Croydon (March, August)
Hawthorn (March, August)
Wantirna (March, August) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day)
VTAC course codes
- 3400278054
Hawthorn (fee type determined by provider) - 3401078054
Wantirna (fee type determined by provider) - 3400178054
Croydon (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Study this course for low-fee or free in 2021
You could have some or all your tuition fees covered in 2021 thanks to government initiatives JobTrainer and Free TAFE for Priority Courses.
JobTrainer is available if you are 17-24 years or a job seeker of any age, impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available 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
Current work placement is 360 hours over the course duration.
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).
- On-campus classes combined with work placement.
- Current work placement is 360 hours over the course duration.
- 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 may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.
- Variation of above.
- Students may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.
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
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,077. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and CareEstimated course fees for 2021* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $24,290 | $10,950 | Yes |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $8,213 | Fully Covered | Yes |
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 2,028.
Entry requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- 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