diploma of early childhood education and care online course

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Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Next program start date.

September 30, 2024

Finish in as few as

Learning includes.

• Campus Support and Resources

Early Childhood Education Diploma for Just Over $15K 2

You can earn your ECE Diploma for an estimated $15,030 to help make your goals more affordable. Gain new skills that help you promote a positive environment for young children and their families. A Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) can help you lay the foundation for a career fostering healthy development in as few as 15 months. 1 With a schedule designed for working adults, you can save money by combining traditional online courses with self-directed assessments by showing that you already know the skills in a particular course and don’t need to take it. Our ECE Diploma prepares you to meet the academic requirements for the CDA ® credential application. 3   Already have your CDA? Save time and money by requesting a course waiver for up to 12 credits.

Our ECE programs do not prepare students for licensed teaching positions in any public school setting, but students will have the opportunity to help shape the futures of young children from birth to age six in a childcare or non-public school setting or leadership role.

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• Next Start Date: September 30, 2024
• Start Your Application

After this credential

What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I’m Done?

Apply for the cda.

This program's ECE courses are aligned to the standards of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students will be academically prepared during their courses to apply for the CDA credential.

Advance Your Education

Rasmussen University’s ladder curriculum allows you to easily transfer your credits toward an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Upon receiving your Associate's degree, you can transfer those credits toward an ECE Bachelor’s degree.

Pursue Potential Job Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the yearly projected job growth potential between 2020 and 2030 for Childcare Workers is 9%. 4 Enhanced skills and knowledge from Rasmussen University can help set you up for success in this growing field.

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Request More Information About Our Early Childhood Education Program

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What Skills Will I Gain?

Choose between two specializations— Special Needs and Child Development —to develop your skills in your particular area of interest. Both paths emphasize working with diverse families and dual language development while also exploring unique aspects of early childhood education.

Child Development Foundations

Utilize your knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice as it relates to child development, individual needs and using interpersonal skills and communication within the early childhood education setting or program.

Promote Safe Educational Environments

Implement strategies for health policies, controlling disease, establishing proper nutrition and responding to children's special health concerns.

Techniques for Exceptional Children

Special Needs Specialization

Create an inclusive environment for exceptional learners, including children with diagnosed and undiagnosed special needs and English Language Learners, and bring together fellow caregivers, educators and family members critical to supporting the child.

Active Parent Education and Support

• Child Development Specialization

Use your knowledge and skills to help families manage resources through various problem-solving methods.

Sample Courses

What Types of Classes Will I Take?

Dynamics of the family.

Focuses on the dynamics of the family and the family’s influence on the growth and development of children. The history of family systems, child rearing and parenting styles will be discussed. Explores the issues that families of today face.

Curriculum and Instruction for Children with Special Needs

• Special Needs Specialization  

Explores how to adapt developmentally appropriate curriculum to support the development of children with special needs. Studies strategies for effective partnering with other professionals and parents to ensure the achievement of developmental goals.

Language and Literacy Acquisition

Examines how infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged English Language Learners acquire language and literacy. Studies early childhood programs that support children’s home languages and explores how to create an environment that sustains English Language Learners.

18 Courses to Complete

70 Credit Hours

• View Full Course Listing
• Contact An Admissions Advisor

Estimate Your Tuition

Rasmussen University is committed to making education more affordable for all students. Our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.

Rasmussen University believes in helping you make your education as affordable as possible.

Our interactive tuition estimator is designed to help you discover how much you could save on a degree from Rasmussen University.

Simply enter your ZIP code, select the program and credential you're interested in, and click “next”.

Right away, you can see the total estimated cost of your selected degree.

As you engage with the tool, you may see this number start to go down.

You also have the option to see how attending full-time or part-time could impact your tuition—and what your tuition estimate looks like, broken down by quarter.

The tuition estimator walks you through a number of ways you could reduce your overall tuition.

Click the tabs or the “back” and “next” buttons to move through the tool.

Within each tab, answer the question shown as accurately as you can, by interacting with the slider, select menu or radio buttons shown.

You might not feel totally confident in all of your answers. That's okay. This tool is just generating an estimate of how much your degree might cost.

The last tab of the tool shows you your results, including how much you could potentially save on your Rasmussen degree.

Remember, the numbers shown here are just estimates, and the true cost of your degree will vary.

Talk with an admissions advisor for more information about how to make your Rasmussen degree as affordable as possible.

Additional Ways to Save

While we aim to reduce your tuition through our credit transfer policies and other ways to help you save on your education—we encourage you to seek outside scholarships as well. You can also receive course waivers if you have earned specific professional credentials:

Florida Child Care Professionals Credential (FCCPC) Florida Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) Florida Child Care Apprenticeship Credential (CCAC)  Wisconsin Infant and Toddler Credential Wisconsin Preschool Credential Wisconsin Administration Credential Wisconsin Leadership Credential AIM4Excellence Director Credential CDA Credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition For more information, please view the School of Education Waivers from the course waiver section in the course catalog .

MN T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program

Wi t.e.a.c.h. early childhood scholarship program, fl t.e.a.c.h. early childhood scholarship program, il gateways scholarship program.

The Gateways Scholarship Program  will pay a portion of tuition for eligible professionals working in early care and education or school-age programs who want to earn college credit, credentials or degrees.

What Should I Know Before I Enroll?

Entrance requirements.

There's no application fee and you can get started sooner with 8 start dates throughout the year. Entrance requirements at the Rasmussen University School of Education vary depending on the program. We do not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores; however, every entrant must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Transfer Student

We believe in giving credit where it’s due. Prospective students can transfer credits and receive course waivers in this ECE program. For example, if you already have your CDA credential, you may be eligible to transfer up to 12 credits toward your certificate. Talk to an admissions advisor today or explore our Transfer Policy page to review our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.

Visit our Transfer Policy page

Help Paying for College

Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with self-directed assessments, credit for prior learning, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military discounts for those who qualify.

Learn more about other ways to save

Class Locations

Where Can I Find an ECE Degree Near Me?

At Rasmussen University, we want our courses to be available on your schedule, not the other way around. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus and nationally online, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. See below to find out where you can find an online Early Childhood Education program near you.

Online Learning

While students will be completing the classes online, they can enroll online or through their nearest campus. Select a state to see what specific campuses may be available for enrollment.

Florida Campuses

This is an online program, but students can enroll at one of these campuses.

Central Pasco Campus

Explore This Campus

Fort Myers Campus

North Orlando Campus

Ocala Campus

Tampa/Brandon Campus

Illinois campuses.

*This program is offered online in Illinois. 

Aurora/Naperville Campus

Mokena/Tinley Park Campus

Rockford Campus

Romeoville/Joliet Campus

Kansas campuses.

Kansas City/Overland Park Campus

Topeka Campus

Minnesota campuses.

Bloomington Campus

Eagan Campus

Hennepin/Anoka Campus

Mankato Campus

Moorhead Campus

St. Cloud Campus

North dakota campuses.

Fargo Campus

Wisconsin campuses.

Green Bay Campus

Wausau Campus

Still have questions connect with an admissions advisor.

• Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
• Tuition for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma is $210 per credit, for new students only. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. Students who receive the tuition price of $210 per credit cannot use any additional Rasmussen University discounts, grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed $15,030. Program cost breakdown: $210 per credit x 70 credits = $14,700 + $330 book fees = $15,030 estimated program cost . Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details. Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
• CDA and Child Development Associate are registered trademarks of the Council for Professional Recognition.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed July 2022] www.bls.gov/ooh/ . Employment conditions in your area may vary.

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

No tuition fees for eligible students

• Register your interest
• Course guide

Gain the skills and qualifications to work confidently and effectively in early childhood with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 at Victoria University (VU).

Progress your qualifications with this early childhood diploma that gives you guaranteed entry into a bachelor degree at VU.

Build on your passion for play-based learning and gain expertise in providing activities and care for children from birth to six years old. Make a real difference to children’s lives by helping them to achieve important developmental outcomes – and have fun along the way.

In addition to five work placements, this course includes first aid training and lessons in:

• childhood development (aesthetic, creative, physical)
• planning for children with additional needs
• networking and family partnerships
• children’s health and safety.

You can study this course after completing your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care ( CHC30121 or CHC30113). 

Join an information session

There's never been a better time to study early childhood education. Join an information session to find out more about the course structure, industry connections, placement opportunities and pathways to further study.

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators. Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens. Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au

If you choose to continue onto further study, your path to a bachelor degree will be seamless at VU. After you complete this course, enjoy guaranteed entry into our:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership .

In some cases you may even receive credit for your prior learning. 

Practise your skills in a simulated early childhood environment in the early childhood practical classrooms on-campus in Werribee, St Albans, Footscray, or Sunshine.

At VU, you’ll collaborate with your classmates to work through scenarios and debrief with your expert teachers to improve your skills.

Benefit from our close ties to the community, with the purpose-built Victoria University Children’s Centre on our Werribee and Footscray Nicholson Campuses, providing care and education with a varied indoor and outdoor play-based program.

A key component of your course is three work placements, in which you’ll work alongside experienced professionals to consolidate your skills and put theory into practice.

As a VU student, you’ll benefit from our extensive partner network, which includes schools and community and government organisations, particularly in Melbourne’s north and west. Your placements may even lead to paid employment.

Your teachers are experts in their field and have valuable industry contacts. You’ll also get to hear from guest speakers, and your assessments will be scenario-based with links to the real world. 

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’, which lets you finish your course more quickly when you have gained some of the skills required from past study or work experience.

Entry criteria

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold a: * CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; or * CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Standard applicants must complete to determine suitability: * Pre-training Review (PTR) * Literacy and numeracy assessment. * Students will also be required to demonstrate they have the capacity to work with children and families in the highly demanding field of early childhood as set out by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations by participating in an interview. This may be conducted individually or as a group, at the discretion of Victoria University. Further information can be found at: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/ Traineeship applicants must complete to determine suitability: * Pre-training Review (PTR) * Literacy and numeracy assessment * must be employed as an apprentice * must have an active Epsilon number before commencing the course. * Students will also be required to demonstrate they have the capacity to work with children and families in the highly demanding field of early childhood as set out by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations by participating in an interview. This may be conducted individually or as a group, at the discretion of Victoria University. Further information can be found at: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/ Note, that part-time or Traineeship students who are employed in the workplace may have reduced placement requirements to provide. Please discuss this with the Course Coordinator or at the time of application. Practical Placement: For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires: * a current and satisfactory Police Record Check * Working with Children Check * Immunisation The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks: * Police Record Check - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 * Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/ Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course. It is an industry expectation that those engaging with young children in an early childhood setting are fully immunised. Any students electing not to disclose their immunisation status, conscientious object to vaccinations or have a contraindication, must contact the placement coordinator to discuss the impact this may have on their capacity to undertake placement. Incomplete immunisation may impact your course progression due to a lack of appropriate placement opportunities. Information about the immunisations can be found online at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course.

Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

Special entry programs

Special admission programs.

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special entry programs

VU Early Entry

If you're currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Early Entry program comes with a Conditional Offer to the course of your choosing*, a personalised course plan, special events, exclusive discounts and access to one-on-one course advice.

*Conditions apply.

Learn more about VU Early Entry

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

If you don't currently have the English, maths, or other skills needed to complete this course, our English and Preparation courses may help you transition into tertiary learning.

You’ll find information about any pathways to higher qualifications that may be available to you after completing this course under the ‘careers’ section of this page.

Find out more about pathways.

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

If the RPL application is successful, you will be given credits towards your course (meaning you may not have to complete all the units to gain this qualification). Use our calculator to find out what credits you may be eligible for.

calculate your credit

Course structure

To be awarded the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, 15 units must be completed consisting of:

• 12 core units
• 3 elective units, of which

- 2 must be selected from the elective units listed below

- up to 1 unit may be selected from any endorsed training package or accredited course relevant to the work outcome.

ELECTIVE UNITS

Indicative course timetable information : Domestic full-time students will study four days per week (four days of workshop and scheduled e-learning tasks), 9.30am – 3.30pm*

*Subject to change

Fees & scholarships

TAFE fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer.

Eligible students won’t be required to pay tuition fees for this course.

Free TAFE courses align with skills and jobs that are in high demand in from Victorian employers.

Skills First (subsidised) indicative fees

The Skills First government contribution in 2024/25 towards this course is $9,209.20 (trainee / non-trainee). If eligible , you will pay:

• Tuition 2024/25 : $6,955.20/$7,341.60* (course eligible for Free TAFE)
• Materials 2024/25 : $262.50–$345/$263–$345
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) : maximum per year $175.50**

*A concession rate of 20% of the standard Skills First subsidised tuition fee is available if you are eligible for a concession. Learn more about concessions .

**Information correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.

Full-fee place total indicative fees

2024/25 full-fee place : $16,100

Scholarships

Every year, we award hundreds of scholarships, worth millions of dollars combined, to students at all levels of study. Our scholarships support marginalised groups and reward high achievers for their hard work and perseverance.

Whether you are struggling with costs or circumstance, or seeking recognition for your accomplishments, apply for a scholarship with us – so that we can help you to thrive at VU and beyond.

Learn more about scholarships

With the introduction of three-year-old kindergarten, jobs in early childhood are booming in Victoria. With the introduction of three-year-old kindergarten, jobs in early childhood are booming in Victoria. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to become one of the more than 11,000 new early childhood teachers and educators the Victorian Government is estimating we will need over the next decade.  

With a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you could advance to roles such as:

• early childhood coordinator
• family-daycare coordinator
• team leader or room leader in a service
• early-childhood educator
• playgroup coordinator
• assistant director of early childhood services
• early-childhood educator – team leader
• reliever in early-childhood programs

Visit the Jobs and Skills Australia website to see the employment growth and average earnings for child carers .

FURTHER STUDIES (PATHWAYS)

To further expand your career options, you may decide to continue study with us in a higher or related course. 'Pathways' allow you to progress to a higher qualification while recognising your completed study. Often this means you can complete your next qualification more quickly.

Once you have completed this course, you will be guaranteed entry into the following course(s) - and in some cases receive credit points for your study.

Related courses

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CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

• Centrelink/DHS Approved
• NQF Approved Qualification
• Recognised Australia wide

Price $ 1,499.00

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Every enrolment in this course with the Australian College of Teacher Aides and Childcare helps facilitate children completing the Act for Kids protective behaviors program in schools nationwide. ACTAC and Act for Kids have collaborated to combine decades of industry leading childhood research to produce its Nationally Recognised qualifications. As a social enterprise we are proud to offer industry leading qualifications backed by the best in the industry that gives back to community.

ACTAC is a proud member of the

Queensland Social Enterprise Council

Queensland Social Enterprise Limited (QSEC) exists to support a vibrant, innovative and capable social enterprise sector in Queensland that is sufficiently resourced to achieve high social, cultural and environmental impact.

Before your enrol!

Did you know you are required to hold either CHC30121 or CHC30113 to study CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?

To support individuals looking to enter the childcare education industry ACTAC is offering an industry leading Dual Qualification in Early Childhood Education which includes both CHC30121 and CHC50121 at a massively reduced price!

AFFORDABLE UPFRONT PAYMENT

Payment plan, enrol today risk-free, if you decide that this course isn’t the right fit, you’ll receive a 100% refund if you withdraw within the first 14 days., course description.

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. As an educator at this level you are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. You will use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. You may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.

As an early childhood educator you will work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.

To achieve this early childhood education qualification, you must complete at least 280 hours of field placement in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

COURSE DETAILS

Course title, course duration.

Self-Paced 18 Months (additional 6 month extension available, conditions apply)

Course Fees

• Total Upfront Cost: $1499
• Payment Plan: $2,200 (weekly payments of $50)

Click here to find out why our courses are so competitively priced.

Course Units

Elective Units

Nationally Recognised

SEE ON MY SKILLS WEBSITE

Australian College of Teachers Aides and Childcare (RTO ID 45004)

Course Structure

15 units in total, including 12 core units and 3 elective units (Expected Study Hours is 1908 hours).

Course Delivery

Online via DESILMS. You will also undertake a Work Placement (minimum of 280 hours in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.)

Career Pathway

Depending on your long term career and study goals, upon completion of CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you may wish to progress to completing a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood (Education), and even a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Admission Requirements

To enrol in this course you must be:

• Must hold CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Minimum age 18
• Provide a valid USI
• Be able to provide a suitable work placement in accordance with the work placement checklist
• Australian Citizenship
• Australian Permanent Resident
• Must hold a visa that allows domestic study (non-CRICOS)

Learner Obligations

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

To complete your CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care:

• A computer with reliable internet access and a web browser
• A device to record video
• A calculator
• Digital presentation media (e.g. PowerPoint, video presentation, infographics, etc.)

Expected Study Hours is 1908 hours.

Qualification Status

Current – Supersedes CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All students will have the opportunity to have their prior learning assessed.

Our learning material and learning management system is designed with the student in mind, ensuring it is easy to study.

THIS PROGRAM IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Act for Kids is an Australian charity providing free therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced, or are at risk of child abuse and neglect. We have helped thousands of children and families for over 30 years.

Here at the Australian College of Teachers Aide and Childcare , we are proud to partner with organisations that understand the complex needs of children and at-risk youth, such as “Act for Kids”. When studying with us, you will not only learn valuable skills and knowledge for your future career, but you will also help one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Every learner who enrols in a children protection course with ACTAC will facilitate one child participating in the “Act for Kids” protective behaviours program.

In the digital age we believe there is no reason for any online nationally recognised qualification to cost thousands of dollars!

Course Overview

What you will learn in this course.

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will give you insights and experience into a broad range of specialist skills needed as an early childhood educator.

Learners gain experience in:

• Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
• Analyse information to inform children’s learning
• Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

And much more!

JOB OUTCOMES

Students undertaking this course can apply it to many potential job outcomes, including:

• Lead Educator
• Family day care coordinator
• Educational Leader in a service
• Lead Kindergarten Educator
• Lead Pre-school Educator
• Nominated Supervisor at service
• Service Assistant Manager/Director
• Service Manager/Director
• Area Coordinator for a group of services

FAST TURNAROUND

At ACTAC, we pride ourselves on our fast assessment turnaround. This process facilitates individualised study plans and allows you to work at a pace that suits you!

ONLINE STUDY MODE

ACTAC will provide the following resources

• One-on-one trainer support
• Online learner dashboard
• Workplace simulations and documentation
• Training products and learning support materials

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION

ACTAC only provides qualifications recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework, a policy implemented by the Australian Governments Department of Education and Training. You can find out more about ACTAC’s nationally recognised courses and the Australian Qualifications Framework on the AQF website . We take the time to understand each individual learners’ personal circumstances and career aspirations to provide a personalised education experience.

Students who wish to study this nationally recognised qualification with ACTAC must be over 18.

DEDICATED TRAINERS AND AFTER-HOURS SUPPORT

Our trainers are not only qualified adult educators but are also qualified in their field, holding a minimum of Bachelor level qualifications and have worked in the education industry. Our specialist trainers can help you be workplace ready and equipped with the practical skills employers are looking for.

Why not have a friendly chat with a trainer today who can answer any questions you might have? Call to speak with your trainer on 1300 511 455 or for weekend and after hours support, email us at [email protected]

Our trainers will not only help you obtain your qualification, they will also give you insight into the industry making sure that you can hit the ground running after completing ACTAC’s nationally recognised childcare courses.

About Instructors

Average Rating

Detailed Rating

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Turn your love for childhood education in to a fulfilling career. become a professional early childhood educator., utilise the skills and knowledge you learn from early childhood education course to help the next generation flourish and learn new life skills., what our students say about our early childhood education and care (ecec) online courses.

Meet Ayasha Karki, a GBCA student who wanted to share her experience studying what she love. Ayasha has completed her Certificate 3 in early childhood education online courses and now doing her Diploma of ECEC through GBCA. 

Real Practical Learning In A Playful Way. 

Superb Student Assistant. 

Gained Confidence And Experience.

Course outline

Course Code: CHC50121

Course Description

This qualification reflects the role of early childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. In doing so they work to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other staff.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publish lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.

Entry requirements

Applicants must satisfy all requirements as below:

Academic requirements:

To enter this course, applicant should successfully meet any one of the following academic requirements:

• Hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Domestic applicants will undertake the language, literacy and numeracy test and the digital skill test as part of the Pre-Training Review.

Work placement requirements Before commencing work placement, all students must undertake National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Students are required to complete at least 280 hours of work placement as part of course requirements.

GBCA has signed agreements with prospective employers to offer the work placement opportunities for its students. A list of these prospective employers will be provided to assist you in finding work placement. Work placements will be arranged by the GBCA Work Placement Coordinator in conjunction with the student and GBCA trainers.

The Fair Work Act 2009, under the definition of Vocational Placement in section 12 outlines the rules restricting unpaid work. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a clear explanation of these rules in the Internships, Vocational Placements & Unpaid Work Fact Sheet.

Students are required to discuss with the GBCA work placement coordinator if they wish to make their own work placement arrangement.

Due to the requirement to complete vocational placement, a final outcome for each unit would not be provided until the relevant component of vocational placement had been completed.

Course duration

58 weeks (including 32 weeks of face to face study, 14 weeks of work placement and 12 weeks for for catch up class, reassessment, additional placement (if required) and holidays.

Schedule: • Day class: 2 days per week • Evening class: 3 evenings per week

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used throughout the course, including short questions, case studies, simulations, projects, third party observation during a work placement, workplace observation, portfolio.

Delivery mode

Blended learning: face to face and online

Government funding

This course is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding under the Skills First Program. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for training subsidised through the Skills First Program.

Course Factsheet

GBCA Academic Calendar 2024

With A Diploma of ECEC you can work in Australia as a

• Early Childhood Education Manager
• Out Of School Hours Coordinator
• Family Day Care Coordinator
• Childcare Centre Room Leader

Course Tuition Fees for Domestic Students – 2024

You May Be Eligible For Victorian Government Funding*

To do subsidised training, you have to meet eligibility criteria, if you are eligible, you pay less for your training. domestic students only..

Course Code: CHC50121 | CRICOS Code: 108237D

Academic requirements: To enter this course, applicant should successfully meet any one of the following academic requirements:

Language requirements for international students:

• Minimum of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, or
• Satisfactory outcome for Internal English placement test, or
• Completion of an Australian Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care within the last 2 years is deemed to meet the language requirement of the course.

Work placement requirements

Before commencing work placement, all students must undertake National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Schedule: International students undertaking a vocational course in Australia are expected to undertake a full-time study load (a minimum 20 scheduled course contact hours per week. This may include up to 6 hours of online/distance learning. GBCA does not offer online/distance learning to the vocational placement component of a course).

Blended learning between face to face and online.

Course Tuition Fees for International Students – 2024

Our Accreditations

Apply Now To Study Diploma of Early Childhood Education and care Online

Acquire observation techniques and skills for better understanding of young children and their learning. Learn how to choose children’s literature and play materials and the techniques of using these materials in Diploma of Early Childhood care (Online available now).

Acquire knowledge and skills to help young children develop perceptual, fine and gross motor skills and learn in the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional domains. Apply inquiry or process skills to explore the world around them, experience creative expressions, and create a sense of curiosity in young children in this Diploma of Early Childhood care learning(Online available now).

This Diploma of Early Childhood care (Online available) is for existing and aspiring early childhood educators, who require an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of early childhood care and education.

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CHC50121 | CRICOS: 109290B

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Progress your career in Early Childhood Education and Care with this advanced qualification and gain the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work as an early childhood educator or service supervisor.

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students.  Learn more

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Course overview

• Ways to study
• Payment options

Important information

Ask a question.

Take the next step in your Early Childhood Education and Care career with this advanced qualification. This course is perfect for people who are already working in early childhood education and care, and want to progress their career as an educator or service supervisor.

The demand for diploma-trained early childhood staff has risen strongly over the past decade, and the number of higher-level vacancies is expected to continue to increase. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there will be around 10,000 child care centre managers required in Australia over the next five years. 

This course will give you the skills and practical knowledge to design and implement early childhood programs, by understanding the emotional, physical, cognitive and social needs of young children. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the support you need to succeed throughout the course of your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to design and implement early childhood education and care programs. You will be equipped with the skills you need to plan, implement and evaluate programs in line with approved learning frameworks and regulatory requirements. You will also have a solid foundation to continue with further study.

What can I do?

• Early Childhood Educator
• Early Childhood Service Supervisor

Course outcome:

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Hands-on training

TAFE Queensland's ongoing relationships with Early Childhood Education and Care services throughout the state means you will get practical, on-the-job training, and industry-relevant experience before you graduate.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE.  Learn more

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 3 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 280 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.

• BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness UNIT CODE : BSBTWK502 Unit description : This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead teams in the workplace and to actively engage with the management of the organisation.
• Manage team effectiveness
• CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children UNIT CODE : CHCECE041 Unit description : The unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain health and safety in the areas of individual health, hygiene, infectious disease, supervision, risk management, incident and emergency management. It includes the ability to contribute to the ongoing improvement of workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
• CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing UNIT CODE : CHCECE042 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to foster and enhance the holistic learning, development and wellbeing of children from birth to six years of age. It includes the ability to use detailed knowledge of different developmental domains and developmental theory and how these domains link to support holistic development.
• Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
• CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children UNIT CODE : CHCECE043 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate experiences that nurture creativity in children through construction, digital technologies, dramatic play, imaginative play, movement, music and visual art.
• Nurture creativity in children
• CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service UNIT CODE : CHCECE044 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate legislative, regulatory and National Quality Framework compliance in an education and care service.
• Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
• CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children UNIT CODE : CHCECE045 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop guidelines that foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour, and to monitor and support children's learning, development and wellbeing in this area.
• Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
• CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children UNIT CODE : CHCECE046 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote inclusion and diversity and to plan, implement and monitor individual support strategies.
• Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
• CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning UNIT CODE : CHCECE047 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather and analyse information about children's learning to inform practice.
• Analyse information to inform children's learning
• CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum UNIT CODE : CHCECE048 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum over a period of time to foster children's learning and development.
• Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
• CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations UNIT CODE : CHCECE049 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate a sustainability management plan and support children's environmental responsibility.
• Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
• CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families UNIT CODE : CHCECE050 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish relationships with families, connect with the local and broader community and promote opportunities for collaboration and sharing of information with families to support effective education and care for children.
• Work in partnership with children's families

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

• Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective units

• BSBLDR412 Communicate effectively as a workplace leader UNIT CODE : BSBLDR412 Unit description : This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively as a workplace leader, including understanding the context, choosing methods of communication to suit the audience, and following up.
• Communicate effectively as a workplace leader
• BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments UNIT CODE : BSBSTR501 Unit description : This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create an environment that enables and supports practice which focuses on a holistic approach to the integration of innovation across all areas of work practice.
• Establish innovative work environments
• CHCECE053 Respond to grievances and complaints about the service UNIT CODE : CHCECE053 Unit description : This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively resolve grievances and complaints about the service.
• Respond to grievances and complaints about the service

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

• Darling Downs and South West

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom.  Learn more

Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment.  Learn more

All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect.  Learn more

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more

For most Online Self-Directed courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake or the units required to complete a cluster/stage.

Online Virtual Classrooms give you the opportunity to interact with your teacher and fellow students in real-time, enabling a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Further information regarding Online Virtual Classroom click here

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, online or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training. Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.

Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.

No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.

As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.

You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.

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Payment Options

How can i pay for this course.

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

VET Student Loan - $18,097 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using  Convera Global Pay for Students  or the  Flywire Payment Portal . Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. Learn more

Entry requirements

To enter into this course, you must :

• hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Selection criteria

Domestic students

Existing worker Pathway To enrol into an Existing worker pathway course you must be currently employed in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service. (Long Daycare; Outside School Hours Care; Family Daycare). You are required to be employed throughout your studies and for the duration of the course. 

Greater Brisbane Region - South Bank

Existing worker: Only available to students who are currently employed in the industry within 50km of the Brisbane CBD.

Online self-directed  Students are required to complete Placement throughout their studies for the duration of the course. It is recommended that students attend Placement one (1) day per week for the duration of their enrolments. Block Placement at the beginning or end of studies is not suitable for Online self-directed study.

Apprenticeship pathway To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Find out more on how to  become an apprentice or trainee

International students The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

• English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all  English Language  tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
• Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement  levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian  Department of Home Affairs  to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Courses may require different resources, depending on your study location;

• Personal stationery
• Professional clothing

Robina campus The Robina campus will be a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) campus for general learning.  Students are able to access discounted pricing for device purchases via JB Hi-Fi.  TAFE Queensland will have some portable devices available for short term loan and there will also be a limited number of desktop computers located on-site that students will be able to access.  For all the details visit the BYOD page on our website. 

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 280 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Blue Card To successfully satisfy all course requirements you will be required to apply for a Blue Card (working with children check). 

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services .

If you are ineligible from applying for a blue card, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Placement Coordinator for further information.

Vaccination requirements Vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete Placement so you can start practicing your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your Placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable Placements.

It is recommended that you undertake screening for vaccination (and meet any costs incurred) against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements:

• Some facilities may require COVID-19 Vaccination
• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (persons born during or since 1966 who have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine should have a second dose)
• Chickenpox (if not previously infected)
• Pertussis (whooping cough -an adult booster dose)
• Influenza (annual vaccination)

Order of Study When studying Online self-directed it is strongly recommended students follow the  order of study  and enrol in no more than two units per intake or the units required to complete one cluster/stage, unless otherwise advised. 

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about  assessment methods .

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application.

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal , or through one of our education agents . Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries , you will need to apply through an agent. Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Related courses

Certificate iii in early childhood education and care.

Start your career with this entry level course that will set you up with the foundation skills you need to succeed as an educator in early childhood education and care.

• Family Day Care Provider
• Early Childhood Education and Care Assistant
• Early Childhood Education and Care Worker

Save 30% on selected course fees. Ends 20th August 2024

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

SKU: CHC50121

• Flexible payment options
• Study to fit into your routine
• Nationally recognised accreditation
• Start studying as soon as you enrol

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Intro to Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Promote the Growth and Development of Young People

The nationally recognised CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to prepare you for a successful career in Childhood education. You will learn how to develop the knowledge and skills to work across a range of early childhood settings, lead a team to success and ignite children's imaginations.

Job Outcomes

• Assistant Director/Director in a Childcare centre/Area Manager
• Childcare Supervisor
• Early Childhood Teacher (for those holding Primary Teaching Qualifications)
• Family Day Care Educator or Area Coordinator
• Lead Educator
• Outside of School Hours Care Coordinator
• Support worker for a child with additional needs
• Communication skills
• Management skills
• Education practices
• Team management

Course breakdown

What you’ll learn in this course.

In this qualification, you will learn how to plan, implement and manage programs in early childhood services and be responsible for supervising a team of staff. Become a valued part of the early childhood education sector, and make an impact on children’s lives today.

Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

• Prepare workplace sustainability policies. 
• Implement workplace sustainability policies.
• Review implementation of workplace sustainability policies.

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

• Reflect on own practice
• Enhance own practice
• Facilitate ongoing professional development

Manage team effectiveness

• Establish team performance plan. 
• Develop and facilitate team cohesion. 
• Facilitate teamwork.
• Liaise with stakeholders.

Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

• Contribute to needs development. 
• Support implementation of learning and development.
• Monitor and evaluate workplace learning. 

Manage and promote diversity

• Research diversity in the workplace.
• Foster diversity.
• Adapt communication strategies.
• Contribute to workplace diversity policies and procedures.

Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

• Enhance children’s environmental responsibility.
• Promote environmental responsibility in the service.
• Implement and evaluate environmental responsibility plan.

Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service

• Interpret the National Quality Framework (NQF).
• Interpret the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Facilitate service self- assessment.
• Facilitate the development of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Coordinate the service for a rating and assessment visit.

Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

• Identify health and safety policies and procedures of the service.
• Monitor and implement health and safety policies and procedures.
• Monitor risk.
• Contribute to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Manage risk for excursion.

Work in partnership with childrens families

• Establish and maintain relationships with families.
• Collaborate with families to share information about the child.
• Support children’s connection with community.
• Provide information about government and community services and resources.

Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum

• Seek information to inform curriculum design.
• Design curriculum.
• Implement curriculum.
• Evaluate teaching and learning.

Analyse information to inform children's learning

• Gather information about children
• Interpret information on children’s development and learning
• Use information to inform practice

Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

• Develop guidelines that support positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
• Observe and monitor interactions and behaviour in children
• Identify challenging behaviours
• Plan support for children
• Implement and evaluate support plan

Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

• Promote inclusion and inclusive practices
• Identify barriers affecting children’s participation
• Develop individual plan for support and inclusion
• Implement plan to meet the child’s needs
• Monitor and evaluate strategies

Nurture creativity in children

• Understand the role of the arts in development and learning
• Create experiences that nurture creativity
• Nurture creativity through teaching and learning
• Nurture creativity through engagement with children
• Evaluate experiences

Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing

• Extend knowledge of early childhood learning and development
• Support children’s sense of belonging
• Plan and provide opportunities for children’s learning and development
• Foster holistic and collaborative practice
• Evaluate work practice

It was a very amazing experience, and after completing l was promoted. Now l am already a manager in a center. I'm so grateful to OC for doing a very good job in training me. I was equipped with lots of skills that my fellow colleagues, who are diploma qualified, never had.

Was really impressed with the institution and am happy with the overall course and dealings from Open Colleges staff.

I had the most easy experience with Open Colleges! I’d definitely go back to them if I choose to study again!

Studying with Open Colleges

Study designed to fit into your routine

What ever your reason for study, our courses are designed to fit into your routine. 

We mean it. Instead, assessments range from open book multiple choice quizzes, portfolios, videos & written assessments

Flexible study to fit into your routine

Study anywhere at any time with 24/7 access to your units.

A learning platform optimized for online study

Our courses are curated to maintain engagement across video, written content, assignments & audio.

Envision your routine while studying with Open Colleges

How quickly do you want to finish your course?

• Daily routine

Coffee + Study

Morning routine + commute

Lunch + Study

Evening routine

Study session

Study for a minimum 28 hours per week to complete modules in 12 months

Study for a minimum 18.7 hours per week to complete modules in 18 months, study for a minimum 14 hours per week to complete modules in 24 months.

Your course may include work placement which will be completed in addition to weekly study blocks.

We'll help you study smarter! 

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Your trainer

Charmaine debono, frequently asked questions, how many hours of work placement do i need to do for diploma of early childhood education and care.

The course contains a minimum of 320 hours of work placement. Work placement hours can be done part time or as a block, depending on the host organisation's requirements and availability. To find out what the suitable workplaces are for this course, download the course guide.

Do I need to complete the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care first

Yes. In order to enrol in the Diploma, you must hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Will I be able to run my own Family Day Care Centre after this Diploma

From 1 July 2023, new family day care educators must hold an approved certificate III level (or higher) qualification prior to commencing their role in a family day care service and they cannot be 'actively working towards' a qualification. FDC requirements vary, so please check the regulations are requirements for your state.

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CHC50121 - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Advance your early childhood education career with a high-level course. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the essential skills and qualification required for a career in one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia.

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. Eductors at this level are responsible for designing and implementing a curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of the service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations.  They may have responsibility for the supervision of volunteers or other educators. To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 280 hours of work in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

This is a nationally recognised accredited course.

The Maraway, located in Cairns, have a third-party agreement with CQUniversity for this course. CQUniverstiy is responsible for the course and issuance of qualifications. The Maraway conduct training, assessment and recruitment on behalf of CQUniversity. The Maraway will also assist you with your application, including obtaining a Unique Student Identifier (USI) if you do not have one.

QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation . Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.

A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study , and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.

A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program , counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.

Sheree Sarmiento

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Current Student

Career Opportunities

On completion of CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, occupations include working as an Educator in long daycare centres, family daycare, pre-schools or kindergartens.

Students can also further their study opportunities with credits towards other qualifications on the CQUniversity scope of registration.

Structure & Availability

This course is delivered over a 48 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.

The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.

From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete  336  hours of Vocational Placement within this course, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.

CLUSTER 1 HEALTH AND SAFETY

CLUSTER 2 COMMUNICATION AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE

CLUSTER 3 INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

CLUSTER 4 PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY

CLUSTER 5 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

CLUSTER 6 LEADERSHIP

CLUSTER 7 COMPLIANCE

Apprenticeship

THE MARAWAY QLD

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

RPL only - no training occurs. 

RPL involves an assessment process of an individual’s previously obtained skills and knowledge that has been achieved outside the formal education and training system. The duration is dependent on evidence collection by the candidate and approval of evidence by the CQUniversity assessor. 

Please refer to information on the CQUniversity website - Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit 

ELECTIVE UNITS

This course has no residential schools.

The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a regulated education and care service, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours.

Within this time allocation, students can demonstrate the required vocational placement tasks and skills for other units as required for the qualification.

From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete additional hours of Vocational Placement, to what is listed on the training package, to achieve this qualification, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.

A total number of 280 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirements of workplace hours within this qualification.

Requirements

Entry to this qualification requires students to have successfully completed and hold a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification .

CQUniversity requirement: completion of bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment before enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.

The requirement to complete vocational placement component for the duration of the qualification of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. Placement is to be organised by the student, CQUniversity will assist where required.

The requirement to successfully obtain a Working With Children Check relevant to your state in Australia.

Access to a computer, Internet and intermediate computer skills. 24 hour CQUniversity computer labs are available on selected campuses.

Fees & Scholarships

Understand your TAFE payment choices including payment options and our refund policy. Start by examining the price list for your specific course to gain a better understanding of your fees. Course fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Still uncertain about the best option for you? Contact us on 13 27 86 to discuss your options.

Fee for Service/ Full Fee

Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.  

Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee

Some government subsidies, such as Higher Level Skills (HLS) , will require the individual to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. Government subsidies are subject to eligibility.

The fee will vary based on the course chosen and the eligibility of the student for a concession rate. The co-contribution fee represents the total cost to the student for tuition. There are other costs that the student may have to pay, including but not limited to uniforms and course resources. This will vary depending on the training. If you are required to pay Co-Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

This is a Fee-Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Students who have completed the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) qualification through Fee-Free TAFE may enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) under Fee-Free TAFE. Eligibility and conditions apply.

This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer  scholarships, bursaries and stipends.

Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more

How to apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your application options

Follow these steps.

• 1 Check you meet the course requirements
• 2 Get a Unique Student Identifier
• 3 Prepare your eligibility documentation Applicants will be required to provide documentation to support their eligibility for subsidy.
• 5 Complete your BKSB Testing Keep an eye out for details on your BKSB Testing

Start your application

Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86 .

Applications for 2025 intakes open on 2 September 2024.

Related Courses

Certificate iii in early childhood education and care.

Mixed Mode, On-campus, Online, RPL/RCC/Credit

There are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below.

Gladstone, Rockhampton

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

Online, RPL/RCC/Credit

Rockhampton

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

On Campus, Online

4 years full-time, 8 years part-time

Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Online, Rockhampton

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Online, On Campus

Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Online, Rockhampton, Townsville

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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Build on your experience as an early childhood educator and gain the skills you need for the next phase of your career.

Broaden your opportunities with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

If you’re already working in a childcare setting, this advanced qualification will give you the skills you need to progress your career and become eligible for more senior roles.

By completing a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll be able to build on the experience you already have, and develop the skills you need to design and implement early childhood education and care programs. You’ll learn how to build a positive culture and lead teams in the workplace. You’ll develop the skills required to nurture creativity in children, to work in partnership with children’s families, and much more. 

Your career opportunities will expand once you have achieved this qualification. Graduates will be eligible for a variety of roles in early childhood education such as Lead Educator, Group Leader or Childcare Director.  

With the need for childcare expected to expand over the coming years, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will help you establish a long-lasting and rewarding career as an early childhood educator and a leader.  

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered online and includes 280 hours of practical placement work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. 

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a Nationally Recognised course.

Course Outcomes

The opportunities available to you upon completion of the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will be leadership roles of varying degrees that can enable you to continue to develop your own skills as well as enrich the careers of others you may mentor. The below roles are just some of the potential course outcomes.

Group Leader

A Child Care Group Leader takes responsibility for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the daily education program. As Group Leader, you will lead the preparation of materials and equipment to support children’s learning, play and development. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring, assessing and documenting the children's individual progress. You’ll ensure the health and safety of children, support the inclusion of all children and develop positive and respectful relationships with the children in your care. 

Childcare Director

As Childcare Director, you’ll occupy the most senior position at a childcare centre and be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations. You’ll ensure a safe and educational environment for young children, manage childcare educators, develop learning programs in coordination with your team and communicate with parents. Your key duties will include the overall planning, administration, marketing and resourcing of the centre. 

Educational Leader

The role of Educational Leader within an early childhood learning environment is primarily about guiding and developing educators’ and families’ understandings about play and leisure-based learning, and the significance of the early years in the education continuum for children. 

Assistant Director

In the role of Assistant Director to the Childcare Director, you’ll support in the running of operations and the overall leadership of the Centre. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with the Centre Director and hone your leadership skills, as you manage and mentor a team of educators in their work with children and families. 

Lead Educator

The role of Lead Educator will vary depending on the educational environment, but in general, you will be developing and delivering a quality education program and practice and supporting children to participate in the program. You’ll work closely with the Childcare Director or Childcare Manager, and establish positive relationships with children and families. You’ll also coach and supervise other Educators.  

Qualification

Delivery structure.

Theoretical Elements: 

Study the theoretical elements of this course, anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.  

Practical Elements:  

For mandatory work placement (280 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent).  

Up to 18 months

• 280 hours of practical work placement.

15 course units to complete.

• Submit 1 course unit every 5 weeks to graduate in 18 months.

Delivery Structure

Studying the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with Foundation Education is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. The course is broken down into two parts:

1. Theoretical

Study the theoretical elements of this course, anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Completed online, at your own pace.

Resources required.

For the online part of the course, you’ll need regular access to:

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points.

Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended).

Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above.

MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later.

Internet Browser: Google Chrome, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.

Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).

Office Equipment:   Printer and scanner to print and upload some of your assessments.

Mobile Phone with Video Capability or Video Camera: Some assessments in your course may require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment.

2. Work Placement

For mandatory work placement (280 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent). 

Students must apply for their Working with Children Check at course commencement.

Where required, we may assist you in identifying work placement options..

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency:

Manage team effectiveness

Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing, nurture creativity in children, facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service, foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children, implement strategies for the inclusion of all children, analyse information to inform children’s learning, plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum, embed environmental responsibility in service operations, work in partnership with children’s families, reflect on and improve own professional practice, develop and use emotional intelligence, support the learning and development of teams and individuals, respond to grievances and complaints about the service, cost and payment.

You can pay for your course upfront via VISA/MasterCard or a bank deposit. Alternatively, we offer instalment plans that can be paid over several weeks or fortnights.

Your course fee includes

Delivery and assessment of your qualification, study materials (including all resources), ongoing support from our education team, we offer two payment methods, full fee upfront, instalment plans.

For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 197.

You May Also Be Interested In

Certificate iii in early childhood education and care.

Gain the skills and experience you need to begin a fulfilling career as an Early Childhood Educator and take advantage of the growing demand in this field.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care)

Begin a meaningful career as an early childhood educator with specialist skills in Family Day Care, and make the most of the opportunities in this growing field.

CHC30121 / CHC50121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Prepare to launch your career in a fast-growing industry by gaining the necessary skills and training to work in early childhood education.

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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Entry requirements, study structure, fees & scholarships, how to apply.

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.

Timely applications now open

State-of-the-art facilities. Innovation in every course. Finding your people. Make Swinburne your #1 VTAC preference before Timely applications close Monday 30 September.

Skills you’ll learn

• Practical skills
• Working with children

Your career opportunities

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

Further education

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching
• Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary

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.

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.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

Course structure.

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

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 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

Full fee* ($AUD)

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($aud), yearly fee* ($aud), 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.

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

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)

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.

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 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

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

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

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

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.

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.

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Flexible Study Course

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CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education And Care

ECTARC offers the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as a distance study qualification that can be studied from any location within Australia. ECTARC students come from regional, remote and metropolitan areas of every state. You can enrol at any time of the year and commence study as soon as you have completed the enrolment application process.

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.

Please note: To enrol in this course you are required to hold a CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

For further information please read the ECTARC Student Information Handbook .

• online portal
• commence any day of the year from any location
• support every step of the way from our friendly team
• pay per unit as you progress through the course – no large upfront payment required

Units of competency

There are 15 units in total – 12 compulsory units and 3 elective units must be completed for this qualification.

Compulsory Units

• CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
• CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
• CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
• CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
• CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
• CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
• CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
• CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
• CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
• BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness

The following units are suggested electives based on consultation with the Education and Care sector. Where a student wishes to complete a different elective this may be discussed with their ECTARC Training and Development Officer.

• CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
• BSBHRM413 Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
• BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments

Please note:

For a full list of electives, please visit training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHC50121

Work placement requirements

Units within this qualification require students to complete work placement hours in a regulated early childhood education and care service within Australia. These hours may be completed as part of the students paid employment or as an unpaid practicum. An ECTARC Training and Development Officer will visit the workplace to assess students on the job and/or via video conferencing throughout the qualification.

Work placement requirements – 280 hours

• 40 hours – Birth-23 months – Babies
• 40 hours – 2-3 years – Toddlers
• 80 hours – 3-5 years – Preschool
• 40 hours – must include a child with additional needs (any age group)
• 80 hours – service management

Please note: Where you are employed in an education and care service that has the required ages/groups, these hours can be completed within your workplace. Where all required ages/groups are not available in your workplace these hours must be completed as a practicum at another regulated education and care service.

Certain units have work placement hours that are required to be completed before the unit is deemed competent. ECTARC Training and Development Officers can provide further information on this.

Criminal History Check

Most states and territories throughout Australia have regulatory and/or legislative requirements to protect the interests of children, by setting standards that include the requirement that ‘fit and proper’ persons be engaged in prescribed children’s services. This requirement applies equally to voluntary/work experience educators.

If you are enrolled in an education and care qualification and are not currently employed in the sector, you may be required to complete your states relevant checks prior to attending practicum. Contact ECTARC for further details.

How the course will be delivered

ECTARC students receive support from their personal ECTARC Training and Development Officer by phone, email, live webinar study sessions and assessment visits in the service. ECTARC students have access to the online ECTARC Training Portal where they can access learning materials and submit assessments. Practical assessments are conducted through observation in the workplace or via live video conferencing.  Trainees will require access to a computer and the internet to undertake this course. Through the ECTARC Training Portal students can also:

– message their Training and Development Officer – upload forms and documents – view marked assessment tasks – students are notified as soon as an assignment is marked – access resources – additional information and documentation to support learning.

The ECTARC Training Portal is available through secure market leading technology and students find it very easy to use. The ECTARC Training Portal increases communications with students and ensures valuable information is available when required and provides access to their student records 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If for some reason you do not have access to the internet, please contact our office to arrange an alternative study solution. Hard copies of learning materials can also be provided on request.

ECTARC guarantees that a Training and Development Officer is always available to speak to Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Tuesday evenings 5pm to 7pm.

Access to the Training Portal on completion

All students will have 14 days access to the ECTARC Training Portal after their course completion date to download content and any completed assessments for future reference. To download completed assessments, go to the relevant unit and click on the ASSIGNMENTS link to view your assessment tasks. Click on the assessment task you wish to copy and then right click on your mouse and choose the PRINT function. Change the destination from your printer to the PDF setting and click SAVE. If you have any questions regarding the saving of your online content, please call 02 4223 1111.

Assessment Submission Requirements

Fee for service students must submit at least one assessment task within a 6 month period or their enrolment will be made inactive. Where the student has not made attempt to contact ECTARC or submitted an assessment within 12 months the student will be withdrawn from the program.

Completion time

Enrolment period is 24 months. The average completion time is 12-18 months. This is self-paced and may vary depending on the learner’s previous skills and knowledge. Please note however, students must submit at least one assessment task within a 6-month period, or their enrolment will be made inactive. If they remain inactive for 12 months they will be withdrawn from the program. To recommence studies, student will need to complete the full enrolment process, and this will include the payment of enrolment fees.

Please see the ECTARC Fee Schedule  for current fees.

Fee on enrolment application is $455 ($225 enrolment fee + $230 first unit).

Purchase one unit at a time as you progress through the qualification when you study at your own pace. No large full course fees required on enrolment.

The Enrolment Process

Courses can be commenced at any time of year.

What you need to read…

Students are required to read the following documentation and ECTARC policies prior to commencing the online Enrolment Application Form (this will be sent to you by email from ECTARC) to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities before enrolling:

• Flexible Study Student Information Handbook
• ECTARC Training and Course Guide
• ECTARC Fee Schedule

What you need to get ready…

To complete the online enrolment application form, students need to:

• provide a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) number.
• photo identification – driver’s licence, passport or proof of age card – take a photo of the document so it is ready to upload.
• evidence of citizenship – birth certificate, passport or green medicare card – take a photo of the document so it is ready to upload.
• give permission on the USI website for ECTARC to view their USI records (if applying for credit transfer only). Note: Where study was completed prior to 2015 or has not yet been reported, the student must provide a copy of their transcript for ECTARC to verify with the training provider.

Foundation Skills

ECTARC Training Services is required to ensure that a chosen qualification is suitable for the potential student and to identify any individual support needs throughout the enrolment application process. One way we do this is by identifying the level of foundation skills of each potential student.

‘Foundation skills’ is the term that Australian Government agencies use to cover both Core Skills and Employability Skills.

The five Core Skills are:

• oral communication, and

The Employability Skills are:

• problem solving
• initiative and enterprise
• planning and organising
• self-management
• learning, and
• technology.

It is also important that students have the necessary digital skills to complete the tasks required when engaging in online learning.

After ECTARC receives the Enrolment Application Form, all applicants will receive an email that has 2 links which will provide access to two (2) short quizzes – the ECTARC LLN Quiz and ECTARC Course Ready Quiz. Once completed, ECTARC will contact the applicant to organise completion of the oral component, which consists of a short discussion to discuss things like the students goals and current work experience. They will also discuss the outcomes of the quizzes where required. Both quizzes and the oral component must be completed for the enrolment process to be finalised.

Unique Student Identifier - USI

It’s a regulatory requirement that if you’re studying nationally recognised training in Australia from 1 January 2015, you will be required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI links to an online account that contains all your training records and results (transcript) that you have completed from 1 January 2015 onwards. When applying for a job or enrolling in further study, you will often need to provide your training records and results (transcript). One of the main benefits of the USI is the ability to provide students with easy access to their training records and results (transcript) throughout their life. You can access your USI account online from your computer, tablet or smart phone anytime.

How do you get a USI?

Visit www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi

Follow the steps here to get a USI. It is easy and quick to do. When you enrol online you will be required to enter your USI number.

For detailed information on the USI please visit the Australian Government’s Department of Industry website at visit www.usi.gov.au

Identification & Documentation required

Identification.

On enrolment you are required to upload a copy of photo identification (e.g driver’s licence, passport or proof of age card). Your ECTARC Training and Development Officer will need to sight the original document during your sign up which may occur in person or via webinar.

Previous Qualifications

The Australian Governments’ Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) 2015 requires RTO’s, such as ECTARC, to authenticate VET qualifications, Statement of Attainments and transcripts that are provided by students for the purposes of granting credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). To do this students must provide copies of qualifications, Statements of Attainments and/or transcripts to ECTARC and grant permission for ECTARC to view their records on the USI Portal at www.usi.gov.au

Where permission is not granted, ECTARC will contact the issuing RTO for verification.

Please note

ECTARC requires all documentation and relevant information before fully processing enrolments. Training will not commence until all documentation is received. We want to ensure that you get any credit transfer or RPL you are entitled to and that all regulatory requirements are met.

Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL and Credit Transfer

What is rpl.

RPL is an assessment process where candidates provide evidence of previous experience to demonstrate that they hold the required skills and knowledge of one or more units of competency. Previous experience may include (but is not limited to) paid or voluntary work, life experience, professional development or formal qualifications.

Can I apply for RPL?

RPL is suited to candidates who have demonstrated experience in an education and care service or equivalent. ECTARC recommends experience of a minimum of 5 years for those wishing to apply for RPL for a full qualification, in a variety of roles within an education and care service.  This however, is very dependent on the individual experiences, so we encourage anyone wanting to learn more about RPL to contact ECTARC to discuss this further.

What evidence is required?

The candidate must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate their competence against an entire unit of competency. For each unit, the following tasks provide the candidate with the opportunity to ensure that sufficient evidence can be gathered:

• Competency Conversation – An ECTARC Training and Development Officer (TDO) will discuss with the candidate their previous experiences to determine the extent of their skills and knowledge for each unit of competency. In addition to this, throughout the assessment process, and where appropriate, Competency Conversations may also be used to confirm competence where sufficient evidence has not been provided.
• Practical Assessment – Every unit of competency includes practical skills that must be demonstrated within a regulated education and care service within Australia. The candidate will be observed in the workplace to ensure that they are performing these skills to the standards required. In some cases, simulations may be conducted and evidence may be submitted by video to support the practical assessment.
• Portfolio – The candidate provides a portfolio of evidence of previous experiences, such as testimonials, copies of former qualifications, statements of participation in professional development, photographs and examples of their own work. This evidence is assessed and mapped by an ECTARC TDO to the requirements of a unit.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer is different to RPL in that the student already has completed a unit of competency in a previous qualification. To be granted Credit Transfer, ECTARC requires evidence of successful completion of the unit; this can be provided through the USI Portal or a certified copy of a transcript or Statement of Attainment. Once this evidence is verified, Credit Transfer will be granted.

Example: Tania has been working in a primary school as an education support worker for  the past 6 years. Two years ago she completed the CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support, which included the unit CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk. Over the past year, Tania has also been volunteering in the outside school hours care that is provided within the school and has decided she would like to complete the CHC50213 Diploma of School Age Education and Care. Tania enrols with ECTARC and has a competency conversation with an ECTARC TDO and an assessment plan is developed for her. Tania is granted a credit transfer for the unit CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk and the TDO decides that she has sufficient experience to apply for RPL for a number of units relating to the development of children aged 5-12 years, developing relationships with children and supporting the behaviour of children. The remainder of units will be completed through the training and assessment pathway, where Tania will receive her learning materials and assessment tasks on the ECTARC Training Portal and will be supported by her ECTARC TDO to complete these.

If you think you may be eligible for RPL or credit transfer be sure to discuss this with ECTARC and/or provide relevant information and documentation when enrolling as it can save you time and/or money.

Career prospects

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is for educators in early childhood education and care services who are responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in accordance with approvals, quality rating systems and duty of care requirements.

The Education and Care Services National Regulations state under Section 126: Centre-based services – The qualification requirements for educators at centre-based services for children preschool age or under are – at least 50 per cent of the educators who are required to meet the relevant educator to child ratios for the service must have, or be actively working towards, at least an approved diploma level education and care qualification. Section 128: Family Day Care Co-ordinator qualifications state: A family day care co-ordinator must have an approved diploma level education and care qualification.

For more information on ECTARC’s policies such as complaints, refunds and privacy please click here.

If you are having technical difficulties using the online service please feel free to download the enrolment form here to complete and send to ECTARC at [email protected]

• Staying Healthy: Preventing Infectious Diseases In ECE Services 6th Edition Now Available

Where To Study Diploma Of Early Childhood Education and Care Online

• Written by  Aussie Childcare Network Team
• May 11, 2022

For students wanting to complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification through online study, the following lists are registered training organisations (RTOs) that offer online study. This means that you will be able to complete this qualification online rather than in a classroom setting.

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.

Diploma Education and Care Jobs

Your career opportunities will expand once you have achieved this qualification. Graduates will be eligible for a variety of roles in early childhood education such as Lead Educator, Group Leader or Childcare Director.

As a Diploma Qualified Education, you are required to work in a team to provide high-quality early childhood education development, learning and care to children. Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Lead the team/room educators to plan, implement, assess and review high quality and diverse educational programs based on appropriate curriculum frameworks and with reference to the NQS, considering the developmental needs, interests and abilities of all the children attending the service.
• Ensure staff and children utilise effective health and hygiene practices, including meeting all regulations relating to food safety and preparation, medical management plans, risk management plans, policies and procedures.
• Work cooperatively, ethically and respectfully with other educators, and support each other’s professional development.
• Ensure all practices are in accordance with the NQS and ensure all practices are in accordance with the NQS and reflect the philosophy, policies and procedures of the service.

Diploma Qualification Wages

Your pay rate falls under the Children’s Services Award 2010. This award states the minimum amount that an employer can pay you based on your qualification and your position while working in an early learning centre. Educators with a Cert 3 qualification and who are working as an Assitant Educator within the room will be Level 4.

Each level for childcare wages gives a definition of what is expected of the employee, the qualifications required and the duties of the employee. Full Time/Part-time

• Level 3.4 - (for a Diploma Qualified Educator working as an assistant Educator). $26.66 per hour $1012.90 per week For casual pay rate, it is $33.32/per hour
• Level 4.1 - (for a newly qualified Diploma educator who begins working for the first year with their qualification). $27.88 per hour $1059.60 per week For casual pay rate, it is $34.85/per hour
• Level 4.2 (for the second year of your Diploma qualification) $28.31 per hour $1075.80 per week For casual pay rate, it is $35.38/per hour
• Level 4.3 (for the third year of your Diploma qualification) $28.73 per hour $1091.80 per week For casual pay rate, it is $35.91/per hour

Course Structure

To be awarded a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, a student must successfully complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 28 units (23 core and five elective units) and current work placement is 360 hours over the course duration.

• Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (CHCDIV002)
• Develop cultural competence (CHCECE001)
• Ensure the health and safety of children (CHCECE002)
• Provide care for children (CHCECE003)
• Promote and provide healthy food and drinks (CHCECE004)
• Provide care for babies and toddlers (CHCECE005)
• Develop positive and respectful relationships with children (CHCECE007)
• Use an approved learning framework to guide practice (CHCECE009)
• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children (CHCECE016)
• Foster the holistic development and wellbeing of the child in early childhood (CHCECE017)
• Nurture creativity in children (CHCECE018)Facilitate compliance in an education and care service (CHCECE019)
• Establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour (CHCECE020)
• Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children (CHCECE021)
• Promote children's agency (CHCECE022)
• Analyse information to inform learning (CHCECE023)
• Design and implement curriculum to foster children's learning and development (CHCECE024)
• Embed sustainable practices in service operations (CHCECE025)
• Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate education and care for children (CHCECE026)
• Work legally and ethically (CHCLEG001)
• Identify and respond to children and young people at risk (CHCPRT001)
• Provide emergency first aid response in an education and care setting (HLTAID004)
• Maintain work health and safety (HLTWHS003)

Elective units

• Support the holistic development of children in early childhood (CHCECE010)
• Provide experiences to support children's play and learning (CHCECE011)
• Use information about children to inform practise (CHCECE013)
• Lead the work team (CHCMGT003)
• Reflect on and improve your own professional practice (CHCPRP003) 

Where To Study Diploma Of Early Childhood Education and Care

The following lists RTOs that offer Certificate 3 Education and Care Online. This will give you a few options of where to start looking.

Hammond Institute

• Duration - 12 months (Online and in-class)
• Entry Requirments - Hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care OR CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Course Features - Blended - Gives brainstorming activities to make the student more opportunities to be flexible in childcare. - Practical exposure. - Guided facilitation of individual or group learning activities, group work, or project-based case studies.
• For more info:  Hammond Institute

Practical Outcomes

• Duration 12 Months
• Entry Requirements -  Must hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121). - To commence this program, your Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills must meet the required standards for ACSF LEVEL 3.
• Course Features - Online - Flexible timings
• For more info:  Practical Outcomes

Angel Institute of Education

• Duration - 64 weeks
• Entry Requirements - Prospective students must be at least 18 years of age. -To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for their individual needs, Angel Institute will conduct a Pre-Training Review. - Required to complete the Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment, administered by and to the satisfaction of Angel Institute
• Course Features - Mentoring from trainers. - Additional classes, tutorials and workshops. - Online support and exercises for some courses - Computer and technology support. - Referral to external support services. - Reasonable adjustment to assessments
• For more info:  Angel Institute Of Education

Selmar Institute of Education

• Duration 12 months
• Entry Requirements - To commence this program, your Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills must meet the required standards for ACSF LEVEL 2. - Victoria and NSW learners — You need to either provide a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or provide evidence that you have applied for a WWCC. - Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is required.
• Course Features - Offer work placement. - Give recognition to prior learning. - Compatible course. -  Flexible timing
• For more info:  Selmar Institute Of Education

Open Colleges

• Duration - Maximum 24 months - 240 hours of work placement
• Entry Requirements - A qualification at Certificate II level or higher OR - 2 years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication. - 18 years and above
• Course Features -  After enrolling in this course and completing the first module, you’re eligible for a FREE one-year membership to Early Childhood Australia (ECA), Australia’s peak child care body, worth over $150 - Practical assessments. - Workplace assessments. - Workplace portfolio
• For more info: Open Colleges

Phillips Institute 

• Duration - The duration of the class delivery is over three school terms or about 40 weeks, but you may extend to 52 weeks if you are still completing your placement or assessments.
• Entry Requirements - You must hold either the CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to enrol in this course. - All applicants will be required to undertake a pre-training review, including an evaluation of existing language, literacy and numeracy skills.
• Course Features -  Assessment tasks are practical and oriented to the work or placement context for relevance.
• For more information:  Philips Institute

Contact a few that interest you and see which one works best for you. To help you decide which provider is right for you, the article " Questions To Ask Course Providers When Choosing To Study " provides a list of questions to ask each course provider. Consider all the information gathered from each of the questions. Using these questions will assist you to decide and make an informed decision about where you want to study for your qualification.

Benefits Of Online Study

An online course requires just as much work as an on-ground format, and the amount of time you dedicate is also about the same. However, the online format—just like a virtual workplace—affords you more flexibility. Benefits include:

• Added Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning  - For those who still need to juggle working and going back to school, the flexibility of an online program provides individuals with the opportunity to learn while still working and growing professionally. That flexibility allows you to more easily balance work, life, and graduate school. You can work through the lesson plan at your own pace to ensure you’re really mastering the material before moving on to the next section.
• Better Time Management  - Because there are no set classroom times within an online degree program, and students have the flexibility to create their own schedules, it’s up to the student to proactively reach out to faculty, complete assignments on time, and plan ahead.
• Demonstrated Self-Motivation  - you’re demonstrating that you can practice time management and are self-motivated,. By succeeding in earning an online degree, you prove that you can tackle multiple tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing work conditions.
• Improved Virtual Communication and Collaboration  - Learning to work with others in a virtual environment can make you a more effective leader. You’ll develop critical leadership skills by utilizing specialized knowledge, creating efficient processes, and making decisions about best communication practices, such as what should be discussed in-person or electronically.
• Refined Critical-thinking Skills  - Critical thinking plays a role in any type of education; however, online learning forces you to develop your critical thinking skills in ways that you might not have practised in an in-person classroom setting. This sort of self-paced and self-motivated learning demonstrates to future employers that you have the ability to think critically and overcome any obstacles that might stand in your way.
• New Technical Skills  - As part of your coursework, you will likely need to utilize digital learning materials, get familiar with new tools and software, and troubleshoot common issues. 

Adjusting to an online learning mode of study can be a challenge at first, but once you adapt to the format, there are numerous benefits to be realized. No matter the reason you choose to pursue online education, earning a cert 3 education and care online can help prepare you for career advancement and demonstrate key skills to potential employers. Reference:  Benefits and Advantages Of Online Study, North-Western University Note: Aussie Childcare Network is in no way affiliated with the RTOs mentioned in this article. This is purely for information purposes only.  

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Earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online

Helping shape young minds is the kind of challenging, yet rewarding career that requires both compassion and discipline. Earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online and gain an understanding of what it takes to work with children—from curriculum development to health, safety, and nutrition. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to apply your studies to the 120 hours of professional education you need to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™.

Our Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is further set apart by its flexibility. You’ll have the opportunity to set your own pace and fit your studies in alongside your existing obligations. With online classes, you can complete the one-semester program from anywhere and choose to proceed to an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education right away.

Early Childhood Education Certificate Curriculum

Our online Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Certificate curriculum is designed to help you prepare to build the foundation for a rewarding career working with children. You’ll cover topics that are essential to working in a daycare or preschool, such as:

• Careers in Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Curriculum Development

Learn more about curriculum, tuition, and enrollment requirements

Learn about:

• Our affordable tuition payment plan options.
• How online education works.
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What you get

• 120 hours of professional education to apply to your CDA Credential™
• Textbook and/or comprehensive online resources and assessments
• Credits which can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• The freedom to complete courses at your own speed with self-paced lessons

average salary

Job opportunities

As a childcare worker, you could find jobs in preschools, daycares, and more! The average salary for childcare workers in 2022 was $28,520 † , though how much you can make can vary based on experience, education, certification, and even where you live.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Help guide children as they learn and navigate cultural diversity, creative expression, literacy, and more.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Start with the basics of child development and education and discover where your ECE career can take you.

CONVENIENT ONLINE LEARNING

Fit studies into your life and put credit earned toward an Associate Degree and/or industry credentials.

Frequently asked questions

You may be taking your first steps into higher education. Or you may be considering online study for the first time. Whatever your situation, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Earning a child care certificate online makes sense for busy people who are ready for college-level study and want the convenience of learning from home. Your ECE certificate online will give you a solid foundation in subject matter that is useful for many satisfying careers.

Yes! Every student at Ashworth College gains access to the Ashworth College Central Network , an online toolkit that helps you work through resume templates, cover letters, thank you letters, and more. Use the career tools as much as you like to prepare professional documents for your job search. Once you’ve graduated, you can come back to the Ashworth College Central Network at any time.

We allow you up to one year from the date of your enrollment to earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online. A self-paced, flexible study schedule is one of the many benefits of pursuing your education at Ashworth College.

Related programs

Earning a childcare certificate online is one way to take your career to the next level. If you’re interested in a different career path, we have a number of other Undergraduate Certificates including:

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State requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.

NOTE: This program is not intended to lead to teacher certification.

† Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, " Childcare Workers ". Accessed December 12, 2023.

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Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care & Education

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UC Online’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care & Education (ECE) offers a program that prepares professionals to provide high-quality educational experiences for all children. The program emphasizes working with young children and their families from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Whether you are in a preschool, Head Start program, child-care center, family childcare environment, or just interested in getting started in the field, our 100% online program is designed with working professionals in mind who want to advance their career without sacrificing responsibilities at work and at home.  Our courses give you information and strategies that you can learn today and apply in the classroom tomorrow! This degree does not lead to Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 licensure.

Early Childhood Care & Education Program Highlights:

• Start-to-Graduation Support: Every student enrolled online is assigned a dedicated Academic Advisor and also a Student Success Coordinator providing one-on-one support. They are your on-campus partners who can help you manage your time and ensure you’re meeting degree requirements to get you to graduation.
• Associate Degree Scholarship: All students in the Early Childhood Care & Education Associate program will receive the Associate Degree Scholarship in the amount of 24% off instructional fees only.
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® OHIO Scholarship: Current Ohio early childhood professionals may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the cost of tuition, books, and related education expenses. Visit OCCRRA to apply.
• 100% Online: All coursework is completed online – no campus visits are required!
• Flexible Scheduling: Offering part-time and full-time options, our online program is designed with busy, working professionals in mind.
• Three Start Dates per Year: With courses offered year-round, students are offered the convenience of beginning their degree in Fall, Spring, or Summer.
• CDA Coursework: Through UC’s online Early Childhood Education program, students have the opportunity to meet the education requirements for obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ while receiving advanced standing in the Associate degree program.
• Accredited:  The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the  Higher Learning Commission . Additionally, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CECH) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Nationally Ranked: UC Online’s AAS in Early Childhood Care & Education is consistently ranked as a Top 15 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education by TheBestSchools.org .

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• To provide accessible education to early childhood teachers.
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• Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

Early Childhood Education Degrees Online: Best Of 2024

Updated: Jul 28, 2023, 9:53am

Early childhood education dates back centuries and has helped shape modern child development, which places play and personal interests at the heart of early education. By earning an early childhood education degree online, you can make your mark in this vital and impactful field.

Today, the field of early childhood education (ECE) focuses on social, behavioral and cognitive development through meaningful experiences with peers and adults. While classroom settings remain crucial to a child’s development, many modern early education classrooms provide a holistic approach to learning, including plenty of time for children to explore their interests, build skills and foster relationships.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career working with or advocating for children, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education . ECE programs explore the various factors influencing child behavior and development, creating a deep understanding of young children’s needs at each stage of growth.

This page ranks the top 10 U.S. universities offering online early childhood education degrees. Read on to learn more.

• Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online
• Best Online Doctorate In Educational Leadership Programs
• Best Master’s In ESL Online Programs
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Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Best early childhood education degrees online, how to find the right online early childhood education degree for you, cost of an early childhood education online bachelor’s degree, methodology, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online early childhood education degrees.

The Forbes Advisor Education team is committed to bringing our readers unbiased rankings and trustworthy, informative articles covering higher learning institutions, individual degree programs, bootcamps, professional credentials and various career paths.

Our team sources data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also pull information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ direct websites. Our rankings use a strict methodology to determine the best schools, programs or bootcamps for each category.

Moreover, an expert advisory board of experienced professionals and educators reviews and verifies Forbes Advisor Education content to ensure accuracy and completeness.

University of Washington

Florida international university, national louis university, ball state university, mercy college, east carolina university, chaminade university of honolulu, eastern oregon university, university of michigan-flint, university of north carolina at greensboro.

$231/credit

Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement

Application Fee

As a degree-completion program, the University of Washington ‘s online bachelor of arts in early care and education takes full-time students at least seven quarters to complete, depending on whether they transfer previously earned credits. ECE majors at UW must have completed at least 45 credits at another accredited school. Learners may enroll in this program either full time or part time.

The program teaches skills through research, observation, and hands-on planning and implementation. Students also complete up to five hours weekly in a community-based learning environment working with children from birth through age 8.

Students must obtain several technology products to participate in UW’s ECE program, including a webcam, video editing software and course-specific software.

• High student retention rate
• Relatively high graduation rate
• High median earnings among graduates
• Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
• Low socioeconomic diversity

$229/credit (in state)

Located in Miami, Florida, Florida International University offers an online early childhood education degree through its School of Education and Human Development. The bachelor of science in early childhood education is a 120-credit, non-licensure program delivered using asynchronous learning.

Students participate in peer discussions and receive quick instructor feedback on their assignments, fostering a collaborative learning experience. FIU also pairs learners with a success coach for one-on-one assistance with their academic and career goals.

The FIU early childhood education degree explores cognitive, social-emotional and physical development through courses covering art in early childhood, communities and families, and the importance of play.

• Relatively low average annual net price
• Relatively high student retention rate
• Relatively high percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

$11,505/year

National Louis University , a private college, offers three online ECE bachelor’s programs: a BA in early childhood and elementary education, a BA in early childhood education, and a competency-based BA in early childhood education. The ECE degree tracks prepare future educators for work with children from birth through second grade. The early childhood and elementary education track targets birth through sixth-grade development and learning.

The competency-based BA serves professionals who already hold an associate degree and work in early childhood education. Like the other ECE programs, this accelerated track requires 180 quarter hours, but competency-based learners can transfer earned credits and experience to reduce their degree timeline.

Eighty-three percent of NL students receive the federal Pell Grant, indicating high socioeconomic diversity at the school.

• High socioeconomic diversity
• Accelerated option for working educators
• Relatively low percentage of students who take out federal student loans
• Relatively high average annual net price
• Relatively low graduation rate

$4,217/semester (in state)

Ball State University , based in Muncie, Indiana, features several online programs, including a non-licensure early childhood education degree. Ball State refers to this degree track as a “completer program;” applicants should have completed an associate degree or at least 45 credits at a previous college. The ECE major requires 90 credits.

Learners explore various aspects of childhood development, including the parent-child relationship, development through play and education in infancy. Some courses are eight weeks long, but most last 16 weeks.

In addition to tuition, Ball State charges its distance learners a technology fee of $168 for seven or more credits or $110 for fewer than seven credits. The university reduces its out-of-state fee for online learners, charging distance learners outside of Indiana an additional $218 per credit, as opposed to $759 per credit for on-campus out-of-state students.

• Relatively low percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
• Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio
• Relatively low graduation rate among Pell Grant recipients vs. all students

$11,053/term (undergraduate)

A private university, Mercy College ‘s behavioral science and early childhood education degree is available online for most distance learners. Online students within 60 miles of Mercy’s campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, may have to register in person to complete a one-semester student teaching experience.

Mercy’s ECE program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously, earning both diplomas in five years total. The 144-credit bachelor’s program includes 105 undergraduate credits and 15 graduate credits taken during the bachelor’s degree portion. Graduates may then complete another 24 credits, including student teaching, to earn their master’s in early childhood education.

• Relatively high median federal student loan debt among graduates

$4,073/term (in state)

Online students pursuing East Carolina University ‘s bachelor of science in birth-kindergarten teacher education work directly with young learners in local schools and developmental centers over two semesters. Those near ECU’s campus can train in the on-site Nancy M. Darden Child Development Center.

Online learners must complete a few on-site requirements, including a program orientation, upper-level interviews and internship seminars.

The four-year program entails 120 semester hours covering child development, language and literacy, assessment for intervention and parent-teacher collaboration. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, this ECU program can lead to teaching licensure in North Carolina.

• Uses Common App
• Relatively high percentage of students who take out federal student loans

$585/credit

Chaminade University of Honolulu ‘s online early childhood education program includes 120 credits, which take about four years to complete. Students must pass five prerequisite courses before declaring the ECE major. Prerequisites include child development and health and family issues in early childhood development.

The program includes two student teaching experiences in approved educational settings, requiring at least 60 hours of observation and participation. Students complete a fieldwork seminar alongside each experience to discuss their plans, strategies and challenges.

Over half of Chaminade’s students qualify for the federal Pell Grant. Online learners pay a $93 technology fee per class.

$286/credit (in state)

Future teachers can begin their early childhood education careers with Eastern Oregon University ‘s ECE degree. Learners can transfer up to 135 previously earned credits to reduce the time and costs associated with this 180-credit program, which otherwise takes four years to complete.

Although all courses are delivered online, students must complete two in-person practicums to observe licensed educators and put their skills into practice. These experiences can take place at child care centers or in primary or secondary schools.

$516/credit (in state)

The bachelor of science in early childhood studies from the University of Michigan-Flint evaluates child development and learning from birth through age 8. Graduates often go on to work as educators in child development or preschool centers or as child advocates in government agencies.

During the program, students participate in up to 180 hours of field experience, collaborating with other educators and working with children. The campus’s on-site childhood development center welcomes learners who live near UM-Flint, but instructors can also approve other centers.

The 128-credit program includes courses in communication and language, society and classroom management. Early childhood studies majors can also pursue a mathematics or language arts elementary education minor consisting of 20 to 26 credits.

$5,436/year (in state)

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an online bachelor of science in human development and family studies to learners who already hold an associate of applied science. Students need 120 credits in total to complete the bachelor’s degree program.

While some classes in this program are asynchronous, others meet at specific times during lunch hours or evenings. Online learners must complete an in-person field placement to gain experience working with children in an early childhood setting.

All online students pay in-state tuition rates at UNC Greensboro, and tuition costs less for online learners than for their on-campus peers. Distance learners must pay a $20 per credit technology fee, which caps at $240 per semester.

• Does not use Common App

To make the most of your time and financial investment, consider the following before choosing an early childhood education online bachelor’s degree.

Know Your Time Commitment

Online early childhood education programs often require some in-person or scheduled components, such as field placements or live instructor-led classes. This may be challenging for distance learners with full-time jobs or other personal commitments.

If you have a busy schedule, look for an ECE program that works around your obligations. Some programs offer live meetings during evenings or on weekends. For maximum flexibility, you might seek an asynchronous program, which is largely self-paced and allows you to watch lectures at your convenience. If you do not mind a longer degree timeline, part-time enrollment may make it easier to balance your studies with your other responsibilities.

Look at Accreditation

If you plan to pursue an ECE teaching credential, you should prioritize institutional and programmatic accreditation in your degree search.

Institutional accreditation validates a school’s commitment to student outcomes, academic achievement and quality faculty. Programmatic accreditation does the same for specific programs or departments.

Most states require licensed teachers to hold degrees from institutionally accredited schools. Programmatic accreditation provides further quality assurance for your chosen degree program. The National Association for the Education of Young Children commonly endorses higher education programs in early childhood studies.

Consider Your Future Goals

Do you plan to continue your studies after completing an online early childhood education degree? If so, finding a university that offers graduate opportunities in the early education field may be helpful, even during undergrad. Some programs, like Mercy College’s bachelor’s-to-master’s dual-degree program , provide an accelerated pathway for students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education .

If you want to pursue your teaching credential after earning your degree, ensure you earn a degree that prepares you for licensure in the state where you plan to teach. Non-licensure programs may not meet these credentialing standards.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the average public, four-year college charged $9,375 in tuition and fees for in-state, undergraduate students during the 2020-2021 school year. Out-of-state tuition and fees cost $27,091 per year on average. A typical online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education aligns with the national average at about $200 to $750 per credit, or $6,000 to $22,500 per year.

ECE majors should also consider the potential costs of student teaching. Most schools require in-person field placements, which may affect learners’ ability to work full time during their studies. If you plan to keep a job while you earn your degree, prepare for this potential break in work.

We scored 76 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. We weighted each category as follows:

Student Outcomes: 38% Affordability: 28% Student Experience: 14% Credibility: 10% Application Process: 10%

Specific characteristics we considered within each category include accreditation, nonprofit status, average net price per year, median earnings among graduates, overall graduation rate, socioeconomic diversity, online offerings and Common App participation.

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 79.85% or higher.

The highest-ranking schools are fully accredited, nonprofit institutions with relatively high student retention rates and overall graduation rates.

What is the best degree for early childhood education?

People interested in early childhood education careers typically start with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. However, a master’s in early childhood education may make it easier to earn licensure and increase earning potential. Some schools offer bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, which allow students to begin their graduate studies while finishing their bachelor’s, shortening the completion time to earn both degrees.

What is meant by early childhood development?

Early childhood development refers to children’s social-emotional, physical, behavioral and cognitive development from birth through age 8. Experts believe that parenting, play, socialization and early learning experiences contribute to early childhood development.

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

To celebrate International Nurses Day we are offering a $500 scholarship on selected courses!

Avail 10% course fee scholarship on upfront payment--> get it now, global nursing leadership award nomination closed.., chc50121 – diploma of early childhood education and care.

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Introduction

The CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is suited to the role of childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. You will be required to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standards.

This course teaches you the skills and knowledge to provide appropriate education and care to children. You may choose to work under direct supervision or autonomously and may also be required to supervise others. Students who have successfully completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will receive advance standing for this course.

Study to become an early childhood educator, centre director, kindergarten teacher, family day care provider, or nanny to accomplish your dream.

Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students

Course start dates, course details.

View details on myskills.gov.au

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You could be eligible for RPL or CT  RPL : Recognition of Prior Learning CT : Credit Transfer

Accreditation

Victorian Funding

“This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding”

Smart and Skilled Funding

“This Training is subsidised by the NSW Government”

Articulation Pathway

Western Australian Government Funding

• Amount of Training is 1250 Hours
• Course duration is 52 Weeks
• Blended delivery
• Available to domestic and international students

15 units of competency are required for this qualification.

• 12 core units
• 3 elective units

ELECTIVE UNITS

Pathways from this Course:

Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth – 5/Birth – 12yrs)

• Associate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
• Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood or Primary School Teaching
• Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
• Children’s Services Assistant Manager
• Early Childhood Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Preschool Educator
• Educational Leader
• Outside School Hours Care Co-ordinator/ supervisor

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Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.

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For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels ( [email protected] ) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.

MODE OF DELIVERY

Students are required to attend 24 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.

24 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning which includes on- campus simulation based training and Professional experience placement.

Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do approximate 10 hours per week of unstructured learning.

The blended delivery mode is only available to domestic students on selected campuses and subject to eligibility.

Students must meet additional requirements for Professional Experience Placements as required such as a clear police check,working with children check & immunisations.

*Please call your respective campus location for more details.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:

• hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• has successful completion of an ACSF test with demonstrated competence as per IHNA LLN requirements (issued within the last 12 months from the time of admission), which is Successful completion of the language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) test the competence level as exit level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) in both reading and numeracy.
• possess basic computer skills

Additional Requirement for professional experience placement (PEP)

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance / Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate (AFP) / NCC will be required for all practical placements.
• Working with children check (WCC)
• IHNA highly recommends students to complete the immunisation process before the Professional Experience Placement start date as some facilities will not provide placement to student without Immunisation. Applicable immunisation certification such as COVID-19 Certificate.

IHNA highly recommends students to complete the immunisation process before the PEP start date as some facilities will not provide placement to student without Immunisation.

The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.

• Simulations

The questions or knowledge-based assessments are made up of a series of relevant short to medium length questions and multiple-choice options for learners to respond.

The projects assessments require learners to respond to relevant scenarios, case studies and tasks. These can include, writing short or medium length reports or proposals. Analysing data and preparing reports. Templates are provided to assist learners to write policies and produces. Composing appropriate business style emails, preparing notes for meetings, presentations and reflecting on the learning.

The simulation assessments are supervised, in-class or online (real time) simulated activities consisting of various methods. They may include the following: Group and individual projects, role plays, individual and group activities including presentations.

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

• Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
• Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
• Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
• Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
• Evidence of creativity and performance
• Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
• Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

• Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
• Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
• Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
• Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
• Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care courses is 52 weeks long. But you can fast-track the study.

Yes, Self- paced mode delivery is available. all course content and recorded sessions are available in Canvas

Yes, you will be needing to come for SBA in an allocated week.

One to two weeks per semester

It is preferable to attend SBA in a childcare simulated environment.

Yes, student must finish both SBA and PEP component of the course.

If you are preferred Blended mode delivery – 2.5 days of class a week (Online interactive session). 4 hour class a day, Wednesday (Half day) support session.

Maximum 30 days as per IHNA policy

2.5 days of class a week (Time – 8.30 Am to 5.00 Pm) Wednesday (Half day) support session

Yes, based on prior knowledge and experience you may be eligible for RPL or direct CT.

Our trainers are available Monday to Friday, you can contact them via Teams, email or Phone and setup a time that suits trainer as well as yourself and you can have student support/ facilitation session

Related Blogs

A career in early childhood education and care in australia.

Early Childhood Education in Australia gained popularity by the mid-1960s. Early childhood education programs respond to addressing the child’s basic needs and safety to actual education programs for young children which boosts their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Children who receive high-quality early childhood education from birth to five years…

August 2023

Seeds of Tomorrow: Cultivating Growth through a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The field of early childhood education and care is a fulfilling and dynamic sector that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young children. For individuals passionate about working with young learners and making a positive impact on their lives, pursuing a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care can be an excellent choice…

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Awards Received by IHNA

Download brochure/handbook, acknowledgement.

IHNA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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Date : 01 Jan 1970

Day in the Life of a Nursing Professional in Australia

Date : 15 Aug 2024

Time : 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM AEST

Location : Online

Topics to be Covered:

• Typical day-to-day tasks of a nurse in Australia
• Challenges and rewards of the nursing profession
• Impact of IHNA's training on nursing practice
• Personal experiences and stories from nursing professionals

The High Demand for Aged Care in Australia

Date : 22 Aug 2024

Time : 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM AEST

Topic Details : Why is the aged care sector in high demand in Australia, and how will IHNA Courses prepare you to meet those growing demands?

Description: Explore the reasons behind the high demand for aged care workers in Australia and how IHNA's courses are designed to meet these needs. This session will also discuss career prospects and essential skills for success in aged care.

• Demographic trends are driving demand in the aged care sector.
• Essential skills and qualifications for aged care workers
• How IHNA's aged care courses prepare students for the workforce
• Career opportunities in aged care

Speakers: Someone Experienced in aged care sector leadership

Microcredentials in Childcare (Skilldemy)

Date : 05 Sep 2024

Topic Details : How can you grow your learning through micro credentials and earn an Australian qualification in Childcare (Skilldemy)?

Description: Discover how micro-credentials can enhance your career in childcare. This webinar will focus on the benefits of short, targeted courses offered by Skilldemy and how they provide a pathway to an Australian qualification in childcare.

• Introduction to micro-credentials and their benefits
• Overview of Skilldemy's childcare courses
• How micro-credentials can boost your career in childcare
• Pathways to achieving an Australian qualification in childcare

Speakers: Educational experts from IHNA's Skilldemy program

Affordable Community Services Courses for Aspiring Social Workers

Date : 19 Sep 2024

Topic Details : Why are Community Services Courses an affordable way to start a career as a social worker in Australia, and how does IHNA's Diploma in Community Services make a difference?

Description: Learn about the affordability and value of IHNA's Diploma in Community Services. This session will discuss how these courses prepare students for rewarding social work and community service careers.

• Overview of the community services sector in Australia
• Affordability and benefits of IHNA's community services courses
• Career paths and job opportunities in social work
• Student support services and financial aid options at IHNA

Speakers: Course Expert at IHNA

Essential Healthcare Courses for a Rewarding Career

Date : 10 Oct 2024

Topic Details : What healthcare courses can you not miss for your path to a rewarding career in Australia?

Description: An overview of the essential healthcare courses IHNA offers that pave the way for a rewarding career in Australia. This webinar will highlight the key programs and their career outcomes.

• Key healthcare courses at IHNA
• Career prospects for graduates of these courses
• How to choose the right healthcare course for your career goals
• Success stories of IHNA alumni

Speakers: IHNA faculty members

Healthcare Courses for International Students

Date : 14 Nov 2024

Topic Details : Which healthcare courses provide ample job opportunities for international students?

Description: This session will focus on the healthcare courses at IHNA that offer excellent job opportunities for international students. Learn about the unique support and resources available to international students at IHNA.

• Popular healthcare courses among international students
• Job opportunities and career paths for international graduates
• Support services for international students at IHNA.
• Tips for succeeding as an international student in Australia

The Everlasting Demand for Nursing in Australia

Date : 05 Dec 2024

Topic Details : Why is the nursing profession in Australia expected to remain in high demand, and why is it considered a reliable career choice for securing your future in the industry?

Description: Understand why nursing remains a reliable and in-demand career choice in Australia. This webinar will discuss job security, career growth, and how IHNA's nursing programs support students in securing their future.

• Factors contributing to the ongoing demand for nurses in Australia
• Job security and career growth in nursing
• How IHNA's nursing programs prepare students for the future
• Personal stories and experiences from nursing alumni

Speakers: Senior nursing educators and industry experts from IHNA (Simon Schweigert & Wanda Du Plessis)

Effective Leadership Management in the Health Sector

How to attract, recruit and maintain a dedicated skilled and loyal workforce in the health sector (Aged Care)

This seminar is based on research from a recent royal commission report into the aged care sector and a workforce strategy that followed. The strategy outlined a number of skill gaps across the aged care sector, including a significant lack of management & leadership knowledge and skills. This was identified across all levels of staff, including management and supervisors. Based on the workforce strategy, I have put together an educational seminar. The seminar includes a lot of practical ideas and ‘How To’ methods. The purpose of the seminar is to develop and build knowledge and skills of people working across the aged care sector.

Main topics

• Attract and recruit the best people
• Show time – you’re on show...
• Ensure candidates get excited about the job - Learn the secrets of good interview techniques
• What most recruiters miss when making a selection - Referee checking
• Selling the message and sharing the story
• How to influence people with positive expectations of the organisation
• Execution of onboarding is paramount – Get it right - Excellence is the mantra
• We are in the business of PEOPLE. – ‘Give a Dam’ – Really, really, really ‘give a dam’. Listen Listen. Listen
• ‘We have a meeting today”. How to conduct a successfully meeting. Things to do and things to avoid
• Capital investment – On-going people development
• How to provide your people with a sense of teamwork (community) and good will
• How to run a successfully rewarded and recognised program on a shoe string budget
• What to do when people leave

Bio. Kevin Egan

MBA, Adv. Dip, CIV TAE.

Kevin has lived and worked in Australia for most of his professional life. He started his career working on a factory floor. Not satisfied with factory work, he set off on a journey to create a successful life and career. This is a remarkable story of a person who was intellectually, economically and emotionally bankrupt and worked his way from obscurity to personal and business success.

During his career, Kevin has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience working across various Australian businesses and industries. These include: local and state government, transport and logistics, retail, warehousing, sales, finance and education.

Kevin has held various positions, including senior partner, state and national management positions and senior consultant roles. He holds a Master’s degree in business administration and is a published author.

Kevin’s local business and academic skills make him the ideal speaker for this seminar.

Dr. Bijo Kunnumpurath Founder and Acting Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Bijo, the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of HCI Australia, epitomizes a visionary leader driven by a deep passion for education, entrepreneurship, and technology. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a background in Mechanical Engineering, he brings over three decades of extensive project and business management experience to his role. Furthermore, as a member of GAICD and currently pursuing a PhD in Corporate Governance in the Educational Sector at Swinburne University, Dr. Bijo exemplifies a dedication to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

Associate Prof. Chandana Hewege Non-Executive Director

With a dedication to teaching, research, and industry consultancy he’s published over 45 referred research and conference papers and. Dr Hewege holds a PhD in Management, a Master of Business Administration Degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Honours. He’s well-regarded on a wide spectrum of research areas including corporate social responsibility, management controls of transitional economies, marketing, logistics, international business, and research methodology. Dr Hewege has also accumulated over 20 years of teaching experience on undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Australia and internationally.

Professor Anthony Welch Chairperson - Non-Executive Board Member

Associate Professor Anthony Welch has held a number of positions in the discipline of nursing in both the private and public sectors of the health care industry (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong). Such positions have included Hospital Manager, Director of Nursing, Deputy Director of Nursing, Senior Supervisor, Unit Manager, Principal Educator, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and Director of Post-Graduate Studies. He has also been a foundation member of two Schools of Nursing in Australia. He is currently employed at Central Queensland University as Assistant Dean Community Engagement, School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Trang Perrine Independent Non-Executive Director

Trang Perrine is a distinguished Senior Finance Executive and Non-Executive Director renowned for her exceptional strategic leadership and financial stewardship. As a forward-thinking executive, Trang seamlessly integrates short-term financial imperatives with long-term strategic aspirations, ensuring her organization’s robust financial health and positioning it for enduring success. Trang's analytical acumen and results-driven approach have consistently fortified her organization's financial standing, fostering sustained growth and profitability. Her expertise as a trusted advisor to boards, CEOs, and directors underscores her pivotal role in shaping financial strategies and steering critical decision-making processes. Her commitment to excellence is exemplified by her Executive MBA with honours from the prestigious Melbourne Business School, reflecting her profound work ethic and comprehensive expertise. Additionally, she holds credentials as a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA). Through her visionary leadership, financial insight, and people-centric approach, Trang continues to make transformative contributions, driving sustainable growth and success for the organizations she serves.

Shali Bijo National Training Manager

Ms. Shali Bijo, an experienced healthcare professional with over 25 years of nursing, education, and management experience, plays a key role at HCI. Focused on IHNA courses, she ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, implementing strategies for excellence and upholding standards of education and training for healthcare professionals. Holding a Masters in Orthopedic Nursing, Shali is dedicated to maintaining organizational compliance while delivering top-quality education.

Emeritus Prof Lorraine Ling Non-Executive Board Member

In 2018, Lorraine transitioned to the role of Pro-vice Chancellor Associate - Academic and Strategic Transformation, which she held until her retirement at the end of 2018.

Mr Pankaj Patel Chief Financial Officer

With more than 20 years of experience in the field of accounting and finance, Pankaj has experience across financial reporting, taxation, and auditing, with established skills in corporate finance, financial analysis, taxation, accounting, and auditing. He holds Bachelor of Commerce and is also a Certified Public Accountant (AUS) and Chartered Accountant (India). Pankaj has been working with the HCI Group for over eight years and is responsible for managing financial aspects of the entire group.

Shruti Nargundkar CADC Chairperson

Shruthi is an accomplished entrepreneur with experience in academic board membership and publication.

She has a background in RTO education.

Dr Shisir Manandhar Academic Director and Research Innovation & Technology Manager

Shisir Manandhar is a respected leader in Australian tertiary education, overseeing academic programs at IHNA. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in technology management and innovation policy. As head of Heathovation, he drives research and innovation in healthcare education using cutting-edge technologies. Shisir's research focuses on enhancing tertiary education and healthcare delivery through innovative technologies.

Building on a robust foundation of vocational training, Australia's VET system, operational for over four decades, exemplifies educational excellence. IHNA, with its seventeen-year tenure, expands this legacy internationally, offering innovative training models tailored for a globally-mobile workforce. These initiatives are instrumental in fortifying individual capabilities and catalysing economic growth, by nurturing a skilled labour force attuned to the demands of diverse industries.

The IHNA Global Skills Training Academy, also known as Skilldemy, is a dynamic initiative by the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) aimed at elevating vocational education in healthcare. Skilldemy specialises in offering non-accredited, internationally-focused training courses, developed by IHNA's curriculum experts for offshore delivery.

The IHNA Skilldemy is strategically designed to extend IHNA's expertise in vocational training to the global stage, catering specifically to international students offshore. Our tailored non-accredited courses, crafted by seasoned curriculum specialists, ensure a comprehensive learning experience that aligns with the needs of international markets and upholds the educational excellence synonymous with IHNA.

The IHNA Skilldemy aspires to be the bridge in global healthcare education, preparing individuals to meet the demands of the industry with an expansive skill set. Committed to 'Education for Employment,' our mission encapsulates the provision of comprehensive training programs tailored to foster work-ready graduates. We strive to equip our students with both the practical and theoretical knowledge required to excel in the healthcare sector, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and service.

Skill sets offer a flexible approach to vocational education, allowing learners to accumulate partial qualifications that collectively lead to a full qualification. This method of 'stacking' units aligns with the concept of staking in cryptocurrency, where individual contributions lead to greater rewards over time. By engaging with individual units that contribute to a larger goal, learners can pace their education to fit their life circumstances, making each step manageable and significant towards achieving their ultimate vocational aspirations.

Online systems for SKILLDEMY course delivery bring multiple benefits, enhancing the educational experience. They provide a structured environment for learning, with consistent quality in both content and assessment. This ensures that all students receive the same comprehensive information and are evaluated against the same standards, regardless of their location. Moreover, digital platforms facilitate interactive and flexible learning, allowing students to engage with the material at their own pace and in a manner that suits their individual learning styles.

The Skilldemy program focuses on the following key objectives to make international workforces stronger and more skilled:

• It aims to fill important skill gaps that workers across the world need, boosting the global economy.
• It plans to increase the availability of skilled workers internationally by ensuring they meet Australian vocational education standards, which will help them work in various industries and countries.
• It will address the worldwide demand for Australian educational courses and high-quality skill training delivered outside Australia.
• Access to the Australian education system's high standards, without the need for international students to travel.
• Opportunities for students to gain valuable English language skills.
• Flexibility to meet domestic standards and offer these courses globally.
• Support for global workforce development with skills relevant to healthcare industries.
• Expansion of Australia’s educational reach, providing quality training to students worldwide.
• Once complete multiple non-accredited ‘Skilldemy’ qualifications, students have the choice to gain Australian qualifications through ‘gap training’ and ‘Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)’ processes if required.

Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

Online or On-Campus

Program Outcomes

• Program Options

Key Courses

• Accreditation & Associations
• Start Today

Have you been thinking about pursuing a teaching career in childcare? Take the first step with a program for a diploma in early childhood education from Bryant & Stratton College.

Graduates of our Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program are will prepared to pursue rewarding career opportunities in early child development settings. With key courses that lay the foundation for guiding and evaluating the education of young children, as well as the developmental needs of toddlers and infants, this diploma program provides a solid first step toward a future as an educator.

The Early Childhood Care & Development Program You’ve Been Looking For

Approximate Program Length

36 credit hours

Total Credits

Next Start Date for On-Campus and Online Students

Students in the Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program are well-prepared to work with young children from infancy through middle-childhood in learning environments such as childcare centers—both home and center-based—child development programs, intervention programs, recreation programs and more. This diploma in early childhood education can also be a stepping stone toward an associate degree education, including the  Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science degree  program at Bryant & Stratton College, or even on to bachelor’s degree or master’s degree opportunities.

The 36-credit-hours of courses in the Early Childhood Care & Development diploma can be used to help fulfill the 120-hour educational requirement for the National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential awarded through the Council for Professional Recognition. As the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA upon completion.

Where can you take this program?

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of on-campus classes, the convenience of online learning, or the flexibility of remote options, our degree programs are tailored to fit your lifestyle. Use our interactive map to explore the various campus locations where this degree program is offered.

• Hampton, VA
• Richmond, VA
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Orchard Park, NY
• Wauwatosa, WI

Take the Next Step

Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Taken online or on-campus, our Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program provides students with the ability to:

Implement developmentally appropriate and inclusive activities and guidance strategies designed to positively impact child behavior and to support growth in all domains.

Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.

Create respectful, reciprocal relationships with children’s families and communities to foster involvement and support children’s development and learning.

Upon graduation, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA credential

Stackable Solutions

Scalable to your career level & goals.

Bryant & Stratton College designs skill-building programs to fit your needs. In addition to online, on-campus, and live remote learning options, our degree offerings are scalable and stackable. Whether seeking to jumpstart your career or advance your education we offer diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees to help you achieve your academic and career goals on your schedule.

AAS Early Childhood Education

Learn to create programming for early childhood settings that fosters social and intellectual development in learners.

Program Format

Online/On-campus

Program Duration

• 2-Years Full-Time Study

Possible Careers

• Daycare Center Admin
• Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Prepare to support program development for early learners that fosters social, emotional and intellectual growth.

• 1-Year Full-Time Study
• 2-Years Part-Time Study
• Childcare Worker
• Preschool Teachers Aide
• Daycare Assistant Teacher

For a full course listing, please refer to the Bryant & Stratton College catalog .

Accreditation, Associations & Disclosures

Accreditation and associations.

The Council for Professional Recognition has specific requirements for the Child Development Associate credentialing process in addition to the formal education components included in these programs. A career in the field of Early Childhood Education may involve earning certain licenses or certificates, getting additional training, or meeting other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. Bryant & Stratton College recommends all applicants check with the licensing agency in their state for specific requirements * . The Bryant & Stratton College early childhood education programs involve an early childhood practice experience which may be completed within a live childcare environment. All applicants to either early childhood program should be aware that employers may consider numerous factors when determining eligibility or suitability for employment including, but not limited to, criminal background screening, U.S. citizenship, state residency, physical and psychological health, age and military discharge information. A criminal conviction and/or record of certain other conduct may prevent or hinder a student’s completion of their required practice experience or a graduate’s employment in the field of Early Childhood Education. The enrolling applicant has been apprised of these matters and enrolls in this program with full understanding of the same.

*  Virginia residents should refer to licensure regulations for school personnel at the following government site:  https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter22/ . Teacher candidates will find additional information at the Virginia Department of Education at the following address:

Virginia Department of Education James Monroe Building 101 N. 14th Street Richmond, VA 23219 http://www.doe.virginia.gov/

Disclosures

Early Childhood Education Academic Program Disclosures

What can you do with a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Development?

The Early Childhood Care and Development diploma prepares you to find employment as a childcare worker, preschool teacher’s aide, or daycare assistant teacher. You may also choose to work in a private household or as a self-employed childcare worker. In all of these roles you will attend to the basic needs of children.

Browse our Education Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

The Bryant & Stratton College Early Childhood Program

Bryant & Stratton College’s Early Childhood Program stands as a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier education at all levels. Learn more about the program and it’s career path here!

Read More : The Bryant & Stratton College Early Childhood Program

12 Skills To Advance Your Childcare Career

Working with children can be a gratifying job at any level. However, advancing your career can lead to different opportunities to explore that might fit your career goals better. Read more in our blog!

Read More : 12 Skills To Advance Your Childcare Career

15 Effective Preschool Classroom Management Strategies

Managing a preschool classroom can be a real challenge. Learn 15 effective strategies to help you successfully lead and teach a classroom of preschoolers in our blog!

Read More : 15 Effective Preschool Classroom Management Strategies

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Early Childhood Education (Online Program)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) is an online Honours degree that builds on the foundational knowledge gained from a two-year Early Childhood Education Diploma program or equivalent.

Students enrolled in the BECE program gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the issues and trends in early care and education for children in their foundational years as well as insights into general educational contexts and theories. Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) program are expected to take on positions that require a strong foundation in early care and education or apply to graduate studies or to teacher education programs that lead to a Provincial Teaching Certificate.

Recent Information Session

Program Description

Students have the opportunity to interact with peers across varied disciplines and locales while also engaging in coursework, research opportunities, conferences, advocacy, and community internships, deepening both their professionalism and perspectives of the field of early childhood education. Twenty credits are required to complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) degree program. Please note: Unless otherwise specified, courses will be delivered online within this degree program.

In addition to receiving up to seven transfer credits, you will need to complete at least 13 Brock credits. As a college transfer student, you will be entering year three of your degree. The following section details the courses to be taken each of year three and four of the program, as well as the elective context requirements between year three and four.

Contact your Academic Advisor to build your program plan. Learn more about registration and timetables on the website of the Office of the Registrar .

View Required Courses

Online Required First Year of program (Year 3 of your degree) courses:

• 1.0 INDG/ECEC 2F95: Indigenous Culture and Early Childhood Education
• 0.5 ECEC 3P54: Evaluating The Science Behind the Developing Child
• 0.5 ECEC 3P55: Young Children with Exceptionalities
• 0.5 ECEC/CHYS 3P50: Early Childhood Education
• 0.5 ECEC 3P51 Early Childhood Education for Sustainability
• 0.5 ECEC 3P53: Ethics, Policy, & Care in ECE
• 0.5 ECEC 3P85: Internship 1
• and 1 full credit elective from list EDUC 2P65, EDUC 3F01, 4P03, 3P40, 3P70, 3P00, 3P91, 4P46, 4P62, 4P70, ADED 2F90, ADED 2F91, ADED 3F90, ADED 3P12, ADED 3P41 (note: some of the elective courses may be offered in a variety of formats — face-to-face, blended, online — see the Registration Timetable)

Required Spring/Summer term courses:

• 5 EDUC 4P35 – Global Education: A Cross Curricular Approach
• 0.5 ECEC 4P81: Research Methods in Early Childhood Education
• 1.0 Humanities context credit requirement (for complete listing of context credits including those offered online see Brock University Undergraduate Calendar and the Registration Timetable)
• 1.0 Science context credit requirement (for complete listing of context credits including those offered online see Brock University Undergraduate Calendar and the Registration Timetable).
• 0.5 elective credit. If you requested an early start, you would only need to complete one half-elective beyond the two half credit courses in Adult Education. Elective courses can be chosen from any format of online, blended, face-to-face.
• Students are recommended to meet annually with an Advisor to discuss potential options for fulfillment of context credit requirements and electives.

Online Required Second Year of program (Year 4 of your degree) courses:

• 1.5 ECEC 4D50: ECE Honours thesis
• 0.5 ECEC 4P52: Inclusive Programming in ECE
• 0.5 EDUC 4P35: Global Education: A Cross Curricular Approach
• 0.5 ECEC 4P24: Literacy in the Early Years
• 0.5 ECEC 4P14: Mathematics in the Early Years
• 0.5 ECEC 4P85: Internship II
• 1 credit unspecified elective (Elective courses can be chosen from any format of online, blended, face-to-face).

Note: In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1 (alpha) 00 to 1 (alpha) 99, including transfer credits.

Admissions and Applications

Graduates of a two year Early Childhood Education Diploma program (or equivalent) with a cumulative 75% average are eligible to apply for entry into the limited enrolment Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) degree online program, and may receive a maximum of seven transfer credits if admitted to the program.

All full-time applicants please use the OUAC 105 application. If applicants wish to apply for part-time study they should use the Brock Internal application. Learn more about applications and application fees on  Brock’s Admissions website .

For more information, go to the Admissions’ Transfer Student page.

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Early Childhood and Childhood Education (AS)

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This degree provides the foundation to pursue a career in the field of early childhood, childhood or special education, and offers the first two years of general requirements that can transfer directly to a four-year program in teaching.

Students complete general education courses and also may start their academic concentration and education courses. They have the opportunity to visit early childhood and elementary classrooms and learn alongside experienced teachers.

By the conclusion of this degree program, students will have completed at least 75 hours in a classroom setting and will leave the program with a clear vision of their next step as a teacher for children, from infants up to grade 6.

While completing their degree, students observe and work alongside teachers in classroom settings. Graduates will be ready to transfer into teacher certification programs focusing on early childhood, childhood or special education.

This program is offered by the Education and Social Sciences Department .

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