Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Education Training & Employment Australia is a one-year qualification that prepares you to work with young children from birth to five years in long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten settings. The course sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, hands-on and focused on the skills you need on the floor. You will spend most of your time learning how to plan and deliver educational programmes for children, how to support their development, and how to work with families and other professionals.

What you study

The course is built around units of study that cover child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, nutrition, legal and ethical requirements, and working with diverse families. You will learn how to observe children, design learning experiences that match their interests and stages, and create inclusive environments. There is a strong focus on play-based learning, which is the foundation of early childhood practice in Australia. You will also study how to respond to children at risk, how to manage behaviour positively, and how to document children's learning in ways that meet regulatory and quality standards.

How it is structured

Australian diplomas are typically delivered over two or three semesters, depending on the provider's calendar. At Education Training & Employment Australia, the one-year duration means you will be studying full-time, with a mix of classroom-based learning, online study and practical placement. The exact number of units and credit points is set by the provider and published on the CRICOS register. You will need to complete all units, including a set number of hours of work-integrated learning in a regulated early childhood service. This placement is where you put your skills into practice under the supervision of qualified educators.

Skills you gain

By the end of the diploma, you will be able to plan and implement a curriculum that supports children's learning and development, work within the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework, communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues, and maintain a safe and healthy environment. You will also learn how to work as part of a team, follow policies and procedures, and reflect on your own practice to keep improving. These are the same skills that employers look for when hiring in early childhood services across Australia.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want a career working with young children and who prefer a practical, job-ready qualification rather than a longer university degree. It is also a good fit if you are already working in the sector and want to gain a formal qualification to move into a room leader or educator role. International students who complete the diploma may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which allows you to stay and work in Australia after your studies. While you are studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If you are considering this course, check the official CRICOS page for the most up-to-date information on tuition, entry requirements and English language standards.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens
• Room leader or lead educator responsible for a group of children and a team of assistants
• Family day care educator running your own home-based service
• Outside school hours care educator working with primary school-aged children
• Nanny or in-home carer employed by families
• Early childhood assistant in integrated services or early intervention settings

These roles are found across Australia in privately run and community-managed childcare centres, government-funded preschools, and occasional care services. The early childhood sector is one of the largest employers in the country, and demand for qualified staff remains steady in both metropolitan and regional areas. With further study, you could move into leadership, special education, or primary teaching.