Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) at Excelsia University College is a four-year teaching degree for people who want to work with children from birth to five years old. You study how young children learn, how to plan and teach in early childhood settings, and how to work with families and communities. The degree leads to a qualification in early childhood teaching, so you can register as an early childhood teacher in Australia.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are normally three years, but this one is four years because it includes the professional preparation required for teacher registration. The course is delivered in semesters or trimesters, with each unit of study carrying credit points. You'll complete a mix of education and curriculum units, professional experience placements, and a final-year capstone or research project. The exact unit list and credit points are on the official course page.

What you'll study and where you'll go on placement

You'll take units in child development, curriculum and pedagogy, play-based learning, language and literacy, numeracy, and working with families. You'll also learn about Australian early childhood policy and frameworks. Professional experience is a big part of the degree. You'll go on placements in early childhood centres, preschools and kindergartens, usually supervised by a qualified teacher. These placements are assessed and count towards your degree. They give you real time in rooms with children, planning and leading activities.

Skills you'll gain

You'll learn to observe and assess children's learning, design play-based programs, manage a classroom, and communicate with parents and colleagues. You'll also build skills in inclusion, working with children with additional needs, and understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood. By the end, you should be able to step into a teaching role and meet the requirements for registration.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who enjoy working with young children and want a career in early childhood education. It's a good fit if you want to teach in childcare, preschool or kindergarten settings, or if you're already working in the sector and want to qualify as a teacher. The course is also open to international students. If you're applying from overseas, you'll need to meet English requirements. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate courses, but teaching courses often require 7.0–7.5. Check the official Excelsia page for the exact English requirement for this course. As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm details on the official page.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care, preschool or kindergarten
• Kindergarten teacher in a school setting
• Early childhood educator or room leader
• Family day care educator or coordinator
• Early intervention support worker
• Children's services manager or director (with experience)
• Education advisor or curriculum resource developer
• Playgroup facilitator or community program coordinator

Graduates work across the Australian early childhood sector, including not-for-profit and private childcare centres, community preschools, and government-funded kindergartens. Some go on to work in early intervention services or family support organisations.