Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5)

This graduate diploma is a one-year qualification for people who want to teach children from birth to five. It sits at the graduate level, so you come in with a bachelor degree and leave with a teaching qualification recognised for early childhood settings. The course is offered by Excelsia University College and is registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 113300D).

You will study how young children learn and how to plan for them. That means units on child development, early years curriculum, play-based learning, literacy and numeracy in the early years, and working with families and communities. You will also look at the legal and ethical side of early childhood teaching, including child protection and inclusion. Because this is a graduate diploma, the focus is on professional practice rather than general education theory. You will spend time in early childhood centres and kindergartens, working alongside experienced educators. Most Australian teaching qualifications include supervised professional experience, and this one is no different. The exact number of days and the settings you attend are set by the university, so check the official course page for details.

Australian graduate diplomas usually take one year of full-time study, made up of units of study worth credit points. You might complete eight units over two semesters, or the course may run in trimesters. Some universities offer a capstone unit that pulls together your learning, but the structure varies. The qualification sits between a bachelor degree and a master's on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is a shorter path to teaching if you already have a degree in another field. Assessment is a mix of essays, reports, lesson planning tasks, presentations and your placement performance. You will need to meet the English language requirement for teaching courses, which is higher than for many other programs. The university publishes the exact IELTS or equivalent score, and the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduating.

This course suits people who already have a bachelor degree and want to move into early childhood teaching, or educators who want a recognised teaching qualification. It is also a good fit if you are changing careers and want to work with young children. You will need to be patient, observant and comfortable working with families from all backgrounds. The one-year duration means it is intensive, so plan your time carefully. If you are an international student, check the CRICOS register for tuition and confirm the English requirement, placement arrangements and unit list on the official Excelsia University College page before you apply.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens across Australia.
• Kindergarten teacher in community-run or government-funded services.
• Early years educator in integrated child and family centres.
• Room leader or educational leader in early learning services.
• Family day care coordinator or support worker.
• Early intervention assistant in inclusive settings.

Graduates work in the education and care sector, which includes not-for-profit organisations, private providers, local government and community services. Some go on to further study, such as a master's degree in education or a research pathway.