Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a one-year qualification delivered by iLearn OZ through Melbourne Metro College. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework and is built for people who want to work directly with young children in regulated early childhood settings. The course covers child development, curriculum and pedagogy, health and safety, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of an educator. You will learn how to plan and deliver learning experiences that match the developmental stage of each child, how to observe and document children's progress, and how to work with families and communities. The subject area is Curriculum and Instruction, so much of the study focuses on what you actually teach and how you teach it.

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over two or three study periods across a calendar year. Each unit of study carries a set number of credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The diploma includes a supervised professional placement in a registered early childhood service, because the field expects graduates to have real time on the floor with children before they qualify. Placement is typically arranged by the college and assessed against the same standards you will meet on the job. Assessment combines written tasks, practical observations during placement, and portfolios of your work with children.

You will finish with skills in planning and implementing curriculum, guiding children's behaviour, maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and communicating with families and colleagues. Graduates are prepared to work under the direction of a qualified teacher or service leader, and the diploma is recognised for roles that require a diploma-level early childhood qualification under Australian children's education and care regulations. The course suits school leavers, career changers, and people already working in childcare who want to formalise their experience and take on more responsibility.

International students study on a Student visa, which allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight while the course is in session. After graduating, eligible students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English entry for international applicants is usually IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the visa itself. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 108579D. Check the official course page for current unit lists, placement arrangements and intake dates.

• Early childhood educator in long day care, preschool or occasional care services
• Room leader or lead educator in an early learning centre
• Family day care educator running your own approved home-based service
• Education support worker in kindergartens and early years programmes
• Outside school hours care assistant or coordinator
• Inclusion support assistant working with children who need additional help

These roles are found across the Australian early childhood education and care sector, including not-for-profit community services, private long day care operators, local government preschools, and school-based early years settings. Many graduates continue into a bachelor degree in early childhood education to become registered teachers.