Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a one-year qualification for people who want to work with children from birth to five years in Australian early learning services. You will study how children grow and learn, how to plan and run a play-based curriculum, and how to keep children safe and well. The course covers child development, observation and assessment, working with families, inclusion and diversity, and the legal and ethical rules that govern early childhood services. You will also learn to manage a room, lead other educators, and meet the National Quality Framework requirements that apply to every Australian early learning centre.

How the course is structured

The diploma is delivered over one year of full-time study, usually across two or three study periods. It is made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. The exact unit list and credit point values are published by Kingston International College and on the CRICOS register. Assessment is practical: you will write observations of children, plan and lead experiences, build a portfolio of your work, and complete a professional placement in a registered early childhood service. The placement is a required part of the course and gives you real hours with children under the supervision of qualified educators. This is the same structure used by Australian diplomas in this field, and it is what employers expect to see when you apply for a room leader or educator role.

What you will learn

You will graduate able to observe children and use those observations to plan experiences that match their interests and development. You will know how to set up indoor and outdoor environments that are safe and inviting, how to guide children's behaviour positively, and how to talk with families about their child's progress. You will also learn the business side: how to follow service policies, work within the National Quality Standard, and keep accurate records. The diploma builds the skills you need to work as part of a team and to take on responsibility for a group of children.

Who this course suits

This diploma suits people who want to work directly with young children and who are looking for a qualification that leads to employment in Australian early childhood services. It is a good fit if you have some experience in childcare, volunteering, or parenting, and you want a formal credential. It also suits international students who plan to use the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after graduating, and who want a course that includes placement hours so they are job-ready. While you study, your student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the teaching period. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though teaching and care courses sometimes ask for higher scores; check the official page for the exact requirement for this diploma. Tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details with Kingston International College before you apply.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens across Australia.
• Room leader responsible for planning and running a specific age group, such as toddlers or preschoolers.
• Family day care educator running your own approved home-based service.
• Outside school hours care assistant working with primary school-aged children before and after school.
• Inclusion support worker helping children with additional needs take part in mainstream early learning settings.
• Nanny or in-home carer employed directly by families.

These roles are found in the education and care sector, which employs people in every state and territory. The diploma is a recognised qualification for working in services regulated under the National Quality Framework. Some graduates go on to study a bachelor degree in early childhood education to become a qualified teacher. Check the official page for details about recognition and credit.