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 directly with children from birth to five years in Australian early learning services. You study how children grow and learn, how to plan and run a play-based curriculum, how to keep children safe, and how to work with families and other educators. The course is hands-on. You spend time in a real service on placement, practising routines, observing children, and putting what you learn into action under supervision.

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. A one-year diploma is usually delivered over two semesters or three trimesters, and you need to complete all required units to graduate. The units cover child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, legal and ethical requirements, and working in partnership with families. Because this is a vocational qualification, assessment is practical as well as written. You will be assessed on your ability to work with children, not just on exams.

Placement and skills

Work-integrated learning is a core part of this diploma. You complete a professional placement in a regulated early childhood service, where you work alongside qualified educators. This is where you build the skills employers look for: setting up learning experiences, guiding children's behaviour, documenting children's progress, communicating with parents, and following workplace policies. You also learn to work within the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework, which set the standards for early childhood education and care in Australia.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want a practical, job-ready qualification and a direct path into the early childhood sector. It is also a stepping stone if you plan to continue to a bachelor degree later. International students should check the official CRICOS page for this course code to confirm entry requirements, English language expectations, and tuition details. While you study in Australia, your student visa generally allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances.

• Early childhood educator in long day care, preschool, or kindergarten services
• Room leader or lead educator in an early learning centre
• Family day care educator
• Nanny or in-home child carer
• Education support worker in early years settings
• Out-of-school-hours care assistant

These roles are found across Australia in privately run and community-managed early learning services, preschools, and family day care schemes. The diploma also provides a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in early childhood education, which can lead to teacher registration and qualified teacher roles.