Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a two-year qualification that prepares you to work with children from birth to five years in early learning centres, kindergartens and family day care. You will study child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, and how to build relationships with children and families. The course includes supervised work placements in regulated early childhood services, so you spend time in real rooms with real children, not just in a classroom.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. At this level, you complete a sequence of core and elective units across four semesters (or trimesters, depending on the provider's calendar). The diploma is delivered over two years full time, and most of your assessment is practical: observations, portfolios, projects and workplace tasks. You will also complete a minimum number of hours of work placement, as required for this qualification. Confirm the exact unit list, placement hours and delivery mode on the official course page.

What you will learn

You will learn how to plan and implement play-based learning experiences that match each child's stage of development. You will study how to support children's language, literacy, numeracy and creativity, and how to work with families from different backgrounds. Health, nutrition, safe sleeping, first aid and child protection are covered. You will also learn about the National Quality Framework and how to document children's learning against the Early Years Learning Framework. By the end, you should be able to run a room, supervise other educators, and communicate confidently with parents and outside agencies.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want a hands-on career working with young children. You might be starting out, changing careers, or already working in the sector and wanting a formal qualification. It also gives you a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in early childhood education, with credit for your diploma units. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after you finish. English requirements for this course sit at the standard level for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate study, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent. Check the official page for the exact English evidence the provider accepts and how to apply.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens
• Room leader or lead educator responsible for planning and supervising a room
• Family day care educator running your own home-based service
• Outside school hours care assistant or coordinator
• Nanny or in-home carer for families
• Education support worker in early intervention services

These roles are in demand across Australia, in private and community-run services, local councils, and not-for-profit organisations. The diploma also gives you a pathway into a bachelor degree in early childhood education, which can lead to teacher registration and higher duties.