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 learn how to plan and deliver educational programmes, support children's development, and meet their health, safety and wellbeing needs. The course covers child development, curriculum planning, observation and assessment, working with families, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of an early childhood educator.

This diploma sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is delivered over one year of full-time study, typically across two semesters. You will complete a set of units of study, each with a credit point value, and the course includes a supervised professional placement in a registered early childhood service. Placement is a core part of the qualification because you need to demonstrate your skills with real children in a real setting. Your placement hours are set by the training package and must be completed to graduate.

You will build practical skills in planning and running learning experiences, guiding children's behaviour, working with diverse families, and keeping children safe. You will also learn how to document children's learning and use that information to shape your teaching. The course suits people who enjoy working with young children and want a hands-on qualification that leads directly to employment. It is also a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in early childhood education, if you want to become a teacher.

International students should check the official CRICOS register for the published tuition and the exact course details. English proficiency is required for entry, and the Student visa has its own English requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Confirm all details, including placement arrangements and entry requirements, on the official page.

• 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
• Outside school hours care assistant or coordinator
• Nanny or in-home child care provider
• Education support worker in early years settings

These roles are found across Australia in private and community early learning centres, preschools, kindergartens, and family day care services. The diploma is the standard qualification for working as an early childhood educator, and demand for qualified staff is steady across the country.