CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Build on your experience as a childhood educator and gain the skills you need for the next phase of your career.

Broaden your opportunities with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

If you’re already working in a childcare setting, this advanced qualification will give you the skills you need to progress your career and become eligible for more senior roles. Demand for qualified childcare professionals is high, and according to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the future growth for childcare centre managers in Australia over the next five years is strong. 

By completing a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll be able to build on the experience you already have, and develop the skills you need to design and implement early childhood education and care programs. You’ll learn how to build a positive culture and lead teams in the workplace. You’ll develop the skills required to nurture creativity in children, to work in partnership with children’s families, and much more.

Your career opportunities will expand once you have achieved this qualification. Graduates will be eligible for a variety of roles in early childhood education such as Lead Educator, Group Leader or Childcare Director.

With the need for childcare expected to expand over the coming years, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will help you establish a long-lasting and rewarding career as an early childhood educator and a leader.

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered online and includes 280 hours of practical assessment work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a Nationally Recognised course.

Eligibility Requirements

Education

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold a: 

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or 
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Students’ skills and capabilities to undertake this training product will be assessed and advice on suitability will be provided during the pre-enrolment process. 

Minimum Age 

Students under the age of 18 years require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to enrol in this qualification.  

Residency Status 

You will need to be a permanent Australian resident or equivalent. 

Computer Requirements 

In order to complete the online part of the course you will need regular access to the following: 

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points 
Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended) 
Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above 
Internet Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 
MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later 
Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).

Assessment items  

Assessments may include a range of assessments including quizzes, knowledge questions, case studies, workplace projects, and videos.

Special Conditions 

Students must apply for their Working with Children check at course commencement. For mandatory work placement (280 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent). 

Where required, we will assist you in organising a work placement location of your choosing. 

Qualification

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Delivery

Online theory, combined with 280 hours of practical assessment work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia available

Length

The length of the course is up to 18 months

Study Load

Complete 1 unit of competency every 5 weeks to graduate in 18 months.

Cost

Payment Options

Upfront Payment
Payment Plan

Course Outcomes

The opportunities available to you upon completion of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will be leadership roles of varying degrees, and enable you to continue to develop your own skills as well as enrich the careers of others you may mentor. The below roles are just some of the potential course outcomes.

Group Leader

A Child Care Group Leader takes responsibility for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the daily education program. As Group Leader, you will lead the preparation of materials and equipment to support children’s learning, play and development. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring, assessing and documenting the children's individual progress. You’ll ensure the health and safety of children, support the inclusion of all children and develop positive and respectful relationships with the children in your care.

Childcare Director

As Childcare Director, you’ll occupy the most senior position at a childcare centre and be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations. You’ll ensure a safe and educational environment for young children, manage childcare educators, develop learning programs in coordination with your team and communicate with parents. Your key duties will include the overall planning, administration, marketing and resourcing of the centre.

Educational Leader

The role of Educational Leader within an early childhood learning environment is primarily about guiding and developing educators’ and families’ understandings about play and leisure-based learning, and the significance of the early years in the education continuum for children.

Assistant Director

In the role of Assistant Director to the Childcare Director, you’ll support in the running of operations and the overall leadership of the Centre. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with the Centre Director and hone your leadership skills, as you manage and mentor a team of educators in their work with children and families.

Lead Educator

The role of Lead Educator will vary depending on the educational environment, however in general, you will be developing and delivering a quality education program and practice and supporting children to participate in the program. You’ll work closely with the Childcare Director or Childcare Manager, and establish positive relationships with children and families. You’ll also coach and supervise other Educators.

Delivery Options and Length

Online theory, combined with 280 hours of practical assessment work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia

To achieve this qualification, the student must have completed a total of least 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.

The length of the course is up to: 18 months

Cost & Payment Options

Upfront Payment

Payment Plan

Upfront payment and instalment plans available.

Your course fee includes:

Delivery and assessment of your qualification
Study materials (including all resources)
On-going support from our Education Team.

You can pay for your course upfront via VISA/MasterCard or a bank deposit. Alternatively, we offer instalment plans that can be paid over several weeks or fortnights.

For more information about CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care costs, please call us on 1300 616 197.

Online theory, combined with 280 hours of practical assessment work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia

BSBTWK502

Manage team effectiveness

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead teams in the workplace and to actively engage with the management of the organisation. The unit applies to individuals working at a managerial level who lead and build a positive culture within their work teams. At this level, work will normally be carried out using complex and diverse methods and procedures requiring the exercise of considerable discretion and judgement. It will also involve using a range of problem solving and decision-making strategies. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE041

Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

The unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain health and safety in the areas of individual health, hygiene, infectious disease, supervision, risk management, incident and emergency management. It includes the ability to contribute to the ongoing improvement of workplace health and safety policies and procedures. This unit applies to educators who implement and monitor practices according to established service policies and procedures in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. They may also provide guidance to other workers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE042

Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to foster and enhance the holistic learning, development and wellbeing of children from birth to six years of age. It includes the ability to use detailed knowledge of different developmental domains and developmental theory and how these domains link to support holistic development. This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, according to the philosophy of the service. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE043

Nurture creativity in children

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate experiences that nurture creativity in children through construction, digital technologies, dramatic play, imaginative play, movement, music and visual art. This unit applies to educators who develop and implement learning experiences in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE044

Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate legislative, regulatory and National Quality Framework compliance in an education and care service. This unit applies to educators working in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They provide guidance to others and have responsibilities in relation to continuous improvement of services provided. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE045

Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop guidelines that foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour, and to monitor and support children’s learning, development and wellbeing in this area. This unit applies to educators working at a leadership level in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE046

Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote inclusion and diversity and to plan, implement and monitor individual support strategies. This unit applies to educators working at a leadership level in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE047

Analyse information to inform children’s learning

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather and analyse information about children’s learning to inform practice. This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE048

Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum over a period of time to foster children’s learning and development. This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE049

Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate a sustainability management plan and support children’s environmental responsibility. This unit applies to educators who develop and implement practices according to established organisational policies in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE050

Work in partnership with children’s families

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish relationships with families, connect with the local and broader community and promote opportunities for collaboration and sharing of information with families to support effective education and care for children. This unit applies to educators working at a senior operational or leadership level in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice

BSBPEF502

Develop and use emotional intelligence

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and use emotional intelligence to increase self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management in the workplace. The unit applies to individuals who are required to identify, analyse, synthesise and act on information from a range of sources and who deal with unpredictable problems as part of their job role. These individuals may be responsible for leading a team or work area. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

BSBHRM413

Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine individual and team development needs and to facilitate the development of the workgroup. The unit applies to individuals with a broad knowledge of learning and development who apply their skills in addressing development needs to meet team objectives. They may have responsibility to provide guidance or to delegate aspects of tasks to others. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CHCECE053

Respond to grievances and complaints about the service

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively resolve grievances and complaints about the service. This unit applies to educators working at a leadership level in children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold a: 

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or 
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Students’ skills and capabilities to undertake this training product will be assessed and advice on suitability will be provided during the pre-enrolment process. 

Check the currency of CHC50121.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Given that some students may already be able to demonstrate their competence in some units, a recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment process may be available to students to recognise skills and knowledge that may have been gained through formal and informal training and/or learning, work experience and life experience.

Why choose us?

Student Testimonial

Kellee Locke, Certificate III in Business Administration graduate

I wanted a course that would aid my career progression...I feel as though it helped me get my current job.

Flexible Online Study
All of our courses are delivered online, giving you the flexibility to choose your course length.
Dedicated Student Support
Our industry experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrolment through to graduation.
Industry-relevant Courses
Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with job-ready skills.
Nationally Recognised Training
All of our courses are Nationally Recognised and accredited.

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