Back to Education and Training

Course code: HE20510V02

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5)

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Pursue a career as a qualified teacher in early childcare education and combine your love for working with children, child development and pedagogical practices, welfare, ethics and social justice. The TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) combines theory with real-life practical skills. As a graduate, you will have the expertise to thrive in a diverse environment as a teacher in preschools and long daycare or gain employment in various roles in the children’s and family services sector. This course is an ACECQA approved early childhood teaching course.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Work closely with a range of age groups between birth and 5 years of age

  • Ensure the health and safety of every child is the highest priority

  • Plan the curriculum for children aged 0-5

  • Develop positive, responsive relationships with children aged 0-5

  • Lead and manage early childhood services

Course outcomes

Develop specialist skills to gain an advantage in the job market

  • A qualification at Bachelor Degree level

  • The recognised qualification to work in the early childhood education and care industry

  • The skills and knowledge to ensure the health and safety of children and to plan a stimulating curriculum

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

You must demonstrate that you have achieved one of the following:

  • A NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) with English at HSC band 4 level or its equivalent as evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript. If you do not have a band 4 in English, you may need to complete an IELTS test at your own expense and achieve a band 4 in English to be eligible for entry to this degree or

  • A Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation or its equivalent as evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript or

  • A completed certificate IV or higher vocational qualification as evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript

  • If you cannot satisfy the above entry requirements, you may be eligible for entry under our mature age and disadvantage entry provisions.

Advanced Standing:

  • Students who have completed an Australian nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will get credit for the first year of the degree and will require only 3 years (full time) to complete the Bachelor

  • Students who have completed an Australian nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care plus the mandated TAFE NSW bridging subject will get credit for 18 months of the degree and will require only 2 1/2 years (full time) to complete the Bachelor

Note:

  • Your certificates, transcripts and other entry requirement evidence must be certified through a Justice of the Peace or other authorising officer

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in working with children and their families across a range of service types

  • Interpersonal skills to communicate with children and family members

  • The ability to work as part of a collaborative team

  • Patience and adaptability

  • High energy, commitment and dedication to your career

  • Decision-making skills and the ability to respond and act quickly in situations

  • The ability to undertake approximately 5-6 extra hours of individual study per week

  • A PC or laptop to access study materials and complete your assessments. You can access this equipment on campus, however it is highly recommended you have your own equipment available

You do not require an ATAR score for entry into this course.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for special admission.

Please continue with your application and you will be guided to identify as mature aged (at least 21 years old in your first year of study) or disadvantaged (disability, serious or chronic illness, interrupted education, lack of support for study, serious personal problems and/or serious family responsibilities). Please contact us to find out more.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher

Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teachers teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature to early childhood (pre-primary) students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    55%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    21,500 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    39 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,160

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    41 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Very high

  • Gender share

    98% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Strong Growth

Other jobs include: preschool teacher, long daycare teacher, childcare centre director, family support specialist and policy advisor.

Licensing

In order to work in the childcare industry, you must complete a First Aid certificate including CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma awareness training to meet WorkCover requirements. Additionally, all staff must have participated in Child Protection Awareness Training (induction) when commencing their roles. This is a short course that focuses on recognising and responding to the suspected risks of harm to children and young people resulting from parent or carer concerns. The course codes are CHCPRT001 – Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk and/or CHCPRT002 - Support the rights and safety of children and young people Childcare licensing requirements vary from state to state.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Alternative pathways into this course

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and expand your employability

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/recognition-credit-transfers) or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Subjects Subjects in this course

Completion of this course requires you to successfully complete 40 subjects (320 credit points) made up of 40 core subjects.

Core Subjects

    Elective Subjects

      Note: Some courses offer the opportunity to choose subjects from the complete suite of Higher Education electives that are delivered by TAFE NSW. Once you’ve enrolled, contact your Course Coordinator to discuss tailoring your course to align with your interests and goals.

      TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

      TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

      • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

      • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

      • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

      • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

      • TAFE NSW Libraries

      • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

      • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

      • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

      • Student associations – get social with our student community

      Delivery options Find a location to enrol

      On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.