
The TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) combines theory with practical experience. Develop the skills and knowledge to become a qualified early childhood teacher and make a positive impact on children’s learning and development. Research shows that the first 5 years of a child’s life are critical for lifelong learning, health and wellbeing. This degree explores how early experiences shape cognitive, emotional and social development. You’ll learn how to support children’s growth through evidence-based teaching practices.
Throughout the course, you’ll build your understanding of contemporary early childhood education through research-informed learning and professional practice. Study areas include:
TAFE NSW higher education offers smaller class sizes and practical learning experiences that help you apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You’ll learn from experienced educators who provide personalised support throughout your studies.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready for teaching roles in preschools and long day care services. You’ll also have opportunities to work in a range of children's and family services settings. This course is an ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching degree.
4 years full time or 8 years part time
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Early childhood courses prepare you to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care. You’ll support children’s learning and development during the early years.
It’s a rewarding career. Your experience and career goals will help determine the right pathway for you. Watch the video to learn more.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
use early childhood theories and teaching methods to create learning programs
plan and deliver learning activities in different early childhood settings
support children’s health, safety, nutrition and wellbeing
recognise child welfare concerns and respond appropriately
understand and respect diverse cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures
work with families to support children’s learning and development
create inclusive learning environments where every child is valued
build leadership skills and learn how to lead and support teams.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
An Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) recognised bachelor’s degree.
An applied specialised body of knowledge within the professional and practical context of early childhood education.
Confidence to effectively communicate within the field using a diverse range of texts and media to enhance interaction with children, families and colleagues.
Demonstrated interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills tailored to the collaborative and nurturing environment of early childhood education settings.
Efficient problem-solving skills and the ability to use innovative, critical and creative thinking to address challenges in early childhood education.
Attitudes and attributes that support lifelong learning and recognise the evolving nature of the early childhood education field.
Social justice principles, ethical awareness and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Graduates of the TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) are eligible for a skilled migration assessment through ACECQA, subject to meeting the assessment requirements. Read the Skills Assessment Application Guidelines.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
a NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) with English at band 4 or equivalent. If you have not achieved band 4 in English, you may be required to complete an IELTS test at your own expense and achieve an overall score of 6 to be eligible for entry to the degree
a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation or equivalent
a Certificate IV or higher-level vocational qualification
successful completion of at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent) in a course at a recognised higher education institution.
If you’ve completed a nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll be eligible for credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5). The amount of credit you receive depends on the units you completed in your diploma. If you completed ECIAS200A Introduction to Academic Study, you’ll receive credit for ECSFC101A Professional, Cultural and Academic Practice.
Depending on the credit awarded, you could complete the degree up to 1.5 years faster.
Your certificates, transcripts and other entry requirement evidence must be certified through a Justice of the Peace or other authorising officer.
During your study, you'll need to meet specific requirements to complete your coursework. Your teacher will let you know when you need to provide evidence of:
a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
vaccination and health screenings
any additional evidence your work placement provider requires.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
an interest in working with children and their families across a variety of service settings
strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with children and their families
the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
patience, flexibility and adaptability
enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to your chosen career
sound decision-making skills and the ability to respond appropriately in a range of situations
the capacity to do approximately 5 to 6 hours of independent study per week
access to a PC or laptop to view study materials and complete assessments. While computers are available on campus, having access to your own device is strongly recommended.
If you need support preparing for study, contact us to discuss the options available to you.
There may be Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this course. CSPs are partially funded by the Australian Government. Check your eligibility before selecting a CSP enrolment option.
Commonwealth Prac Payments (CPPs) are available to eligible CSP students.
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).
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: early childhood teacher, educational leader, coordinator or leader of a multi-service hub or centre, family day care coordination unit educator or manager, child and family services support worker or manager and a pathway to further study that may lead to a career in academic research or teaching.
To work in the childcare sector, you must complete first aid training. This includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), anaphylaxis awareness and asthma awareness to meet workplace safety requirements.
When you start your role, you must also complete child protection awareness training. This short course helps you recognise and respond to concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
The required units are:
Childcare licensing requirements vary by state and territory
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Alternative pathways into this course
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) does not have any pre-requisite 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.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll achieve your qualification faster.
Students who have completed a 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 of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5).
Students who have completed a nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care plus the elective TAFE NSW ECIAS200A Introduction to Academic Study will get credit for 18 months of the degree and will require only 2 1/2 years (full time) to complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5).
Completion of this course requires you to successfully complete 32 subjects (320 credit points) made up of 32 core subjects.
Please note, not all subjects are offered at every TAFE NSW location, every semester. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the subjects offered at that location.
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
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
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