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    National code: CHC50125

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

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    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
    Overview

    About this course

    Lead meaningful childhood education for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Develop practical skills to deliver quality, inclusive care and step into leadership or management roles in early years services.

    Study early childhood education and care

    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.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • create safe and healthy spaces for children

    • plan learning activities for children

    • use play-based activities to support learning

    • work with families to support children’s education and care

    • support other educators at work

    • use self-assessment information to help develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

    Course outcomes

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    • A nationally accredited diploma qualification.

    • Practical experience through 280 hours of work placement.

    • Skills to mentor and support team members.

    • The ability to create programs that support children’s creativity and development.

    • Strong pathways to continue your studies and improve your job options.

    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:

    • successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121 or CHC30113)

    • successful completion of either an Australian Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or an Australian Diploma or Certificate III in Children’s Services

    • 12 months of full-time experience working in the education and care industry in the last 5 years. You’ll need to show your resume and a letter from your employer If you do not meet the work requirement, you must hold the entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care skill set (CHCSS00147).

    Traineeship

    • You must be employed as a trainee in the industry.

    • Your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) must submit your Training Proposal Plan (TPP).

    • Visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page for more information.

    Note:

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

    • All students who do not meet the entry requirements will be supported to explore other pathways or directed to a more suitable course.

    Completion requirements

    During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    • completion of the national child safety training. This training is separate from the units you’ll complete in the course. You must complete it before starting your work placement

    • a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)

    • proof of vaccinations and health screenings, if required by your work placement provider

    • any additional evidence requested by your work placement provider

    • confirmation from your work placement provider that you have completed at least 280 hours of work placement in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.

    Entry recommendations

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

    • the fitness and mobility required to provide first aid, including performing CPR on the floor and manual lifting tasks

    • Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills at a Year 12 high school level.

    Note:

    • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs. We’ll make sure your LLND skills match the demands of the course. We can create a plan that supports your study success.

    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.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

    Start quiz
    Pathways

    Future career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: early childhood educator, children’s services educator, family day care educator, outside school hours educator, educational leader, coordinator, nominated supervisor and early childhood service director.

    Study pathways

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

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study1 Course

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study1 Course

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    Your experience counts

    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 get your qualification faster.

    Units

    Units taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 12 core and 3 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Manage team effectivenessBSBTWK502

    • Maintain a safe and healthy environment for childrenCHCECE041

    • Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeingCHCECE042

    • Nurture creativity in childrenCHCECE043

    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

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • 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

    Study options

    Find a location to enrol