The TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) combines theory with real world practical skills. This degree has a strong focus on applied learning and provides a pathway to pursue a career as a qualified teacher in early childhood education. Combine your enjoyment for working with children, child development and pedagogical practices, ethics and social justice.
Research tells us the first five years of a child's life are absolutely critical, laying the groundwork for lifelong success. Our degree emphasises the profound impact early experiences have on cognitive, emotional, and social development, offering a unique opportunity to shape every child's future in your role as an early childhood teacher.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) from TAFE NSW Higher Education will develop your understanding of contemporary research-based early childhood principles and practice. You’ll study children's development, language and literacies, STEM, Indigenous education, leadership, inclusive and gifted education, health and wellbeing, and the arts in the early years.
TAFE NSW Higher Education has a strong reputation of ensuring our classes are smaller in size, highly practical and focused on allowing you to apply your knowledge as you learn. We offer expert and dedicated staff, fostering an environment where every student can flourish in their educational journey.
As a graduate, you'll have the expertise to thrive as a teacher in preschools and long daycare, or be employed in various roles in the children’s and family services sector. 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 teach you to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care to children to support their development in the early years. That's a really rewarding job.
Your experience and career goals will help determine the best pathway for you. Watch our video to learn more.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Apply early childhood theory and current teaching methods to develop curriculum content
Design a curriculum plan and teach effectively in a variety of early childhood settings or classrooms
Identify welfare issues and prioritise the health, safety and nutrition of children with a focus on promoting their wellbeing
Understand the complexities of our diverse society and the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Establish and build partnerships with families and design learning environments where diversity is celebrated and every child's potential is valued
Develop leadership qualities and the skills to manage diverse multidisciplinary teams
Develop specialist skills to gain an advantage in the job market
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 specifically tailored for the collaborative and nurturing environment of early childhood education settings
Efficient problem solving skills and the ability to employ innovative, critical and creative thinking to address challenges inherent in early childhood education
Cultivated attitudes and attributes conducive to lifelong learning, with the ability to recognise the evolving nature of the early childhood education field
Embodied 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) will be eligible for a skilled migration assessment, a process managed by ACECQA. A successful skilled migration assessment requires you to meet additional criteria for your qualification to be recognised. Each application will be assessed on its merits against the nominated occupation criteria. Read about the skills assessment application guidelines here.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
A NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) with English at HSC band 4 level or its equivalent. 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 6 in English to be eligible for entry to this degree OR
A Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation or its equivalent OR
A Certificate IV or higher vocational qualification OR
Successful completion of at least one year full-time (or equivalent) study in a course at a higher education institution
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).
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 provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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 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.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like: Early childhood teacher, service educational leader , coordinator/leader of a multi-service hub or facility , family day care coordination unit educator or manager and child and family services support worker or manager. NOTE: This degree is also a stepping stone to higher degree studies, and may lead to an academic research or teaching career.
In order to work in the childcare sector, 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.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Alternative pathways into this course
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.
Strengthen your expertise and expand your employability
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.
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
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
There are a total of 2 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Education and Training