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- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
OverviewAbout this course
Take the lead in providing meaningful childhood care to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Gain the practical knowledge to become an educational leader or manager in childcare and ensure children receive quality inclusive care in their early years.
Is early childhood education and care right for you?
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.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Implement creative play strategies for the inclusion of all children
Design educational programs that nurture creativity and establish a safe learning environment for all
Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate education and care for children
Mentor other educators in the workplace
Implement child development theory in play activities and across practices in general
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Exposure to the industry through 280 hours work placement with a suitable employer
Strong team mentoring skills and techniques
Knowledge to design programs that focus on nurturing creativity in children
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) or
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
Answer to the following apply question: Can you provide a transcript or certificate of your academic outcome of one of the above qualifications?
Completion requirements
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
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Patience and enjoy working with children
Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask
The ability to keep calm in stressful situations
Adequate fitness and mobility to deliver First Aid, like performing CPR while kneeling on the floor
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
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.
Start quiz
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Child Care Worker
Child Care Workers provide care and supervision for children in programs, such as long day care and occasional care, in childcare centres, hospitals and educational centres.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
52%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
33,500 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
35 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.
$820
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
40 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.
Medium
Gender share
96% 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: Early childhood educator, Lead educator, Early childhood director and Nominated supervisor
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care 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 or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits 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 , 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 - 12
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.
Reflect on and improve own professional practiceCHCPRP003
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for childrenCHCECE041
Nurture creativity in childrenCHCECE043
Implement strategies for the inclusion of all childrenCHCECE046
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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