Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Lead. Inspire. Create Meaningful Learning Experiences for Children.
This nationally recognised qualification builds on your foundational childcare skills and prepares you to take on leadership and educator roles in early learning environments. You’ll learn how to design, implement, and evaluate programs that foster children’s holistic development — shaping the next generation through purposeful, high-quality care.
AT A GLANCE
Delivery Mode:
Online + Practical Placement
Entry Requirements:
Must hold Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent). 18 years or older, with access to a computer and internet.
Work Placement:
280 hours (arranged or supported by our partner RTOs)
Course Overview
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for those who aspire to become lead educators, supervisors, or centre coordinators in early learning settings.
You’ll gain the advanced skills required to develop educational programs, mentor other educators, and ensure that children’s learning experiences are meaningful, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Core & Elective Units
Core Units
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- Nurture creativity in children
- Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
- Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- Analyse information to inform children’s learning
- Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
- Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- Work in partnership with children’s families
- Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- Establish innovative work environments
Elective Units (sample)
- Lead the work team
- Develop and implement policy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this qualification may find employment in roles such as:
- Lead Educator / Room Leader
- Early Childhood Centre Coordinator
- Family Day Care Coordinator
- Preschool Supervisor
- Educational Program Leader
This qualification also provides a pathway into higher education in early childhood teaching and educational leadership.
Work Placement Requirements
- A minimum of 280 hours of practical placement in a registered early childhood education or care setting
- Students must obtain a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and meet health and vaccination requirements (as required by their state or territory)
- Assistance with placement is available through our partner RTO network
Recognition of Prior Learning & Credit Transfer
If you’ve already worked in the community or disability sector, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Your experience and previous studies can count towards units in this qualification — saving you time and cost.
Our RPL specialists will guide you through an easy eligibility and documentation process.
Learner Support
We’re committed to supporting every learner:
- Flexible study options and online access
- Guidance from experienced trainers
- Ongoing administrative and technical support
- Assistance with RPL and documentation preparation
Ready to Get Recognised?
Turn your experience into a qualification — start today.