Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a one-year qualification for people who want to work with children from birth to five years in Australian early childhood settings. You'll learn how to plan and run educational programmes for young children, support their development, and work safely and ethically with families and communities. Expect to study child development, curriculum and pedagogy, health and safety, nutrition, and inclusion. You'll also cover legal and ethical requirements, first aid, and how to respond to children at risk. Much of the learning happens in the workplace, because this is a hands-on job.

How the course is structured

Vocational diplomas in Australia are made up of units of competency, not the credit points you see in university degrees. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care typically includes around 20 to 25 units, mixing core units with a few electives. You'll study full time over one year, usually across two or three study periods. Assessment is practical: you'll be observed in a real service, build a portfolio, and complete a work placement. The exact number of placement hours is set by the training package, and your provider will tell you what's required before you enrol.

What you'll actually do

You'll spend time in an early childhood service on placement, working alongside educators. That's where you practise writing learning stories, setting up experiences, guiding behaviour, and talking with families. Back in class, you'll learn how to design a curriculum that follows the Early Years Learning Framework, how to document children's learning, and how to keep everyone safe. You'll also learn about workplace regulations, child protection, and working with children who have additional needs. By the end, you should be able to step into a room and run it with confidence.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to work directly with young children and are ready to study and work at the same time. It's a common pathway for school leavers, career changers, and people already working in the sector who want a formal qualification. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements and visa conditions, including the Student visa work limit of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Graduates sometimes use this diploma as a stepping stone to a bachelor degree in early childhood education, which can lead to teacher registration. Check the official CRICOS page for current fees, intake dates, and entry requirements.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens
• Room leader or lead educator in a childcare service
• Family day care educator running your own home-based service
• Outside school hours care assistant in primary school settings
• Inclusion support worker helping children with additional needs participate in early learning
• Nanny or in-home carer employed by families

These roles are found across Australia in private and community childcare providers, local government preschools, and not-for-profit organisations. Some graduates go on to study a bachelor degree and register as early childhood teachers.