Bachelor of Education ((Early Childhood) (Birth to Five))

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (Birth to Five) at CIHE Australia is a four-year degree for people who want to work with children in their earliest years. You will study how young children learn, how to plan and run early childhood programmes, and how to work with families and communities. The course covers child development, curriculum and instruction, play-based learning, language and literacy, numeracy, health and safety, and working with children who need extra support. You will also learn about the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and how to meet the National Quality Standard in early childhood settings.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees usually run over three years, but this one is four because it includes professional experience and meets teacher registration requirements. The academic year is split into semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in units of study each term. Each unit is worth a set number of credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The course includes a mix of core education units, curriculum specialisations, and electives. In your final year, you may complete a capstone project or research unit that brings together what you have learned. You will also complete supervised professional experience placements in early childhood centres, kindergartens, or preschools. These placements are a required part of the degree and give you real time in the classroom with children from birth to five.

What you will learn

You will learn how to observe and assess children's development, design learning experiences that suit different ages and abilities, and create safe and inclusive environments. You will study how to support children's social and emotional development, how to teach early literacy and numeracy through play, and how to work with families from diverse backgrounds. You will also learn about the legal and ethical responsibilities of early childhood educators, including child protection and mandatory reporting. The degree focuses on practical skills, so you will spend time in real settings, working alongside experienced educators. By the time you finish, you will be able to plan, teach, and assess in early childhood settings, and you will have a portfolio of work to show employers.

Who this course suits

This degree is for people who enjoy working with young children and want a career in early childhood education. It suits school leavers, career changers, and people already working in childcare who want to gain a teaching qualification. If you are patient, creative, and interested in how children learn, this could be a good fit. The course is also for those who want to work in Australia or overseas in early childhood centres, kindergartens, or preschools. International students should check the English language requirements. For teaching courses, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard, but teaching often requires 7.0–7.5. You can also use TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or the university's own English programmes. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm the latest details on the official CIHE Australia page and the CRICOS register (course code 116232J).

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, kindergartens, or preschools
• Preschool teacher in community or government-run services
• Childcare centre director or room leader
• Family day care educator or coordinator
• Early intervention support worker
• Playgroup facilitator or community programme coordinator
• Education advisor in children's services
• Early childhood consultant for NGOs or government agencies

Graduates work across Australia in the early childhood education and care sector, which includes private, not-for-profit, and government services. The demand for qualified early childhood teachers is strong, especially in regional and remote areas.