Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a one-year qualification delivered by the International Institute of Planning and Management. It is registered on CRICOS (course code 120996H), which means it is approved for international students studying in Australia. The course prepares you to work with children from birth to five years in regulated early childhood settings, and it sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Because this is a diploma rather than a degree, the structure is built around units of study rather than majors. You will complete a set number of core and elective units, each carrying credit points, usually delivered over two semesters or trimesters. The subjects cover child development, curriculum planning and implementation, health and safety, nutrition, legal and ethical requirements, working with families, and inclusion of children with additional needs. Assessment is practical as well as written: you will plan and lead learning experiences, observe and document children's development, and reflect on your own practice. Most diploma programmes in this field include a mandatory work placement component, often several hundred hours in a registered early childhood service, because the qualification is tied to job-ready skills and licensing requirements. Your placement is where you learn to manage a room, communicate with parents, and follow centre policies and national regulations.

On completion, you will be able to design and deliver play-based learning programmes, maintain a safe and healthy environment, support children's language, literacy, numeracy and social development, and work within the National Quality Framework. You will also gain skills in teamwork, documentation, and responding to children and families from diverse backgrounds. The diploma is a hands-on qualification, so expect to spend time in centres, not just in classrooms.

This course suits people who want to start working in early childhood education reasonably quickly, or who are already working in the sector and need a recognised Australian qualification to move into a room leader or lead educator role. It also provides a pathway into a bachelor degree in early childhood education, with credit for prior study often available. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After finishing, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. English entry is typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though you should check the official course page and the Department of Home Affairs for the Student visa English requirement, which is separate.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools and kindergartens
• Room leader or lead educator responsible for planning and supervising a room
• Family day care educator running a licensed home-based service
• Outside school hours care assistant in before and after school programmes
• Nanny or in-home carer for private families
• Education support worker in early intervention or inclusive settings

These roles are found across Australia in private and community-run childcare centres, not-for-profit organisations, local government services, and school-based early learning centres. Many graduates continue study toward a bachelor degree to become an early childhood teacher, which opens up registration and higher-level positions.