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 learning services. You'll learn how to plan and run educational programmes for young children, support their development, and meet their health, safety and wellbeing needs. The course covers child development, curriculum planning, observation and assessment, working with families, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of an early childhood educator.

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. This course is delivered over one year, usually across two or three study periods. You'll spend time in both the classroom and in early childhood services, because practical placement is a required part of the qualification. Under supervision, you'll work directly with children, plan activities, and document their learning. Assessment is based on your skills and knowledge, not just exams. You'll be observed in the workplace, submit portfolios, and complete written tasks.

The skills you gain are practical: how to create a safe and inclusive environment, how to guide children's behaviour positively, how to communicate with families from different backgrounds, and how to work within the National Quality Framework. You'll also learn to follow regulations, work as part of a team, and respond to children's individual needs. This diploma sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's more hands-on than a bachelor degree but still gives you a recognised qualification for the sector.

This course suits people who enjoy working with young children and want a direct path into the workforce. It's also a good fit if you're already working in early childhood and want to formalise your skills, or if you're considering a bachelor degree later and want to start with a practical qualification. International students should check the official CRICOS page for details on entry requirements, English language expectations, and tuition. While you study, your Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Always confirm visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Early childhood educator in long day care, preschool or kindergarten services
• Room leader or lead educator in an early learning centre
• Family day care educator running your own service
• Education support worker in schools or community programmes
• Outside school hours care assistant or coordinator
• Nanny or in-home child carer

These roles are found across Australia in private and community-run early learning centres, preschools, family day care schemes, and school-aged care services. The diploma is a standard qualification for the sector and is recognised by employers nationally. Some graduates go on to study a bachelor degree in early childhood education to become a registered teacher.