Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Stanley College is a one-year qualification for people who want to work with children from birth to five years in Australian early learning settings. You will study how children grow and learn, how to plan and run a curriculum that suits each child, and how to keep them safe and well. The course covers child development, play-based learning, health and safety, nutrition, and working with families from different backgrounds. You will also learn about the legal and ethical side of the job, including the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework that shape what happens in Australian preschools and long day care centres.

How the course is structured

This diploma is delivered over one year of full-time study. Like most Australian vocational qualifications, it is made up of units of competency, each with a set number of credit points. You will attend classes, complete assessments, and spend time in a real early childhood service on work placement. That placement is a core part of the course because you need to show you can work with children, not just talk about it. Stanley College arranges the placement, and you will be supervised by qualified staff. Assessment is practical: you will plan activities, observe children, write learning stories, and reflect on your own practice.

What you will learn

By the end of the diploma, you will be able to design and implement a curriculum that follows the interests and needs of each child. You will know how to set up indoor and outdoor environments that encourage exploration, how to guide children's behaviour positively, and how to spot signs of abuse or neglect and respond according to Australian law. You will also learn to communicate with families, work in a team, and follow workplace health and safety rules. The course includes first aid, so you can respond to emergencies. These are the skills that employers look for when they hire in this sector.

Who this course suits

This diploma suits people who enjoy working with young children and want a hands-on qualification that leads straight to a job. It is also a good fit if you are already working in the sector without formal qualifications and want to upskill. International students can apply. You will need to meet English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, though you should check the exact score Stanley College asks for. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted as equivalents. Remember that the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, which may be different. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. 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 the details on the official CRICOS page and with Stanley College before you apply.

• Early childhood educator in long day care centres, preschools, and kindergartens across Australia.
• Room leader or lead educator responsible for planning and running a specific age group.
• Family day care educator running your own home-based service.
• Outside school hours care assistant working with primary-aged children before and after school.
• Nanny or in-home carer employed by families.
• Education support worker in early intervention services or community organisations.

These roles are in high demand across Australia, especially in cities and regional areas where childcare places are scarce. The diploma also gives you a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in early childhood education, which can lead to teacher registration and higher pay.