Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a one-year qualification delivered by the Sydney School of Business and Technology. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's practical, job-focused, and sits below a bachelor degree but above a certificate III or IV. You'll study full-time over two semesters, typically completing 12 to 15 units of study, each worth credit points. The course mixes classroom learning with hands-on work in early childhood services, so you graduate with real experience, not just theory.

What you'll actually study

Core units cover child development from birth to five years, curriculum planning and instruction, health and safety, legal and ethical requirements, and working with families and communities. You'll learn how to design and implement learning experiences that match the interests and needs of young children, how to observe and assess their progress, and how to create inclusive environments. A big part of the diploma is the professional placement component, you'll spend a set number of hours in a registered early childhood service, working under supervision with children aged 0–5. That placement is where you put everything into practice: planning activities, managing routines, and communicating with parents and colleagues. The course is taught in English, and international students need to meet the published English requirement, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though some providers may ask for higher. TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted as equivalents. Remember, the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, so you'll need to satisfy both.

How it's structured

Australian diplomas are built around units of study, each with a set number of credit points. At this level, you're looking at roughly 12–15 units across two semesters. There's no thesis or capstone research project, that's for degrees and above. Instead, the diploma's capstone is the practical placement, where you demonstrate your skills in a real service. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, projects, observations, and workplace performance. You'll be assessed on both what you know and what you can do. The course is delivered on campus, and you'll be expected to attend classes and complete your placement hours. The CRICOS course code is 118578M, you can check that on the official CRICOS register for current details on tuition, duration, and location.

Who it's for

This diploma suits people who want to work directly with young children, in long day care, preschools, kindergartens, or family day care. It's also a good fit if you're already working in the sector and want a formal qualification to move into a room leader or supervisor role. If you're an international student, the diploma gives you a pathway into the Australian early childhood sector, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, so you can gain extra experience in the field. The diploma doesn't lead to teacher registration, that requires a bachelor degree, but it does qualify you for many roles in early childhood services. Always confirm the latest details on the official page or with the provider, as requirements can change.

• Early childhood educator, work in long day care, preschools, or kindergartens, planning and delivering educational programmes for children aged 0–5.
• Room leader, supervise a room or age group, mentor other educators, and take responsibility for daily routines and programme planning.
• Family day care educator, run your own home-based service, caring for a small group of children.
• Outside school hours care assistant, support children before and after school and during holidays.
• Nanny or in-home carer, provide personalised care and educational activities in a family home.

These roles are in demand across Australia, in childcare centres, community organisations, and private services. The diploma is the standard qualification for many positions in the sector, and with experience you can move into leadership or specialise in areas like inclusion support or early intervention.