Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a hands-on qualification for people who want to work with children from birth to five years in Australian early learning services. You study how children grow and learn, how to plan and run a play-based curriculum, how to keep children safe, and how to work with families and communities. The course covers child development, health and safety, nutrition, inclusion and diversity, and the legal and ethical side of the job. You also learn to observe children, document their learning, and use those records to plan what comes next.

How the qualification is structured

This is a diploma at AQF level 5, delivered over 49 weeks. It is made up of units of competency, each with a set number of credit points. TAFE NSW runs diplomas like this through semesters or trimesters, with a mix of classroom study, online learning and practical sessions in simulated early childhood environments. Assessment is competency-based: you show you can do the task, not just answer questions about it. A big part of the diploma is the work placement. You spend time in a regulated early childhood service, working alongside educators, and you are assessed on the job. That placement is what turns theory into practice and is a requirement for anyone who wants to work in the sector.

Skills you build

By the end, you can design and implement a curriculum that follows the Early Years Learning Framework. You can support children's language, literacy, numeracy and creativity through play. You learn to identify children who may need extra support and to work within the National Quality Framework and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. You also pick up the practical side: first aid, safe sleep practices, food handling, and how to respond to illness or injury. Communication matters too, writing observations, talking with families, and working in a team of educators.

Who this suits

This diploma suits people who want to work directly with young children and lead a room or a small service. It is a common pathway for school leavers, career changers, and people already working in the sector who want to move into a more senior role. If you are an international student, you can study on a Student visa and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. English requirements for international applicants are usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for courses at this level, but teaching and care courses can ask for higher scores. Check the official TAFE NSW and CRICOS pages for the exact entry requirements, tuition and start dates.

• Early childhood educator in long day care, preschool or kindergarten services
• Room leader or lead educator responsible for a group of children
• Family day care educator running your own licensed home-based service
• Outside school hours care educator in before and after school programmes
• Inclusion support worker helping children with additional needs take part
• Early childhood service coordinator in community or not-for-profit organisations

These roles are found across Australia in private and community-owned early learning centres, preschools, kindergartens, family day care schemes, and school-aged care services. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in early childhood education, if you want to become a teacher.