Diploma of Early Childhood Education | TAFE SA

Diploma Curriculum & Instruction Full Time

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

at TAFE South Australia · Regency Park, South Australia

CRICOS course code

111782H

CRICOS provider code

00092B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$15,020 total

Per year

A$15,020/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE South Australia, delivered at Regency Park, prepares students to work effectively in a variety of early childhood settings. This comprehensive one-year diploma develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate programs for young children, supporting their learning and development in accordance with Australia's National Quality Framework.

The course structure typically involves a combination of core and elective units of study, with each unit carrying a designated number of credit points as per Australian TAFE system practice. Practical experience is a core part of the qualification: students undertake work placement in regulated early childhood settings as part of their studies, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience working with children, families and multidisciplinary teams.

Throughout the diploma, you will cover key areas such as child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, legal and ethical considerations, and inclusive practices for diverse communities. Emphasis is placed on Australian standards and regulations in early childhood education, ensuring that graduates are job-ready for the sector's needs. This program is well-suited to those with a passion for supporting children's growth and learning, including both school leavers and mature-age students seeking a career shift.

Graduates will be equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also crucial practical skills such as communication, leadership, documentation, and program evaluation. Students can confirm specific unit offerings, credit points, and professional placement requirements directly with TAFE South Australia. The qualification aligns with AQF Level 5 and may serve as a pathway to further study in education or related fields.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Early childhood educator in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergartens
Room leader or group leader in early learning settings
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) coordinator
Inclusion support assistant
Family day care coordinator
Employment in both public and private education sectors across Australia
Education roles in not-for-profit and community-based organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE South Australia?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$15,020 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Early childhood educator in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergartensRoom leader or group leader in early learning settingsOut of School Hours Care (OSHC) coordinatorInclusion support assistantFamily day care coordinatorEmployment in both public and private education secto...

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