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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

  • Diploma

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the recognised pathway to become a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator.

Key details

Degree Type
Diploma
Course Code
Course Overview
Study Mode
Online
Domestic Fees
$8,436 total

About this course

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the recognised pathway to become a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator. Following the the introduction of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Early Childhood Educators are in demand more than ever across Victoria, with an estimated 6000 educators needed by 2029.

Students undertaking this course will gain skills in:

  • Best practice and quality assurance
  • Planning for children with additional needs
  • Networking
  • Effective communication
  • Family partnerships
  • Childhood development (aesthetic, creative, and physical)
  • Music program
  • Health and safety

Prospective students must pride themselves on being empathetic, patient and accountable, with the ability to problem-solve and engage with adults.

This course consists of compulsory face-to-face classes and live webinars, and includes 300 hours of placement (for which travel in Victoria will be required). More information on placement can be found below under 'Attendance and Commitment'.

Blended Delivery is available for students who currently work in an early childhood setting and would like to upgrade their qualification from a Certificate III to a Diploma.

This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.

Please note that the fees displayed are for the 2024 intake.

This information relates to 2024 course delivery. If required, students will be notified of 2023 course information during the onboarding process.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Mandated entry requirements

To be selected for this course applicants will need To hold a:

  • CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
  • CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants:

  • Undertake a pre-training review by interview to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations, and that you are likely to complete the course successfully.
  • Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
  • Have completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121).
  • Students will be required to hold a valid working with children check. (Volunteer).
  • Students will be required to provide a Police Check with no disclosable outcomes (dated within 6 months).
Trainees
Please apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with your employer to organise your traineeship contract prior to applying for this course.

Inherent Requirements

Physical stamina to carry out:

  • Lifting children.
  • Repetitive bending down to children's level.
  • Lifting and moving child-sized furniture.
  • Role modelling and engaging in physical activity.

Psychological stamina to:

  • Maintain adult hygiene.
  • Demonstrate empathy, patience and resilience required for working with babies and young children in a range of situations.

Technology requirements

In order to complete this course students will require:

  • Access to a laptop/computer with internet access.
  • Access to digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
  • Webcam for virtual classes.

Resources

  • GOTAFE polo shirt is required to be worn during placement (available for purchase at the Induction).

Study locations

Online Campus

Online