Diploma of Early Childhood Education And Care

Course Description

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care working within regulated children’s education and care services across Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that aligns with an approved learning framework, as well as ensuring compliance with other service operational requirements.

They apply specialised knowledge and critically analyse theoretical concepts to effectively address diverse work situations. Additionally, they may hold supervisory responsibilities over volunteers or other educators.

Early childhood educators are employed in settings such as long day care centres, family day care, preschools, and kindergartens.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au

Course Duration/Fee

Course Duration

: 56 Weeks

Mode of Delivery

Blended (Face to Face + Online)

Campuses:

• Haymarket
• Perth

Intake Dates

• 14 July 2025
• 18 August 2025
• 6 October 2025
• 10 November 2025
• 26 January 2026

Entry Requirements

The following are the Admission requirements of Lead college:

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of course commencement.
• Prospective students may be required to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) and/or a pre-enrolment interview.
• Hold a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Lead College or another institute with similar elective.
• Must demonstrate English level of IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent, such as:
  • IBT 60
  • PTE 50
  • CAE 169
  • OET B
  • General English Advanced or equivalent
  • MOI Certificate
  • Duolingo 95
  • MET
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic
  • CELPIP General
  • Certificate IV or higher qualification with an Australian institution.
• Must have basic digital literacy, including the ability to confidently use the internet and common software applications for learning purposes, completing assignments, and engaging with course content.
• Must be able to participate in training within a simulated workplace environment, including performing manual handling tasks.

Course Assessment Outline

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of student knowledge and skill development, the following assessment methods will be used throughout the course:

Assessment Types

Written Questions or Report

Students will complete written assessments to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts, procedures, and industry standards relevant to the course content.

Practical Activity or Project

Learners will engage in hands-on activities or projects that simulate real-world tasks and challenges, allowing them to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Case Study

Analysis of industry-relevant case studies will enable students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex scenarios, reflecting real-life situations.

Observation

Students will be assessed through direct observation during practical sessions or workplace activities to evaluate their competence, technique, and adherence to safety and procedural protocols.

Work Placement

Where applicable, learners will undertake supervised work placement, during which their performance and skill application will be monitored and assessed according to workplace standards.

Award Requirements

Students will need to successfully complete all units in this course to receive certificate of CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Learners who partially complete the qualification will receive a Statement of Attainment for the units they are deemed competent.

It is mandatory to complete work placement hours to be eligible for attainment of this qualification.

Career Pathway

This qualification enables the student to seek employment in the following job roles:

• Early childhood educator
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Home-based Care Worker

Essential Information

Orientation to assist students is provided by Lead College as an age and culturally appropriate program. Please refer Pre-enrolment Information Pack at https://www.leadcollege.edu.au/pre-enrolment-form/ Students will be permitted to attend classes only after they have attended and completed the orientation session for the enrolled courses.

Recognition of prior learning rpl/ credit transfer

Lead College recognises qualifications issued by other RTOs. Lead College will accept and mutually recognise the qualifications and Statements of Attainment awarded by any other registered training organisation unless precluded by licensing requirements. We can also grant you Credit Transfer for subjects or units you have completed where equivalence can be established between the unit in your course, and the subject or unit you have completed.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where skills and knowledge that you have gained through work and life experience and other unrecognised training can be formally recognised.

During the entry process and interview stage Lead College will discuss with you the process and options for RPL. Suitability is often determined on how much experience you have in a certain area, your work history and previous training. If RPL is determined as a possibility for you, you will be provided with a kit that will guide you in working through each unit to determine relevant skills and experience and identify whether you would be able to provide the required evidence.

Unique student identifier (USI) requirement

USI is needed for all students studying with Lead College. From 1 January 2015 for undertaking Nationally Recognised Training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation the students will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). The USI is available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life and be recorded with any nationally recognised VET course that is completed. Please see the official USI website https://www.usi.gov.au. The student after enrolment is required to create USI (Unique Student Identifier) or allow Lead College to create an USI on their behalf.

Student support welfare and guidance services

Relevant resources are available at Lead College to ensure that the students settle in well, smoothly transit life in new places and achieve the required level of competency in all accredited courses. Our staff assists in how to seek help with local welfare and guidance services.

Orientation

Orientation to assist students is provided by Lead College as an age and culturally appropriate program. Please refer Pre-enrolment Information Pack at https://www.leadcollege.edu.au/pre-enrolment-form/ Students will be permitted to attend classes only after they have attended and completed the orientation session for the enrolled courses.

Pathway From Qualification

After completing CHC50125 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you may progress to higher education courses.

Units Of Competency

The CHC50125 Diploma Of Early Childhood Education And Care requires the completion of the following 15 Units (including 12 core and 3 electives).

Core Units – 12
CHCECE044	Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
CHCECE041	Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE050	Work in partnership with children’s families
BSBTWK502	Manage team effectiveness
CHCECE045	Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE048	Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
CHCECE046	Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE043	Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE042	Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE047	Analyse information to inform children’s learning
CHCECE049	Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCPRP003	Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective Units – 3
BSBHRM413	Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
BSBPEF502	Develop and use emotional intelligence
BSBOPS502	Manage business operational plans

** Please note: Electives are subject to change to meet client and industry requirements.