UndergraduateEducation
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
About this program
This is the non-traineeship version of the course. See the traineeship diploma here.
Contribute to the next generation of learners:
If you’re passionate about creating educational programs that support the learning and development of young children, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50125 will equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
Australia’s early childhood education and care sector is expanding, with strong demand for qualified educators projected over the next five years. This makes it an ideal time to pursue a career that offers both excellent job prospects and the chance to do meaningful, rewarding work.
As an early childhood educator, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children while building a fulfilling and future-focused career.
Learn to shape learning:
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50125 equips you with the skills and knowledge to design and deliver educational programs that support each child’s development, interests, and abilities.
The course aligns with the National Quality Framework, including the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring you gain best-practice and compliance skills that meet the National Quality Standards.
You’ll benefit from hands-on training in Melbourne Polytechnic’s dedicated Early Childhood facilities, guided by experienced industry-based instructors who share real-world insights. With a strong focus on practical learning, you’ll be prepared to step confidently into the workplace and make an impact from day one.
Graduate ready to change lives:
You’ll graduate ready to step into the dynamic and rewarding world of early childhood education. Career opportunities span across a wide range of children’s services and care settings.
With your Diploma, you may pursue roles such as:
Room Leader
Centre Coordinator
Kindergarten Program Coordinator
Out-of-School Hours Care Educator
Private Nanny
This qualification opens the door to diverse career pathways where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Cost & duration
English test scores
Verified melbournepolytechnic.edu.au ↗
Course structure
15 terms of coursework
- BSBHRM413- Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
- BSBTWK502- Manage team effectiveness
- CHCECE041- Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE042- Foster holistic early childhood learning
- development and wellbeing
- CHCECE043- Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE044- Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
- CHCECE045- Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046- Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE047- Analyse information to inform children's learning
- CHCECE048- Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
- CHCECE049- Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCECE050- Work in partnership with children's families
- CHCECE053- Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
- CHCINM002- Meet community information needs
- CHCPRP003- Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Career & PR pathway
Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status
Secondary School TeacherANZSCO 241411
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186. Needs an AITSL skills assessment and registration with a state teacher regulatory authority (such as VIT or NESA) to work.
Assessed by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) TeacherANZSCO 241111
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186, via AITSL assessment and state registration.
Assessed by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
Primary School TeacherANZSCO 241213
On STSOL and CSOL, so it supports the 190, 491, and the employer-sponsored 482/494/186, but not the 189 on its own. AITSL assesses at least one year of full-time equivalent primary-education study within the qualification.
Assessed by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
Special Needs TeacherANZSCO 241511
On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via AITSL assessment and state registration. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
Assessed by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
List membership changes over time and does not guarantee an invitation. See the skilled occupation lists guide and the points calculator before relying on this for a visa decision.
Admissions
Requirements Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold: CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or its equivalent successor) OR CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Alternatively, individuals may hold: An Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care OR An Australian diploma or certificate III in Children’s Services. AND Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence, OR Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Applicants must also meet placement compliance requirements including a Working with Children Check and a National Police check. As part of the enrolment process, you will be required to attend a pre-training review with an Enrolment Centre Advisor. In your pre-training review, you and your Enrolment Centre Advisor will discuss: Your literacy, numeracy and digital literacy capability. This may be established through an assessment and/or other evidence provided during the enrolment process. Academic: Completion of Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121 or CHC30113 English: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency Other: Applicants are required to provide a 300-500 word written statement outlining any experience in child care (voluntarily, informally, or as employment) and how this course will align with personal career goals. Applicants with experience with children are preferred. Applicants must be 18 years of age by course commencement. COVID-19 Vaccination evidence, Working with Children Check and Police Check will be required for placement.
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