General information
General Information
Curriculum
Fees
Course Duration
Full time (12 months) or Part-time (24 months)
Number of Units
15 (12 core and 3 nominated electives)
Delivery Mode
Mixed (online with workshops or webinars plus an allocated trainer) with practical placement.
Formal Entry Requirements
Prerequisite qualification required. Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
The C&K College is not CRICOS registered and cannot enrol students with a subclass 485 or 500 student visa.
Other Requirements
You will need to apply for a Blue Card (working with children check) for placement - check if you are eligible here
You must have access to a computer with internet, MS Office, PDF reader software and a scanner or mobile with camera capabilities.
Employment Opportunities
- Early Childhood Centre Director
- Early Childhood Educator - long daycare, childcare centres, occasional care
- Assistant Educator - Kindergarten or preschool program
- Family Day Care Educator or Coordinator
- Out of School Hours Coordinator
- In-Home Care Provider or Coordinator
Download the Diploma Fact Sheet & Student Guide
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) Fact Sheet.
Curriculum
A Diploma qualification in early childhood provides career opportunities beyond working directly with children, including leadership, management, and support roles.
The course covers the following areas:
- Supporting the health, learning, and development of children
- Supporting children's learning and development
- Design, planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs
- Work with families, community and external agencies
- Providing leadership and support to other staff
- Leadership roles in a variety of early childhood services
- Managing compliance with policies and legislation.
Assessment Methods
Written tasks, questions, case studies, reflective discussions, activities, scenarios and workplace projects
Placement
Students completing a Diploma qualification who do not work in a regulated care service must complete at least 280 hours of unpaid vocational placement. This practical component allows students to put their learning into practice. You are required to work across all age groups (including work placement with children under 2 years of age). All students will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check and receive a positive notice and blue card.
Funding Information
Higher Level Skills
The Higher Level Skills program provides a government subsidy to support eligible individuals to access subsidised training in selected certificate IV or above qualifications, and priority skill sets. Read more
User Choice (apprenticeship and traineeship funding)
The User Choice program provides a public funding contribution towards the cost of training and assessment for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees. C&K College of Early Childhood Education is a Skills Assure Supplier. Read more
Fee Apprenticeships for Under 25s
The Free apprenticeships for under 21s program will cover the cost of training for apprentices or trainees. You must commence, or be undertaking, your training between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024. Read more
Fee for Service
Fees for self-funded students. The Fee for Service is applied when a student is not eligible for subsidies.
Student Fees
| Student Fee Type | Per Unit | Per Course | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Higher Level Skills (Non-Concession) | $2 | $30 | Offer until 31 Dec 2025* |
| $100 | $1,500 | Regular price | |
| $55 | $825 | Regular price C&K employee only | |
Higher Level Skills (Concession) | $1 | $15 | Offer until 31 Dec 2025* |
| $55 | $825 | Regular price | |
| $25 | $375 | Regular price | |
| Full Fee | $230 | $3,450 | Regular price C&K employee only |
| $272 | $4,080 |
This course is subsidised by the Queensland Government for eligible students under Higher Level Skills. Students are required to contribute to the costs of their training through a co-contribution fee.
*See C&K College Special Offer for more details and click here for full terms and conditions.
Fee Concessions
Fee concessions may apply to government-funded courses for eligible students. To be eligible for the concession fee, you must be eligible to access subsidised training (e.g. Higher Level Skills), as well as meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law,
- Be named on the card as a partner or dependent of someone holding a valid Concession Card,
- Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Proof of eligibility for concession must be demonstrated prior to the commencement of training.
Payment Options
Fees are payable up-front or by payment plan (weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments)
Inclusions
Textbook, The Early Childhood Educator for Diploma (Lorraine Walker 3rd Edition). Access to C&K specific approaches and pedagogy, policies, procedures, learning material and companion guides.
Course Overview
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care prepares individuals for leadership roles in early childhood services, emphasising advocacy for children's rights, strong relationships, effective workplace processes, and inclusive, respectful, and responsive cultures.
This qualification offers career opportunities beyond direct child interaction, including leadership, management, and support roles. The course covers supporting children's health, learning, and development; designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs; collaborating with families, communities, and external agencies; providing leadership and support to staff; and managing compliance with policies and legislation.
Download the Diploma fact sheet here.
Download the Student guide here.