Diploma

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Course Overview

Course Code:  CHC50121

Qualification:   Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Overview:

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is for people who wish to take on a leadership role in an early childhood service and has a strong emphasis on advocacy for the rights of children; the development of strong relationships, effective workplace processes; inclusive, respectful and responsive workplace culture; and curriculum which focuses on the needs of a child and their individual context.

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.

Course Duration:  Full time (12 months) or Part-time (24 months)

Number of Units:

• 15 (12 core and 3 nominated electives)
• See Course Fact Sheet for detail list of units  

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 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 will need to hold or apply for a Blue Card (working with children check) to attend a service for placement.
• You need to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

2023 Student Fees

This course is subsidised by the Queensland Government. Students are required to contribute to the costs of their training through a co-contribution fee.

See the Student Guide for further details on fees

2023 Apprenticeship Fees

Fees are dependent on electives studied.

This course is subsidised by the Queensland Government. Students are required to contribute to the costs of their training through a co-contribution fee. In some cases, the employer may pay the apprenticeship co-contribution fee on behalf of the student.

See the Student Guide for further details on fees.

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

• McGraw Hill Textbook
• Nutrition Australia Qld LEAPS (Learning, Eating, Active Play, Sleep) online training

Assessment Methods

Written tasks, questions, case studies, reflective discussions, activities, scenarios and workplace projects

Work 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). Students participating in vocational placement will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check and receive a positive notice and blue card.

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

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 and 30 September 2022. Read more

Fee for Service

Fees for self-funded students. The Fee for Service is applied when a student is not eligible for subsidies, government loans or where no subsidies are available. 

Further Information

Course Fact Sheet   Student Guide

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