Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

Course Overview

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is an academic, practice-based profession that promotes healthy early childhood development. ECEC strengthens families and communities by enhancing children’s cognitive and social-emotional skills while supporting the workforce participation of parents and caregivers.

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a one-year course designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of early childhood development, pedagogy, curriculum, and the ethical and legislative requirements of the profession. You will also develop critical thinking, reflective practice, and continuous professional development skills.

You will be introduced to the profession of early childhood teaching through an integrated curriculum that combines direct practice with theory, leadership, and advocacy, within a contemporary, play-based, and holistic approach. Field education placements will provide opportunities for experiential learning, allowing you to apply and develop theoretical knowledge across various early childhood teaching settings. Classroom activities, online tasks, and field practicums will help you connect theory to practice and apply your learning effectively.

As an AE student based in the heart of Australia’s most vibrant cities, you join a diverse and friendly community of practice. You will benefit from plenty of opportunities to make lifelong friends, network, and grow as a global professional.

Course Structure

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is conducted over three trimesters, with units taught concurrently within each trimester and dedicated time to complete your placement. The course is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study. You will need to complete two separate field education placements at an approved early childhood service, totalling 60 days of supervised professional experience.

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you are required to complete 8 units (48 credit points) as outlined below.

For on-campus & online option, you will study 2–3 units per trimester, with most on-campus units (except placement units) consisting of two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorials per week. Additionally, you should allocate seven hours of personal study per unit each week.

In Trimester 1, you will attend campus one day per week. However, during the placement period in Trimester 2 and 3, you will be required to commit additional days as per the placement schedule.

For fully online option, you will be required to attend your placement face-to-face in Trimester 2 and 3.

All online units are self-paced.

Sample of Course Sequence for On-campus and Online (Self-Paced) Option

Year 1

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

Units of Study

Theory and Practice

• ECEC100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)

• ECEC101 Child Development (birth -5)

• ECEC200 ECEC200 Play in the Early Years

• ECEC300 Policy, Pedagogy and Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers (birth -2)

• ECEC301 Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education & Care (STREAM)

Field Education

• PRFX201 Professional Experience I

• PRFX401 Professional Experience II

Management and Leadership

• ECEC400 The Early Childhood Professional

The course is structured to maximize your opportunities to become work-ready and secure employment in an Australian early childhood education centre during your studies. You will complete two 30-day placements in Trimester 2 and 3.

Professional Experience I: 30 days with preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)

Professional Experience II: 30 days with infants and toddlers (6 weeks to 2 years)

We will place you in a quality early childhood centre to ensure you learn from the best. However, if you prefer to arrange your own placement, we make it easy for you. For all details, please talk to our Placement Coordinator.

Other requirements to be completed prior to commencing field education placements are:

• National Police Record Check

• Working with Children Check

To be admitted to the course, you are required to have completed a relevant three-year AQF Level 7 degree, or an Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education plus five years of relevant leadership experience (e.g., Activity Group Leader, Head Teacher, Educational Leader, Group Leader) in an early childhood education setting.

Applying for Credit Transfer:

If you have completed prior tertiary studies, you may be eligible for some credit exemptions. For further information, please click here to download our Awarding Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education Programs Policy.

This course is accredited by Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

The course is recognized by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for teaching registration in Victoria, and by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) in New South Wales.

Graduates of Early Childhood Education programs in NSW are required to register with NESA. If you are in Victoria, please refer to the VIT Registration information at VIT Registration.

Occupational titles for you with this qualification may include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher

• Qualified Educator

• Educational Leader

• Service Director

• Area Manager

• Inclusion Support Worker

• Inclusion Support Manager

• Out of School Hours Educator

• Out of School Hours Coordinator

View all dates here.

Tuition fee: $3,150 x 8 units

Administration fee: $250

View fee list here.