The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides students with the skills and knowledge to plan and operate educational programs for children based upon their skills and interests.

This course follows the National Quality Framework, which includes the Early Years Learning Framework. Student will learn the best practice and compliance skills that underpin the National Quality Standards.
Contribute positively to the next generation of learners
Become a child care room leader or the person responsible for program planning, or both – once you have this highly regarded and highly sought qualification!
Establish your career in early childhood education and care
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the skills and knowledge to plan and operate educational programs for children based upon their skills and interests. This will follow the National Quality Framework which includes the Early Years Learning Framework. You will learn the best practice and compliance skills that underpin the National Quality Standards.
Industry connections and resources
Melbourne Polytechnic provides hands on experience by conducting a playgroup for local children every Wednesday morning. You will gain experience setting up play, preparing and serving food safely, and by observing the children.
Work Placement
Full time Group: This course has a 455-hour workplace requirement. This is taken by working 35 hours per week for 13 weeks. Students are required to have 7 hours per day of direct contact with children during this placement.
Industry Group: You will be able to complete your placement hours in your own workplace across a range of age groups.
Employment outcomes
You will be qualified to work as a room leader and educator in the following fields:
- Long Day care
- Three year old Kindergarten programs
- Out of school care, working with children aged 6-12
- Nanny – working privately for families as per their requirements
- Occasional Care – usually run at leisure centres, gyms, local councils where parents maybe undertaking study
Assessment
Assessment methods include written reports, presentations, group activities and practical demonstration of skills.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You can seek RPL where your work or qualifications of an advanced and related nature have been undertaken. Academic Credit is granted on a case-by-case basis, according to our Academic Credit policy and associated procedures. Applications for Academic Credit will be assessed by relevant Melbourne Polytechnic academics and where appropriate, industry experts.
Local Students
Code
CHC50113Campuses
PrestonDepartment
EducationDuration
Full-time:
1.5 years
Class Schedule: *
Tue - AM and PM
Wed - AM and PM
Thu - AM and PM
Fri - AM and PM
*Classes run across these days and times. Detailed timetable information is available from an Education and Course Advisor
Industry Group:
1 evening per week and every third Saturday
Part-time:
available
Industry Group:
1 year
Prerequisites are:
Already hold a current Certificate ll in Early Childhood Education and Care
Be working in a registered early learning program a minimum of 2 days per week
Modes of Delivery
Flexible, Practicum, Classroom
Fees
Enquire now to find out if you are eligible for government funding and other forms of help paying for fees. The student tuition fees as published are correct at time of publication and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. All enrolments excluding RPL/RCC and Higher Education incur an annual Amenities fee with a maximum cap of $250
Find out more on fees and charges
Assessment Methods
Assessment for each competency will be through a combination of on-the-job (practicum) and off-the-job tasks. Off-the-job assessment is a combination of class exercises, assignments and practical demonstrations.Materials
A list of required materials and any texts will be distributed to you at the commencement of the course.Entrance Requirements
Local applicants are encouraged to attend an information session where they will need to perform a written task and undertake a pre-training review. Applicants do not need to have completed the Certificate III qualification in order to enrol in this Diploma course.Applicants should be over 18 years old on commencement of the course and hold a Working with Children Check (WWC).
Pathways to further study
Students may continue to study and enrol in our HEFEEDEYBachelor of Education (Early Years). Students who have successfully completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will receive six credits for RPL.Career Pathways
On completion, you may seek employment in the field of children's services, caring for young children up to the age of six in a variety of child care settings. Jobs include room leader, centre coordinator, or a nanny for private clients.Enrolment Intake
- February
- July
International Students
Code
CHC50113CRICOS Code
082863GCampuses
PrestonDuration
Full-time:
1.5 years
Class Schedule: *
Tue - AM and PM
Wed - AM and PM
Thu - AM and PM
Fri - AM and PM
*Classes run across these days and times. Detailed timetable information is available from an Education and Course Advisor
Industry Group:
1 evening per week and every third Saturday
Modes of Delivery
Flexible, Practicum, Classroom
Fees
- Tuition fees per semester: $6618
- Tuition fees per year: $13236
Courses fees
Entrance Requirements
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalencyEnglish: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or recognised equivalency
Other: Applicants must provide a 300-500 word written statement outlining any experience in child care (voluntarily, informally, or by paid employment) and the reasons why they want to study this course
You will need to provide a Working with Children Check (WWC) and a police check
Assessment Methods
Assessment for each competency will be through a combination of on-the-job (practicum) and off-the-job tasks. Off-the-job assessment is a combination of class exercises, assignments and practical demonstrations.Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Pathways to further study
Students may continue to study and enrol in our HEFEEDEYBachelor of Education (Early Years). Students who have successfully completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will receive six credits for RPL.Career Pathways
On completion, you may seek employment in the field of children's services, caring for young children up to the age of six in a variety of child care settings. Jobs include room leader, centre coordinator, or a nanny for private clients.Enrolment Intake
- February
- July
Units Of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact the department for the latest student contact hours information.
Code | Subjects | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHCDIV001 | WORK WITH DIVERSE PEOPLE | 40 |
CHCDIV002 | PROMOTE ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL SAFETY | 25 |
CHCECE001 | DEVELOP CULTURAL COMPETENCE | 70 |
CHCECE002 | ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CHILDREN | 63 |
CHCECE003 | PROVIDE CARE FOR CHILDREN | 70 |
CHCECE004 | PROMOTE AND PROVIDE HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS | 35 |
CHCECE005 | PROVIDE CARE FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS | 60 |
CHCECE007 | DEVELOP POSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN | 70 |
CHCECE009 | USE AN APPROVED LEARNING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE PRACTICE | 70 |
CHCECE011 | PROVIDE EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN'S PLAY AND LEARNING | 40 |
CHCECE016 | ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN | 50 |
CHCECE017 | FOSTER THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING OF THE CHILD IN EARLY CHILDHOOD | 240 |
CHCECE018 | NURTURE CREATIVITY IN CHILDREN | 80 |
CHCECE019 | FACILITATE COMPLIANCE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICE | 120 |
CHCECE020 | ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT PLANS FOR DEVELOPING COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOUR | 50 |
CHCECE021 | IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE INCLUSION OF ALL CHILDREN | 50 |
CHCECE022 | PROMOTE CHILDREN'S AGENCY | 80 |
CHCECE023 | ANALYSE INFORMATION TO INFORM LEARNING | 70 |
CHCECE024 | DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT THE CURRICULUM TO FOSTER CHILDREN'S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT | 170 |
CHCECE025 | EMBED SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SERVICE OPERATIONS | 60 |
CHCECE026 | WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE EDUCATION AND CARE FOR CHILDREN | 70 |
CHCLEG001 | WORK LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY | 55 |
CHCMGT003 | LEAD THE WORK TEAM | 100 |
CHCPRP003 | REFLECT ON AND IMPROVE OWN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | 120 |
CHCPRT001 | IDENTIFY AND RESPOND TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK | 40 |
HLTAID004 | PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING | 20 |
HLTFSE001 | FOLLOW BASIC FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES | 30 |
HLTWHS003 | MAINTAIN WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY | 40 |
Related Downloads

Students may be eligible for Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.