Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:
Overview
12 months full time / 18 months part time
18 months
April, July
Contribute to the next generation of learners
If you’re interested in creating educational programs to aid the learning and development of young children, our Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 will provide the skills you need. Australia’s early childhood education and care sector is growing and expected to continue expanding over the next five years. Early childhood educators are in demand, so it’s a great time to pursue a career with excellent job prospects and the opportunity to undertake meaningful, rewarding work. This is an industry where you can make a positive impact on the lives of children and grow a great career at the same time.
Learn to shape learning
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 provides 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. You will learn in Melbourne Polytechnic’s dedicated Early Childhood facilities, working with industry-based instructors that share their professional insights. You’ll get out of the classroom and into practical learning.
Graduate ready to change lives
You’ll graduate ready to take on a role in the exciting and challenging world of early childhood education. You may seek employment in the field of children’s services or caring for young children in a variety of childcare settings. You might find work as a room leader, centre coordinator, kindergarten program coordinator, out-of-school carer or a nanny for private clients.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 take me?
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.
- Nanny
- Occasional Carer
- Long Day Care
- Out of School Hours Carer
Study Pathways
You may continue to study and enrol in our Bachelor of Education (Early Years) or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Students who have successfully completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 will receive six credits for RPL.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Full time Group: This course has a 280-hour workplace requirement. Students are required to have seven hours per day of direct contact with children during this placement.
Traineeship group: You will be able to complete your placement hours in your own workplace across a range of age groups. Need to be working a minimum of 14 hours per week. You will have some face to face classes on campus during your traineeship program.
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Preston: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings
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.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| BSBHRM413 | Support the learning and development of teams and individuals | Elective | 40 |
| BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness | Core | 60 |
| CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | Core | 55 |
| CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | Core | 200 |
| CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children | Core | 80 |
| CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children | Core | 110 |
| CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | Core | 60 |
| CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | Core | 65 |
| CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children's learning | Core | 75 |
| CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | Core | 180 |
| CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | Core | 73 |
| CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children's families | Core | 70 |
| CHCECE053 | Respond to grievances and complaints about the service | Elective | 40 |
| CHCINM002 | Meet community information needs | Elective | 70 |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | Core | 120 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $6450 | $13700 |
| Materials fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $6700 | $13950 |
| Per year | $19600 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Early Childhood Education courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
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.
You need to have already obtained a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30113 or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121.
Applicants should be over 18 years old on commencement of the course and hold a Working with Children Check (WWC).
Part time: Industry Group:
1 year
Prerequisites are:
- Already hold a current Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Be working in a registered early learning program a minimum of 2 days per week
English: 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
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Early Childhood Education at Melbourne Polytechnic
Bianca is shaping the future through Education Support
For Bianca Falcone, family always comes first and home-schooling her three young children during lockdowns ignited a new passion and career path through School-Based Education Support.
Learn More
A dream career in Early Childhood Education becomes reality for Diah
The education journey for Diah Hastuti was not a fast one but with persistence and an unwavering passion for childhood education, she has made it to her dream career with a Bachelor of Education (Early Years and Primary) HEBOEEYP.
Learn More
Influencing the future - careers in Early Years Education
Teachers are in high demand and the Victorian Government is investing $5 billion to fund three-year-old kindergarten places across the state – and all those children will need an additional 6000 trained staff to educate and care for them. There’s never been a better time to study for a career in early childhood education and care.
Learn More
Veronica Plozza
Veronica works in Melbourne Polytechnic’s Education department as our Professional Placement Coordinator.
Learn MoreRecognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.