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:
available part time
Ongoing
If you’re passionate about creating educational programs that support the learning and development of young children, You’ll benefit from hands-on training in Melbourne Polytechnic’s dedicated Early Childhood facilities, guided by experienced industry-based instructors who share real-world insights. the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50125 reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for:
All learners must be employed by a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as part of a traineeship.
Our graduates go onto roles like: early childhood educator, children’s services educator, family day care educator, outside school hours educator, educational leader, coordinator, nominated supervisor and director of an early childhood service.
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 CHC50125 will receive six credits for RPL.

Placement is undertaken in the workplace. Days and hours for placement vary depending on student work shifts and host registered Early Learning Service requirements.
To achieve this qualification, you must have completed a total of least 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service. The total number of hours have been applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
Throughout your traineeship you will be supported by a Melbourne Polytechnic staff member who will visit you and guide you through all placement requirements.
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Self-paced online learning
A blend of on-campus learning with some coursework delivered through Melbourne Polytechnic’s digital platforms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
The course is run for a total of 50 weeks over 2 semesters.
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 online assessments, assignments and practical demonstrations.
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Type | 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's education and care service | 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 |
| Free TAFE | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $7450 | $15750 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $260 | $260 | $260 |
| Total payable | $260 | $7710 | $16010 |
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 1st of November. 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.
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.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at fifty cents (50 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold:
Alternatively, individuals may hold:
All students must be employed by a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as part of a traineeship.
All students need to be able to provide a current Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be able to complete placement requirements.
People who work with children are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Staff in these workplaces can also transmit vaccine-preventable diseases to the children in their care. Refer to The Victorian Government Department of Health for recommended vaccinations.
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.
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.