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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Traineeship

Free TAFE Code: CHC50121 CRICOS: 111813F

Sorry, this course is not available for international students.

If you are a local student you may be eligible.

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Overview

Campus
Duration

available part time

Next Intake

Ongoing

This is the traineeship version of the course. See the non-traineeship diploma here.

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 traineeship 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 while working with industry-based instructors that share their professional insights. We will support you in your own workplace to undertake all units and meet our assessment requirements.

Career Pathways

Where will the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - Traineeship 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.

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.

Being an international student is not easy," she acknowledges, "and I've always felt welcome and that I belong here.
Rebecca Abeykoon
Winner of the Overall Outstanding Higher Education Student of the Year in Arts, Education and Agritech 2024
A woman with long black hair and a black shirt smiling at the camera

Course Details

Delivery methods

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 the Preston campus during your traineeship program that are optional.

  • Workplace

How you will study

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.

Class Schedule

  • Optional monthly workshops
  • Online learning via our Moodle platform

Assessment Methods

Assessment for each competency will be through a combination of on-the-job (practicum) and off-the-job tasks.

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

Our information sessions will give you an in-depth look at your chosen area of study and answer your questions about your course.

Fees & Costs

Tuition Fees
Free TAFE Government subsidised fee Non-subsidised fee
Tuition fee $0 $7100 $15000
Maximum annual amenities $250 $250 $250
Total payable $250 $7350 $15250
Per year $0
Per semester $0

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.

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.

Check your eligibility

The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment. 

Check your eligibility here.

The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.

Check your eligibility here.

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.

A list of recommended materials and any texts will be distributed to you at the commencement of the course.

Early Childhood Education courses at Melbourne Polytechnic

Bachelor of Education (Early Years and Primary)
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
The Bachelor of Education provides you the expert knowledge and classroom practice to succeed as an educator in the early childhood and primary setting.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Epping, Preston
Free Tafe Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
This course is designed to develop your understanding of issues relevant to the children’s services sector and to enhance your practical skills needed to deliver high quality care and education to young children.
Associate Degree of Early Years Studies
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
If you’re inspired to work with young children and would like to work as an educator in day care or a kindergarten, our Associate Degree of Early Years Studies is ideal for you.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Education - Full Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time - Preston
Prepare for your career as a kinder and early childhood teacher in children aged from birth to five years.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - Non-Traineeship CHC50121
Education - Part Time - Preston
Free Tafe Education - Part Time - Preston
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 provides students with the skills and knowledge to plan and operate educational programs for children based upon their skills and interests.

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

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.

We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year

Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.

Recognising Organisations

Nationally Recognised Training

Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

You are currently looking at information for local students

Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.