Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

This qualification reflects the role of Educators in a range of early childhood education settings. Diploma qualified Educators are responsible for the development and implementation of curriculum that meets the requirements of the approved learning framework and the National Quality Standards. Early Childhood Educators would have an understanding of theoretical concepts, maintaining compliance within the service operations and be responsible for supervision of educators, volunteers and students.
There are minimum inherent requirements for entry into this course which will be discussed in the interview process.
Trainees and Workplace students are employed in an early childhood service and complete their studies online using Moodle, with additional support from TAFE Gippsland teachers and a mentor in the workplace.

Our Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in children's education and care services, including long day centres, family day care, pre-schools and kindergartens.
You’ll learn how to plan and implement educational programs in accordance with current legislation and requirements while watching children blossom into socially intelligent beings. What could be better?

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2023. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Early Childhood Educator in a long day care service
Nanny
Family Day Care provider
Early Childhood Director

You will gain 120 credit points in the TU5 Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) (Federation University)

While completing this course, you will develop the skills to work closely with other educators, providing a welcoming environment for families and developing professional and respectful relationships. You will learn how to document children’s learning and develop a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for young children, demonstrating an understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Framework and child development. During this course, you will be provided with opportunities to prepare a variety of learning experiences and resources and learn how to identify and plan for children with additional needs.
Theory components that you will cover will include:
-Legislation, work health and safety, mandatory reporting, policy and procedure
-How to provide children with a safe and healthy environment
-How to respond to grievances
-Holistic development in early childhood
-Providing for children's individual care needs
-Developing relationships with children through positive interactions
-learning about child development and the theories which underpin the importance of play and creative
experiences
-Maintaining health and safety in a service
-Developing emotional intelligence
-Documenting observations and creating age-appropriate programs for children
-Providing engaging learning environments
-Environmental responsibility
-Reflective practice and leadership skills
-How to manage teams.

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Students must have completed either the CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care to be eligible to enrol in the Diploma of Eary Childhood Education and Care.
Students must obtain a Police Check and Working with Children's Check to be eligible to complete the required placement hours in an Early Childhood Service.

Recommended entry Requirements:

Early Childhood Services will not hire anyone under the age of 18. This information is relayed to prospective students during the enrolment process. The recommendation is that students should be a minimum of 17 years of age to undertake the course.
Students must have a laptop and access to the internet to complete the additional independent online studies.
It is recommended that students have good digital literacy skills and be confident using the Microsoft Office suite.

Limitations to course Entry:

Inherent requirements for working in the Early Childhood Education sector
Physical activities: The work requires a certain amount of physical activity, such as:
Standing - often for long periods of time
Sitting - down at a child's level, on the floor and in small seats/stools
Bending - lifting and setting up play areas, changing nappies, making cots
Walking - supervising children in both the indoor and outdoor environments
Heavy lifting (>15kg) - sometimes lifting children or moving furniture
• Providing a child safe environment, (being able to move quickly if a child is in danger)
• Providing basic physical and emotional care for students (assisting with toileting and nappy changes/managing behaviour
• Supervision of indoor and outdoor environment
• Lifting of children, nappy changes etc.
• Set up and put away materials both indoor and outdoor where required
• Standing for long periods of time, being able to get down to a child’s level and engage in activities which may be at a table or floor level

• Working with children check
• Police check

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No