Progress your career in early childhood education and care with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, an advanced qualification to gain specialist skills and knowledge to work as an early childhood educator or service supervisor. It goes beyond the basics, providing you with a deeper understanding of the development of children, educational theories as well as effective leadership within an early childhood environment. 

This childcare diploma is great for people who are already working within the early childhood space and keen to progress their career as an educator or even a service supervisor. 

In this article, we’ve explored the key aspects of pursuing this diploma in childcare including what it covers, course requirements and prerequisites, career opportunities and educator to child ratio requirements.

What does the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care cover?

The diploma in childcare has a broad curriculum, delving into a broad range of topics such as: 

• Design, implement and evaluate early childhood programs in line with the approved learning frameworks and any regulatory requirements
• Understanding the emotional, physical, cognitive and social needs of young children
• Managing and leading a team of educators 
• Building rapport and connections with families, children and other staff members 

Prerequisites for diploma in childcare

If you’re looking to enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you’ll likely need to:

• Have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Working with children check or card (depending on the state or territory requirements)
• Have work experience within the early childhood industry
• Meet any additional entry criteria that is set by the tertiary institution

Hands on training

Most people studying the diploma in childcare will also need to complete 280 hours of placement within an approved childcare setting. This gives you the opportunity to gain practical, on-the-job practice with your new skillset, as well as industry exposure before you graduate with the childcare diploma.

What jobs can I work in with the diploma in early childhood?

When you finish your diploma in early childhood, you’ll have a number of career opportunities, including: 

• Early childhood educator
• Early childhood service supervisor
• Childhood education manager (director)
• Second in charge (2IC)
• Outside school hours coordinator
• Family-Day Care Coordinator
• Team leader or room leader in a service

Diploma-level qualification requirements

Birth to preschool age

At least half of an early childhood staff needs to have a childcare diploma level of qualification or higher. This is to meet the relevant educator to child ratios. Read further about Qualifications for centre-based services with children preschool age or under.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care FAQs

How long does it take to complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care takes between one to two years to complete. This timeframe can vary depending on whether you take the course online or face-to-face as well as individual circumstances.

What are the entry requirements for the diploma in early childhood?

The prerequisites for the diploma in early childhood are holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or an equivalent qualification. Other requirements may include working with children check, experience in the industry and any other criteria set by the institution.