Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Overview
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a required qualification for educators responsible for designing and implementing curricula in regulated early childhood settings. Diploma-qualified educators are accountable for curriculum development and may supervise educators holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
This qualification equips educators with the skills to implement approved learning frameworks, lead teams, and maintain ethical, inclusive, and compliant practice. Completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121) is a prerequisite for entry. Delivered over 12 months, the course progresses from foundational knowledge to advanced skills, preparing graduates to manage an early childhood room and team.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want to hear more about this course?
Join us at the Swinburne Study Expo to talk with your future teachers and tour the campus and facilities where you’ll be spending your time.
Your industry experience
Swinburnes Innovative Placement Model, developed through extensive sector consultation, immerses students in the workplace throughout the course, strengthening relationships with children, families, and teams. This approach enhances understanding of curriculum frameworks, critical reflective practices, and real-world application of knowledge.
Benefits of the model include:
- Improved student engagement and confidence.
- Integration into workplace teams, leading to higher employability during and after the course.
- Alignment with workforce demands in the early childhood sector.
- Course Delivery Timeline.
1. Stage 1 (Weeks 1-16):
- Initial four weeks: Intensive study to build group dynamics and familiarity with course materials.
- Week 5: Four full days in placement to establish workplace connections.
- Weeks 6-16: 2x2 model (2 days in classroom and 2 days in placement each week).
2. Stage 2 (Weeks 20-39):
- Continuation of the 2x2 model,
- A final two-week block placement at the end of the semester evaluates students' ability to take full responsibility for curriculum, team, and children.
Throughout, workplace supervisors and Swinburne teachers provide mentorship and assessment, using evidence portfolios, simulations, and observable skills evaluations.
Topics you'll cover
- Designing and delivering educational programs
- Assessing and reflecting on children’s learning
- Leading teams and managing early childhood settings
- Working with families, teams, and the community
- Ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards
Skills you’ll learn
- Leadership and Management
- Advocacy and Collaboration
- Child Development and Wellbeing
- Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Policy and Research Application
Your career opportunities
- Early Childhood Educator / Team Leader
- Educational Leader
- Kindergarten Assistant
- School-aged Care Assistant
- Nanny or Family Day Care Provider
Professional accreditation
The course has national accreditation, which allows domestic graduates the opportunity to apply for work throughout most States and Territories of Australia. Domestic graduates of this course are recognised in the award as Level 3 Child Care Workers.
Why Swinburne?
91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study
87.1% of students are satisfied with their training
80.9% of students are likely to recommend Swinburne
Become a Kinder Teacher
[Knocking at door]
DAD: Timmy, you awake?
Come on, buddy. You ready for today mate?
TIMMY: This will be the winner.
DAD: Righto Timmy, let's go.
TEACHER: Here is the sky. Here is the land.
We pay our respects to elders, past, present, and emerging.
Well done Timmy.
Another one here.
See, you twist it. And then these ones.
Here you go Timmy.
[Children playing]
TEACHER: Come on, come on
Did you see a dinosaur at the Zoo? So what's this one here?
Who knows what this is?
Rawr, rawr.
TIMMY: Here you go.
Do you want to have this one?
[Children playing]
TEACHER: Okay, Timmy, I'll see you tomorrow.
MUM: Hey, sweetie!
Did you have a good day?
NARRATOR: The best learning happens when children play. Make their everyday a new adventure.
Authorised by the Victorian government Melbourne.
[END OF TRANSCRIPT]
Admissions
Applicants require a completion of Australian Year 12 equivalent or other equivalent study and be at least 18 years of age.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee).
Social/behavioural capability
Students must have the social and language skills be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, Eg:
- Able to get up and down off the floor easily
- Able to lift/ carry young children safely
- Able to perform the physical activities for care and safety of children ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Immunisation
Immunisation may be a requirement of the organisation students attend for placement. It is recommended that students follow the immunisation guidelines for working with children in early childhood and school settings.
Digital Technologies
Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.
Capability to:
- use email effectively
- create files and folders
- upload and download files
- log in using a username and password
- engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent. Minimum GPA score required, check your specific requirements via the link below.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Course pre-requisites
Students must hold a Certificate III in Early childhood Education and Care: either CHC30113 or CHC30121.
Mandatory documentation
Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
Other requirements
Students will need to supply their own device to access the learning management system.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5
- Equivalent measures available at English language requirements
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in early childhood education and care.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
Students must be physically capable to respond effectively to an emergency situation such as being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously.
Students are required to meet minimum LLN levels, these are assessed via BKSB; students must achieve a minimum ACSF working level of 2 for English and Maths, alternatively, VCE results for units 1& 2 for both literacy and numeracy will validate appropriate levels.
Students complete a Pre-Training review on application to identify course suitability and learning support requirements.
Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
-
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
-
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
Course structure
To successfully complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 15 units (12 core and 3 elective units) consisting of:
2 units from the electives listed below up to 1 unit from the list below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course.
The selection of electives chosen must be guided by the job outcome sought, local sector requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.
On-campus classes
Full-time standard delivery is on-campus classes combined with work placement.
Students attend on-campus classes 2 days per week (8.30am – 3.30pm) combined with work placement 2 days per week in our 2 x 2 model.
Trainees/Workplace Learners
Students completing a traineeship or workplace learner course must attend online facilitated classes one day per fortnight. A minimum of two full days (15 hours) workplace experience per week must be completed over the duration of the course.
Course delivery
Phased delivery
This program is delivered in 2 stages each around six months in duration. Placement in embedded 2 days per week throughout each stage. Delivery is via a blended learning model with resources provided primarily in a face-to-face classroom delivery supplimented with online resources in the learning management system.
Phase 1
Focuses on Emotional and Social Development, Positive Behaviour and Inclusion, Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, Creativity and Environmental Awareness, Curriculum and Pedagogical Practice and Professional Growth.
Phase 2
Extends knowledge and skills with Team Leadership and Development, Managing team effectiveness, Family and Community Partnerships, and Service Quality and Compliance.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage team effectiveness
Core unit |
BSBTWK502 |
|
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
Core unit |
CHCECE041 |
|
Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCECE042 |
|
Nurture creativity in children
Core unit |
CHCECE043 |
|
Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
Core unit |
CHCECE044 |
|
Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
Core unit |
CHCECE045 |
|
Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
Core unit |
CHCECE046 |
|
Analyse information to inform children's learning
Core unit |
CHCECE047 |
|
Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
Core unit |
CHCECE048 |
|
Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
Core unit |
CHCECE049 |
|
Work in partnership with children's families
Core unit |
CHCECE050 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
| Elective units | |
|
Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
Elective unit |
BSBHRM413 |
|
Develop and use emotional intelligence
Elective unit |
BSBPEF502 |
|
Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
Elective unit |
CHCECE053 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes are timetables across 2 days per week, with approximately 12 hours of on-campus attendance required between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm.
- Scheduled days depend on the group and campus allocation.
- Semester and term breaks are identified within the timetable.
- Placement is consistently embedded within the scheduled delivery, two days every week, where practical skills will be consolidated and assessed.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 20-40 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes over the duration of the course.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations and tests.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$18,290
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$8,630
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$22,880.00
A uniform: polo shirt is required to be purchased for this course that will cost approxmiately $50.00.
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
-
Study this course for free in 2026
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2026 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Students must demonstrate social/behavioural capability to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.