Program Overview

CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Introduction

The CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is suited to the role of childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. You will be required to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standards.

This course teaches you the skills and knowledge to provide appropriate education and care to children. You may choose to work under direct supervision or autonomously and may also be required to supervise others. Students who have successfully completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will receive advance standing for this course.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 1250 Hours
• AQF Level: 5
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): 280 Hours

Accreditation

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care equips individuals with advanced skills to plan, implement, and manage programs in early childhood education settings. The course covers fostering children’s learning and development, ensuring health and safety, and leading teams in childcare environments. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles like Lead Educator or Centre Director in childcare centres and early learning facilities.

Why Study Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

15 units of competency are required for this qualification.

• 12 core units
• 3 elective units

CORE UNITS

• CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early Childhood learning, development and wellbeing
• CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children’s learning
• CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with Children’s families
• CHCECE048 | Plan and implement Children’s education and care curriculum
• CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in Children
• CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operation
• CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
• CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
• CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
• CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
• BSBTWK502 | Manage Team effectiveness

ELECTIVE UNITS

• CHCECE057 | Use collaborative practices to uphold child protection principles
• CHCMGT003 | Lead the teamwork
• BSBHRM413 | Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2026

Pathways

Pathways from this Course:

• Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth – 5/Birth – 12yrs)
• Associate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
• Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood or Primary School Teaching

Possible Career Outcomes

• Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
• Children’s Services Assistant Manager
• Early Childhood Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• Nanny
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Preschool Educator
• Educational Leader
• Outside School Hours Care Co-ordinator/ supervisor

Fees & Funding

• Was: $3,999
• Now: $3,599

State Government Funding

• Victoria: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• Western Australia: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• New South Wales: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

Entry Requirement

IHNA Admission Requirements

• Hold a CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• 18 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course
• Successful completion of an Australian Year 10 course or equivalent.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation prior to undertaking Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Declaration of having a disability, disorder, or on any medication that will need reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements
• Working with Children Check (WWCC): Students may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. Before students are allowed to contact with minors, students need to obtain a WWCC check.

How is the Course Assessed?

The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.

• Questions
• Projects
• Simulations

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
• Credit Transfer(CT): We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

Ready to Apply?

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long it will take to complete this course?
• How many days I must visit campus for SBA?
• Is there any flexibility in attending SBA?
• How long it will take to complete the professional placement?
• Are the SBA and PEP (Professional Experience Placement) mandatory?
• How many days I must attend class, if I prefer Blended mode delivery?
• How long it will take to get the certificate?
• How many days I must attend class, if I prefer on-campus mode delivery?
• Can I get RPL or credit transfer?
• What is the catch-up arrangement in case I miss one or two days of classes in Blended mode/ On-campus delivery?