Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is a one-year full-time course that equips students to teach in early childhood settings. The course focuses on children from birth to five years of age and is centered on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities.

Course Description

This course is built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. Reflective thinking and research, with an emphasis on links between theory and practice, is valued. Students develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with children, families, communities, and colleagues. Students are taught how to develop, implement, and assess socially inclusive curricula where children are valued, respected, and productively engaged in learning.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.

Course Code

The course code for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is O12.

Entry Requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply. Academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience. English language requirements must also be met.

Fees

• Commonwealth supported: estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $4,750.
• International students: estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $37,700.

Duration

The course is 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.

Availability and Campus

The course is available at the Joondalup and Online campuses for both domestic and international students.

Course Structure

The course includes units such as:

• Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years
• Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood
• Inquiry in Professional Experience (Birth to 35 months)
• Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children
• Science for Young Children
• Inclusive Early Childhood Environments
• Inquiry in Professional Experience 2 (3 to 5 years)
• Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles, and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
2. Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, evaluate, and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
3. Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical, and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers, and communities.
4. Use high-level self-management skills to plan, execute, and reflect on an extended practicum, to enhance professional practice in the field of early childhood education.

Professional Recognition

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is accredited with the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Graduates may apply for registration and work in Australian early childhood education and care settings with children aged birth to five years. Graduates may also be eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia.

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in early childhood education and care services with children up to the age of five. Possible future job titles include Early Childhood Teacher (Birth to 5 years), Centre Director, Kindergarten Teacher, and Pre-School Teacher.