Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) is a one-year online diploma designed for qualified primary or secondary teachers who want to transition into early childhood education. This program equips students with the specialist knowledge and practical placement experience to teach children from birth to five, including immersive insights into Indigenous pedagogies and relational teaching practices.

Overview

The program focuses on play-based learning, child development, and inclusive teaching for children aged Birth–5. Students will learn through inquiry and reflection, exploring research-informed, play-based approaches and embedding Indigenous ways of knowing. The program includes 60 days of professional placements in the student's hometown, providing real-world experience in early childhood education settings.

Entry Requirements

To enter this course, applicants must have at least one of the following:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in Initial Teacher Education or
• Hold an equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualification.

Key Information

• Duration: 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent)
• Start Dates: March, July
• Annual Fees:
  • 2026: $4,734 (CSP)
  • 2026: $24,500 (FFP)
• Delivery mode: Online plus placement/intensive
• Practical experience: Available
• Study abroad: Not available
• English language requirements: Entry requirements by country

Course Structure

Students will complete 8 topics and gain hands-on experience with 60 days of work placements to develop skills that will impact children's lives. The core topics include:

• Early Childhood Pedagogy
• Reading and Writing
• Play and Pedagogies
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Playing on Country
• Pedagogies of Belonging
• STEM
• Professional Experience

Career Opportunities

This degree equips students to pursue a career in early childhood teaching in long-day care centres, kindergartens, and preschool programs. Students' experience teaching in primary or secondary settings can open doors to leadership, policy, or advisory roles in early childhood education. Potential occupations include:

• Director or Manager ELC
• Curriculum and Policy Adviser
• Childcare Centre Manager
• Long-day Care Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Childcare Educator

Potential Employers

• Long-day childcare centres
• Preschools
• Kindergartens
• Early learning centres
• Government
• Not-for-profits

Professional Accreditations

This academic qualification will enable students to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia, and for registration in most other states in Australia. Graduates meet The Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) employment criteria.

Industry-Relevant Experience

The course includes 60 days of professional placements in the student's hometown, providing real-world experience in early childhood education settings. This ensures students graduate with practical, hands-on teaching skills. There is flexibility in how these 60 days are completed, allowing students to work through options with Flinders' placement team to fit around their current teaching role where possible.

Connect with Industry

Through strong connections with early learning centres and schools, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education offers valuable opportunities to put knowledge into practice. Students will take part in professional placements that build their teaching skills, grow their confidence in real settings, and connect them with educators and organisations that can shape their future career.

Academics

The program is taught by experts in their fields, including:

• Rachael Hedger, Course Coordinator and senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education
• Dr Timna Garnett, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education
• Linda Gray, Early Childhood Lecturer

Scholarships

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.