Melbourne College of Further Education
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia.
Educators at the diploma of childcare level are responsible for designing and implementing a curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations.
Childcare educators who hold their diploma may have responsibility for the supervision of volunteers or other educators, they may become room leaders, centre directors, family day carers and move into other senior positions.
To undertake the CHC5021 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you must first successfully hold either the CHC30113 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or the CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.
Delivery Options
- Class-based Blended: Online Zoom classes + Placement
- Self-Paced Model: Online Theory + Placement
Duration
Up to 15 months dependent on delivery model and student commitment.
Start Date
- 22 April 2025
- 22 July 2025
Self-paced students can start at anytime.
Delivery mode
Melbourne College of Further Education offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Online
Set your own study schedule and balance study with your other commitments.
Blended
Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.
Work Placement
280 hoursEntry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
To enrol in this course the following entry criteria apply:
Application
- Participate in a Pre-Training Review
- Enrolment Form
Digital Literacy
- Access to a computer or smart device and the internet
- Intermediate digital literacy skills
- Navigate the internet
- Use word
- Upload and download
- Make online bookings
- Complete online assessments on a learning management system
- Use email
Language Literacy and Numeracy
AQF Level 4
Pre-requisites
Must hold the qualification code & title:
- CHC30113 Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care OR
- CHC30121 Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
Availability
- Class-based: One day a week for 5 hours
- Ability to undertake 280 hours practical placement at a regulated children's service
Self-Paced Model
Must be working in a centre in the role of an Educator to undertake the self-paced model (Family Day Care will not be suitable)
Course fees
Tuition Fees: $3,900
- Payment Plan - $78 per week for 50 weeks OR
- Pay upfront for each group and get 10% off
Enrolment Fee: $100
Paid at enrolment (not refundable)
Traineeship: $4,900
$500 Enrolment Fee + $4,400 Tuition Fee paid in instalments
Career opportunities
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will prepare you for the following roles.
Childcare Centre Manager
A Childcare Centre Manager oversees the daily running of childcare facilities such as long day care centres, occasional care facilities or a childc...
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs for young children in a childcare facility. You might assist other childcare staff to cre...
Childcare Assistant
A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre or an educational program. You might also work in a ho...
Childcare Director
A Childcare Director coordinates the daily activities at a childcare centre. You’ll supervise a team of staff and ensure a centre meets all complia...
Lead Educator
A Lead Educator cares for young children and babies in a childcare centre. You’ll prepare educational programs and organise activities that nurture...
Service Director
A Service Director oversees operations at a childcare centre or early childhood education facility. You’ll ensure a centre is running efficiently a...
Room Assistant
A Room Assistant looks after babies and young children at a childcare centre or early learning facility. You’ll supervise children and assist with...
Family Day Care Educator
A Family Day Care Educator runs a childcare service for children from their own home. You might deliver educational programs and organise activitie...
Childcare Worker
A Childcare Worker cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre, family day care or an educational program. You’ll work w...
Home Tutor
A Home Tutor works with students to support their education in a home environment. You might work with primary or secondary school students to impr...
Dance Teacher
A Dance Teacher teaches dance techniques and performance skills in a range of dance genres. You’ll work with students at all levels of ability and...
Education Officer
An Education Officer designs and delivers educational programs for various organisations, such as schools, community groups, government agencies, a...
Education Support Officer
An Education Support Officer provides vital assistance to teachers and educational institutions by supporting students’ learning and development. T...
Academic Tutor
An Academic Tutor supports students in achieving their educational goals by providing personalised instruction and guidance in various subjects. Yo...
Early Childhood Center Manager
An Early Childhood Centre Manager oversees the daily operations of an early education facility. You might work in a childcare centre, kindergarten,...
Early Intervention Specialist
An Early Intervention Specialist supports young children with developmental delays or disabilities, helping them reach their full potential. You mi...
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher nurtures and educates young children in the years before they start primary school. You might work in a preschool, childcare ce...
About Melbourne College of Further Education
Melbourne College of Further Education (MCFE) is a small and trusted RTO with over 20 years’ experience in training, supporting and inspiring students to succeed in their chosen pathway. We believe in real skills for real jobs, we take the extra time to customise our course materials and create new and innovative ways of delivering course content.
