Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50125
Length
1 Year (full time)
1 Year (part time)
Location
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Online Classes & Workplace Training
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - CHC50125
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
This qualification 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 this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Employment outcomes after completing this course include:
- Nominated Supervisor
- Early Childhood Educator
- Outside School Hours Care Coordinator
- Playgroup Supervisor
- Kindergarten Assistant
- Recreation Assistant
- Family Daycare Coordinator
- Nanny/Au Pair
Further study
Students wishing to continue with their studies may wish to undertake the:
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Shepparton - Fryers Street
(3 commencing soon)
Open From: 09-Feb-2026 - Workplace - Part time - Various - On Campus, Online and Workplace
Open From: 09-Feb-2026 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Online Classes & Workplace Training
Starts On: 11-Feb-2026 - Full time - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 3.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 11-Feb-2026
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
Core units
12 unit(s)
- BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
- CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
- CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning
- CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
- CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Elective units
3 unit(s)
- BSBHRM413 Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
- BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence
- CHCECE053 Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 1 year course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend campus 2 days a week and virtual class 1 day per week (6 hours a day).
- Spend approximately 12 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Attend industry excursions (3 per year).
- Complete 280 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.
Placement details
- The placement is organised by GOTAFE.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- 280 mandated hours of Placement occurs in two blocks. Each block lasts for 4 weeks (38 hours per week) in a regulated Early Childhood and Care Service. Hours will vary and may range between 6am-6.30pm, depending on the service requirements.
- Students may need to travel (up to approximately 50km away) throughout Victoria (at their own cost).
- During their placement students will be required to undertake the role of an Early childhood educator and their skills and knowledge will be assessed by a GOTAFE trainer and assessor.
- GOTAFE Polo shirt to be worn during placement.
Workplace blended delivery | 1 year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend a 1 hour webinar (zoom) class each week.
- Utilise 1 hour weekly drop in sessions as required.
- Attend monthly workshops on campus (approximately 8 in total over the 12 months).
- Spend approximately 7 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 2 times.
- Be employed in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service for a minimum of 2 days per week for the duration of their enrolment.
- Complete 280 hours of placement in their workplace (during normal employment hours).
Placement details
- Placement is organised by the student, at their place of work.
- A practical placement agreement is arranged between GOTAFE, student and the employer and signed upon enrolment. This outlines the requirements of the student’s placement requirements, which are conducted during normal working hours.
- Placement consists of 280 mandated hours.
Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual classes for 1 hour each week (66 in total)
- Utilise 1 hour weekly drop in sessions as required.
- Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
Placement details
- Placement is organised by the student, at their place of work.
- A practical placement agreement is arranged between GOTAFE, student and the employer and signed upon enrolment. This outlines the requirements of the student’s placement requirements, which are conducted during normal working hours.
- Placement consists of 280 mandated hours.
Before you begin
Entry requirements
Mandated entry requirements
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
OR
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Alternatively, individuals may hold:
- An Australian Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
OR
- An Australian Diploma or Certificate III in Children’s Services
AND
- Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence.
OR
- Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Applicants must submit the GOTAFE Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Employers Report. This will be provided during the enrolment process.
GOTAFE Entry requirements
Before being accepted to this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Provide evidence that they have applied for their Working With Children's Check
Workplace students: Employer's ABN will be required during the Enrolment process
Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Placement requirements
Before commencing placement, applicants will need:
- A current National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes.
- A current Working With Children’s Check.
Inherent requirements
Students will require the physical stamina to carry out:
- Lifting children.
- Repetitive bending down to children's level.
- Lifting and moving child sized furniture.
- Role modelling and engaging in physical activity.
Students will require the psychological stamina to:
- Maintain adult hygiene.
- Demonstrate empathy, patience and resilience required for working with babies and young children in a range of situations.
Student resources
Students must have access to:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- A digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationary (Pens, pencils, rulers)
- General Public: GOTAFE polo shirt , black pants and enclosed black shoes for practical placement
Recommended text books:
- Programming & Planning in early childhood settings, Cengage, Docker et al
- Child & Adolescent Development for Educators Cengage, Bergin et al
Enrolment
How to Apply
- Explore – Review the course details to check the fit for your goals. Our team is here from 8:30 – 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 468 233 if you’d like to talk it through.
- Prepare – Gather any documents you may need, like photo ID, concession or eligibility evidence, residency or visa details, prior study or credit evidence, or your USI (we can help you find or create this).
- Apply – Click Apply Now and complete your application – its quick and easy.
- Skills Check – Some courses include a language and numeracy evaluation so we can tailor the right support before you start.
- Offer – We’ll review your application, contact you if we require anything else, and send you an offer. To secure your place, accept your offer and make any required pre-commencement payment.
- Welcome to GOTAFE – We’ll finalise your enrolment and share everything you need to feel ready. You may be asked to attend an online or in person induction session where we’ll outline the support available to you from day one.
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) does not apply to non-accredited short courses.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those with enrolment commencing in 2026 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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