Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50113
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113
Course Overview
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the recognised pathway to become a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator. Following the the introduction of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Early Childhood Educators are in demand more than ever across Victoria, with an estimated 6000 educators needed by 2029.
Students undertaking this course will gain skills in:
- Best practice and quality assurance
- Planning for children with additional needs
- Networking
- Effective communication
- Family partnerships
- Childhood development (aesthetic, creative, and physical)
- Music program
- Health and safety
Prospective students must pride themselves on being empathetic, patient and accountable, with the ability to problem-solve and engage with adults.
This course consists of compulsory face-to-face classes and live webinars, and includes 296 hours of placement (for which travel in Victoria will be required). More information on placement can be found below under 'Attendance and Commitment'.
Blended Delivery is available for students who currently work in an early childhood setting and would like to upgrade their qualification from a Certificate III to a Diploma.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme as well as the JobTrainer initiative, for eligible students.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2022 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
During COVID‐19 lockdown periods, this course will have the majority of the training delivered using online methods of teaching and communication while students engage from home with their trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time later in the year.
Career Pathways
This course prepares you to work in the early childhood education sector in a senior role. Roles you may be eligible for include:
- Nominated Supervisor/Director of Service
- Educational Leader
- Early Childhood Educator
- Playgroup Leader
- Family Day Care Provider or Coordinator
- Nanny/Au Pair
Early Childhood Educators at this level:
- Lead and mentor staff in the curriculum and daily practices that meet the requirements of an approved learning framework
- Engage with families on a daily basis
- Monitor child development and identify the needs of the individual child, recording and reporting as required
- May be responsible for the supervision of volunteers, students and educators
- Use their specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations
- Are solely responsible for a maximum of four children between the ages of 0-2 or a maximum of 11 children between the ages of 3-5 years.
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study at a university level in Early Childhood/Early Learning or Primary Teaching.
Course Dates & Times
Shepparton - Fryers Street
Traineeship - Open from 10th January / 2022
Detailed Fee Information
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 enrolling in 2022 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. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. 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
Entry Requirements
This course is in transition. The course code, title, units, and content may change in the future. Further information will be provided upon enrolment, or during the course of your training.
Training package entry requirements
There are no training package entry requirements for this qualification.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Undertake a pre-training review by interview to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations, and that you are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Have completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113 or CHC30121).
- Trainees: Please apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with your employer to organise your traineeship contract prior to applying for this course.
- Applicants must also demonstrate suitability to the profession.
Students are advised at the application stage of any course or industry requirements and could include but are not limited to:
- Police Check with no disclosable outcomes
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- 80% on-campus attendance
Technology requirements:
- Laptop/Computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
To demonstrate your competency in this qualification, you will be required to undertake assessment activities including:
- Written assessments
- Practical placement
- Demonstrations
- Projects
- Written observation
- Reflective tasks
This qualification enables a person to be in some situations where the ability to identify and understand social cues and nonverbal communication is required, for instance from babies.
Course Co-ordinator
Fiona Corish
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including class attendance, off-campus study and assessments.
Due to its demanding nature, the course requires a high level of commitment. If you are considering undertaking the program, you should make sure that you are free of other commitments during the time of study. Students will be expected to commit additional time on top of classroom hours to complete self-directed learning, reading, research and assessment requirements including preparation for practical placement.
Students undertake a practical component that requires them to complete 296 hours of mandated practical placement as well as additional placement hours in an Early Childhood setting.
Attendance Information:
Trainees/Flexible Delivery:
- This course is delivered part-time. Students receive on-the-job training and complete online learning.
- Students complete their 296-hour placement in their place of work. They complete the standard practical workplace record book which is signed off by their employer.
Blended Delivery:
- Students are provided with a study plan which outlines their course structure and they are also given an induction into the LMS-goLearn, where their units are delivered through. These students will have already completed the first 15 units of this qualification and will be completing the remaining 13 units in this year.
- Students attend 2 days of face-to-face classes on campus (12hrs) and a weekly virtual class (3 hrs) per week.
- When students attend their 3 hour virtual webinar the trainer is available for the remainder of the day for 1:1 / small groups training support.
- In addition, students are expected to spend at least 8 hours per week working through their online course materials.
- Research, revision and completion of assessments is anticipated to take 8-10 hours per week. Students consolidate their skills and knowledge through a 296 hour placement as per below details
Blended delivery placement:
- 296 hours - consisting of 240 hours mandatory with another 56 included to support students to consolidate their skills and knowledge as per industry feedback.
- completed in 38-hour blocks spread throughout the year.
- GOTAFE Organise the placement on behalf of the student.
- Students only attend placement after successful completion of the knowledge component of the relevant units.
- Students are required to travel throughout Vicotria (up to approximately 50km away) at their own cost.
- Students are required to be available for placement on site between 6AM -6.30PM Monday to Friday.
- GOTAFE uniform is required to be purchased on orientation day.
- Please note: Students are required to participate in physically, mentally and intellectually demanding tasks, this may include; lifting children, moving furniture, participating in physical activities. There is continuous bending and squatting to engage with children at their level.
Educational Support Services
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.
Student Support
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through 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.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
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.
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