Centre-based services include long day care and, in some states and territories, preschools and kindergartens. The National Quality Framework (NQF) lists the minimum qualifications that educators must have to work in centre-based services with children younger than preschool age.
One of the educator qualifications that must be met is based on Regulation 126 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, that at least 50% of educators are required to meet educator-to-child ratios in centre-based services with preschool-aged children must have successfully completed or be actively working toward a diploma level education and care certificate (or higher).
A nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care not only builds your leadership and childcare skills to become an educational leader or manager in the childcare industry but also has educational programs that nurture creativity and establish a safe and healthy environment for all.
How can an educator be qualified?
An educator can be called diploma-qualified if they possess a qualification that ACECQA has determined to be equivalent to a diploma level, or possess a qualification that was previously approved as a diploma level qualification prior to 1 January 2012.
An individual who meets the requirements of the “actively working towards” provisions may be counted as a diploma level educator.
Importance of a diploma level education
Early childhood teaching is highly regarded. A qualification prepares you to support children’s learning and development in childcare centres and junior primary classes. An education course prepares graduates to work in day care, preschool, integrated child and family services, and early intervention services.
Certified educators reflect the function of early childhood educators in regulated Australian services. Educators at this level plan and implement curriculum that fits an approved learning framework and maintain compliance in other areas. They use specialised knowledge and apply theoretical concepts to work circumstances. They may supervise volunteers or teachers.
This certificate reflects the role of early childhood educators who plan and administer curricula. They implement an approved learning framework under the Education and Care Services National Regulations and National Quality Standard. They supervise volunteers or workers. The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes listings of recognised early childhood education and care qualifications and regulatory criteria here.
Why get an educator qualification?
The CHC 50121 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is important for Australian educators and early childhood education as well as education and care service as it is as a nationally recognised qualification. A diploma in child care will teach you childcare information and skills. Educators at this level are involved in planning and implementing curriculum that fulfills an approved learning framework and maintain compliance in other service operations. Educators apply theoretical concepts to create a safe and healthy environment.
The course covers health, safety, early learning, cognitive and physical development, developmental disorders, and how children learn.
This highly sought-after qualification prepares graduates to become lead educators in a variety of child care settings. The curriculum also covers management abilities that will equip graduates with the knowledge and confidence to lead and guide workers and volunteers in the early childhood business.
An outstanding early childhood services educational leader with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care covers the skills and knowledge needed to care for individuals and groups of children and arrange activities to facilitate their leisure and play. The qualification reflects prior learning of theoretical concepts and sustainable practices for early childhood setting.
Furthermore, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with children and families, and how to manage other educators, teams, support services, and care environments. Successful completion is not only for maintaining compliance or assessment requirements for a care service but is for your own professional practice to implement children’s education.
Benefits of getting a Diploma of Early Childhood (CHC50121)
Diploma programs in childcare can provide an excellent foundation in the fundamentals of the field. Health, safety issues, early education, cognitive and physical development, developmental issues, and the holistic early childhood learning process will all be covered in this course.
Courses leading to a diploma in early childhood programs can also teach students how to effectively connect with parents and professionals, as well as about the various job options in education and care service.
Launch your career in education
Getting a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care can help you get a number of jobs that are in demand. Children’s services are one option for a job, whether it be Coordinator, Family Day Care Coordinator, Team Leader or Room Leader in a service, Early Childhood Educator, Playgroup Coordinator, or Out of School Hours Caregiver.
Placement in Industry
The nationally recognised course is usually taught in a classroom setting two days a week for about nine to twelve months. To aid training, as part of this course, you will also do a long-term vocational placement. In order to get the Diploma, you will need to do 300 hours of practical placement. We’ll discuss the benefits of practical placement below.
Dual Qualificiations
Combining the Diploma qualification with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a great way to get two nationally recognised qualifications in childcare. It also lets you start working with young children as soon as you finish the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This means you can earn money and gain experience while you are still studying for the Diploma qualification.
Pathways in Business
This qualification can be used as a stepping stone to get into college, and it can also help you move up in your career with traditional owners. Candidates can apply to get their Bachelor of Early Years Education or Bachelor of Early Years and Primary Education after getting this qualification.
What are the benefits of placement?
Early childhood education and care is one of the few professions where the tried-and-true approach of placement is still held in high esteem. Vocational placement is a very important part of getting the diploma because it helps you get ready for a future job or career in the childcare sector. Here are several benefits of being placed in a childcare setting while you successfully complete early childhood education and care.
Putting theory to practice
Many courses on child care don’t have enough practical placements, but they are part of the diploma course. You will need to know the theories and methods you will learn in class if you want to work in the childcare industry.
Putting theory into practice is the best way to make sure you understand the theory part of the diploma course. This can help you see what you’ve learned and where you still need to work on your practical skills. You could talk to the person in charge of your course about these things.
During your placements, the supervisor will check on you and tell you where you need to improve. Because of this, you should take notes in class so that they can help you on placements to learn more about holistic early childhood learning.
Getting used to the situation
Some teachers who have been in the field for a long time are surprised by how hard it can be when they go to their first placement. You should try to get a feel for the place where you will be working, as this could help you decide if the course is right for you. You might feel a lot of different things in a few hours when in a childcare centre.
Because of these things, you should get used to the environment before you start working with children. If you think you’re qualified for this job, it can help you make the most of your placement time and get ready for today’s demanding workplace hours and workplace policies.
Noticing little things
As in any field, there are some things that can’t be taught in a classroom. This is why placement is important because you will be in charge of the careers of the children you work with. You should be ready for anything and everything because every day at work can be in a different place or setting. You need to focus on your work and pay attention to how your seniors do.
It would help if you paid attention to small details that can make a big difference in where you end up. All of these things can also teach you to pay attention to what makes each student unique. Small things are hard to notice in a classroom, so you need to pay close attention to your work.
Interacting with parents
You can’t learn things like respectful interactions in a classroom. Getting to know the parents of the kids is an important part of being a teacher of young children as it helps foster positive relationships. If you can watch how your parents and your assigned teacher talk to each other and join in, it can help you in the long run.
Building your confidence and CV
When you finish your placement block, You’ve leveled up from your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and now hold a nationally recognised qualification. It can do a lot to boost your confidence and make you even more determined.
How to get a qualification?
This course is available as an Australian Apprenticeship whose fee and duration may differ in each state or territory – view more details.
The average course duration is 14 Months. Contact a registered training organisation directly for further information. Save on tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. Eligible students may avail of government-subsidised training or free TAFE course for future students.
Entry Requirements
- A student must have a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
- Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills must meet the standards for ACSF LEVEL 3 before you can start this program.
- Use a computer and have access to the internet.
- Either a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or proof that you have applied for a WWCC is required.
- If you can’t get a WWCC, you won’t be able to finish the course requirements and won’t be able to get free training from the government for this course.
- Service may need proof that you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 before you can do your practical placement.
Course Details of CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
A total number of 15 units consisting of 12 core units and 3 elective units. The elective units must consist of 2 units from the electives listed below and up to 1 unit from the list below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course. Note that the selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local sector requirements and the complexity of practical skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.
Modification History
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care supersedes and is not equivalent to CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Early Childhood Education and Care Course Structure
Core Units
- 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 To foster positive and respectful interactions and behavior in children.
- CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children.
- CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
- CHCECE048 Plan and implement a 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 your own professional practice.
ELECTIVE Units
- BSBHRM413 Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
- BSBOPS502 Manage business operational plans
- BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence
- BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
- CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
- CHCECE051 Promote equity in access to the service
- CHCECE052 Plan service and support for children and families
- CHCECE053 Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
- CHCECE057 Use collaborative practices to uphold child protection principles
- CHCINM002 Meet community information needs
- CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
- CHCPOL002 Develop and implement policy
- CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
- CHCSAC010 Foster holistic learning, development, and wellbeing for school-age children