Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

• Must hold CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; or
• 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.
• Basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills are required
• Access to a regulated education and care service to complete placement
• Access to a computer and internet is essential for learning materials, assessments, and submissions

You will complete a mix of self directed online study and practical placement days each week:

• Full-time: 52 weeks – about 8 hours of study per week plus 2 practical days.
• Part-time: 104 weeks – about 4 hours of study per week plus 1 practical day.

How it works:

Study hours: Your online study is self-directed, so you can complete it at times that suit you:  morning, evening, or weekends. These hours are for reading, completing activities, and online tasks.

Practical days: These are hands-on placement or work experience days. If you are already working in childcare, your workdays count as part of your practical days. If you’re doing a placement, you need to attend the required number of practical days per week.

Unit completion: Each unit is like a subject in the course. You are expected to complete about one unit per month, which helps you stay on track while balancing study with work, family, or other commitments.

Not yet working yet? don't worry, we can help you find a placement or paid role at an approved childcare service . Your trainer will organise regular video calls to support you while you get started. Click here to register your interest in a placement or paid role.

Your trainer will visit your workplace every 4–6 weeks to provide training and observe you performing practical tasks, giving you hands-on support while you study.

The rest of the course is delivered online through the Canvas learning platform, where you’ll find:

• All learning resources you need.
• Step-by-step videos showing how to complete assessments.
• All course assessments, which are completed directly on Canvas.

Not yet working yet? don't worry, we can help you find a placement or paid role at an approved childcare service . Your trainer will organise regular video calls to support you while you get started. Click here to register your interest in a placement or paid role.

To complete this course, you need at least 280 practical hours in a regulated early childhood service in Australia.

• Already working in childcare? Your current workplace counts toward your practical hours. You don’t need to go anywhere else.
• Not yet working? We can help you find a placement or paid role at an approved childcare service. Click here to register your interest in a placement or paid role.
• Trainer support: Your trainer will visit every 4–6 weeks to provide practical guidance and observe your skills.
• Workplace hours across units: The 280 hours can be spread across all units that require practical experience, helping you meet course requirements while gaining real-world skills.
• Payment: Placements are usually unpaid, unless you are already employed in childcare. In that case, your work counts toward your practical hours.

This ensures you gain hands-on experience and are fully prepared for a career in early childhood education.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous, and many students start with the same concerns. We provide lots of support to help you succeed:

• Self-paced online study: Complete your study at times that suit you, giving you space to learn at your own speed.
• Trainer support: Your trainer is available to guide you, answer questions, and provide feedback every step of the way.
• Practical guidance: During workplace visits, your trainer helps you build hands-on skills and confidence in real childcare settings.
• Encouraging environment: You’re not alone. Many students haven’t studied in years, and we focus on building your confidence while you learn.

Remember: Everyone progresses differently, and small steps add up. With the right support, you can successfully complete your qualification and gain the skills to work in early childhood education.

• Educators ready to take the next step into leadership or room leader roles
• Those working in a long day care, kindergarten, or family day care setting
• Anyone wanting a nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to meet ACECQA requirements

• Child development and learning frameworks
• Curriculum design and program evaluation
• Leadership and team mentoring
• Family and community engagement
• Health, safety, and wellbeing policies
• Managing compliance and regulations
• Inclusive practices and child protection

From this Diploma, you'll learn how to: 

• Lead curriculum planning and implementation
• Analyse and apply early childhood theories
• Promote children’s agency and learning
• Support inclusion and collaborative partnerships with families
• Lead compliance with education and care regulations
• Mentor educators and lead a team
• Evaluate learning programs and practice

• Qualified trainer support with regular workplace visits.
• A nationally recognised diploma upon completion
• Access to high-quality course materials
• Workplace experience and mentoring

There are 15 units. 

• 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
• CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
• CHCECE053 Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
• CHCPOL002 Develop and implement policy
• BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness

It’s not like school — there are no exams. Skills are checked through quizzes, written tasks such as reports or reflections, projects like planning activities or events, role plays that practise real-life scenarios, workplace observations, and feedback from supervisors or mentors.

Depending on the location, state government programs may help cover training costs to make them cheaper or even free. Programs like Queensland Career Boost, NSW Smart & Skilled, SA WorkReady, and traineeships provide this support.

For example, some or all course fees may be covered by government, funding which means paying less overall. To check eligibility for this funding, please scroll down.

If funding isn’t available, ACCCO offers flexible payment options, including:

• Credit card
• Direct debit
• Payment plans
• VET Student Loans

• Lead Educator / Room Leader
• Educational Leader
• Childcare Centre Supervisor
• Childcare Centre Manager (pathway to)
• Early Childhood Team Leader
• Out-of-School Hours Coordinator

Finishing this course opens the door to starting advanced qualifications like CHC62015 or university level studies.