CHC50121 - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Duration | There are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below. |
Location | Online and |
Next intake | October, 2023 |
Study mode | On Campus, Mixed Mode, RPL/RCC/Credit |
Total units | 15 |

Overview
Advance your early childhood education career with a high-level course. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the essential skills and qualification required for a career in one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia. This course is included in the Australian and Queensland Government’s Fee Free TAFE program.
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. Eductors at this 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 the service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for the supervision of volunteers or other educators. 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. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
This is a nationally recognised accredited course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
On completion of CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, occupations include working as an Educator in long daycare centres, family daycare, pre-schools or kindergartens.
Students can also further their study opportunities with credits towards other qualifications on the CQUniversity scope of registration.
Structure & Availability
MIXED MODE
Duration:This course is delivered over a 48 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.
From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete 336 hours of Vocational Placement within this course, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.
CLUSTER 1 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
CLUSTER 2 COMMUNICATION AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children’s families |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CLUSTER 3 INCLUSIVE PRACTICES
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children’s learning |
CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children |
CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children |
CLUSTER 4 PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum |
CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing |
CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children |
CLUSTER 5 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCINM002 | Meet community information needs |
CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations |
CLUSTER 6 LEADERSHIP
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness |
CHCMGT003 | Lead the work team |
CLUSTER 7 COMPLIANCE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE053 | Respond to grievances and complaints about the service |
CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service |
Apprenticeship
Duration:This course is delivered over a 48 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.
From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete 336 hours of Vocational Placement within this course, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.
CLUSTER 1 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
CLUSTER 2 COMMUNICATION AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children’s families |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CLUSTER 3 INCLUSIVE PRACTICES
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
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 |
CLUSTER 4 PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children |
CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum |
CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing |
CLUSTER 5 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations |
CHCINM002 | Meet community information needs |
CLUSTER 6 LEADERSHIP
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness |
CHCMGT003 | Lead the work team |
CLUSTER 7 COMPLIANCE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service |
CHCECE053 | Respond to grievances and complaints about the service |
THE MARAWAY QLD
Duration:This course is delivered over a 48 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.
From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete 336 hours of Vocational Placement within this course, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.
CLUSTER 1 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
CLUSTER 2 COMMUNICATION AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children’s families |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CLUSTER 3 INCLUSIVE PRACTICES
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
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 |
CLUSTER 4 PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children |
CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing |
CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum |
CLUSTER 5 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations |
CHCINM002 | Meet community information needs |
CLUSTER 6 LEADERSHIP
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCMGT003 | Lead the work team |
BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness |
CLUSTER 7 COMPLIANCE
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service |
CHCECE053 | Respond to grievances and complaints about the service |
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Duration:The duration of approximately 3 months for a full assessment to occur by a CQUniversity trainer and assessor, from receipt of all documentation and evidence against the units selected for recognition prior learning by the applicant. The full RPL process is available at www.cqu.edu.au
CORE UNITS
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children’s families |
CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum |
CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children |
BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness |
CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service |
CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations |
CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children’s learning |
CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing |
CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children |
CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
ELECTIVE UNITS
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCINM002 | Meet community information needs |
CHCECE053 | Respond to grievances and complaints about the service |
CHCMGT003 | Lead the work team |
Apprenticeship
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
January, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
February, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
March, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
April, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
May, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
June, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
July, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
August, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
September, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
October, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
November, 2023 | Mixed Mode, Online |
January, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
MIXED MODE
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
January, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
February, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
January, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
January, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
February, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
March, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
April, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
May, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
June, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
July, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
August, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
September, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
October, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
November, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
December, 2023 | Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit |
This course has no residential schools.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a regulated education and care service, with a mandatory work placement of 280 hours.
Within this time allocation, students can demonstrate the required vocational placement tasks and skills for other units as required for the qualification.
From consultation with the industry, students are recommended to complete additional hours of Vocational Placement, to what is listed on the training package, to achieve this qualification, which is inclusive of the 280 hours required for unit CHCECE048.
A total number of 280 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirements of workplace hours within this qualification.
Requirements
Entry to this qualification requires students to have successfully completed and hold a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.
CQUniversity requirement: completion of bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment before enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.
The requirement to complete vocational placement component for the duration of the qualification of 280 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.
The requirement to successfully obtain a Working With Children Check relevant to your state in Australia.
Access to a computer, Internet and intermediate computer skills. 24 hour CQUniversity computer labs are available on selected campuses.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for workers in early childhood, primary and secondary education settings. Decisions on mandatory vaccinations will instead be made by the owner or operator of these settings and as such students undertaking work-integrated learning will need to adhere to the individual education setting requirements.
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $8,280 |
Fee for service per unit | $552 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $24.70 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $1,875 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $495 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $125 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $33 |
2024 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $8,790 |
Fee for service per unit | $586 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $5 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $2,085 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $660 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $139 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $44 |
Please refer to the VET student fees price lists, eligibility criteria applies for subsidised funding. If you are unsure please call us on 13 27 86. The 2023 VET Student Loan Cap for this course is $16,788.
VET Student Loans can be used to pay for all or part of an eligible student’s Tuition Fees. VET Student Loans is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students studying diploma level and above qualifications to pay their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is paid. Please refer to VET Student Loan for details and eligibility.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply.
Second Fee-Free TAFE qualification permitted only for students who have already completed CHC30121 - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care under Fee-Free TAFE.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
How to apply
Step 1: Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Visit usi.gov.au to create a USI or find an existing one.
Step 2: Prepare your eligibility documentation
So that we can assess your application and eligibility for Government funding options, you’ll need to upload documentation as part of your application. You will need to provide confirmation of identity with the following documentation:
- Queensland Residency and Date of Birth. (e.g. Queensland Driver’s License photo must be of the back and front of the license)
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency (e.g. Medicare Card or Birth Certificate)
For further information on eligible documentation, visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
To fast-track your application, make sure you provide a clear photo showing all the information and upload it with your application.
Step 3: Apply Online
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way, call us on 13 27 86.
Click on the Apply button below to start your application.