CHC50121 - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

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Duration
Please refer to Course Structure below.
Location
Online
Next intake
April, 2026
Study mode
Online, RPL/RCC/Credit
Total units
15
Applicants must hold either CHC30121 or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood to apply.
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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A student standing in front of the camera in a childcare room holding some blocks.

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 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 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 be responsible for supervising 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 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.

Study Experience

  • Fast-Tracked Course
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Clustered Course Units
  • Experienced Teaching Team
  • Seamless Pathway
  • Study Now, Pay Later
  • Sheree Sarmiento
    “
    My experiences with the teaching staff at CQU is that they are very friendly and nice. They really helped me and supported me with my schoolwork and all my assessments.

    Sheree Sarmiento

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

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

Online

Duration:
Part Time Duration
18 months

This course is delivered over a 78 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.


Apprenticeship

Duration:
Part Time Duration
18 months

This course is delivered over a 78 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.


RPL Structure

Duration:

RPL only - no training occurs. 

RPL involves an assessment process of an individual’s previously obtained skills and knowledge that has been achieved outside the formal education and training system. The duration is dependent on evidence collection by the candidate and approval of evidence by the CQUniversity assessor. 

Please refer to information on the CQUniversity website - Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit 


RPL Units

Unit CodeUnit Name
BSBTWK502Manage team effectiveness
CHCECE044Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
CHCECE047Analyse information to inform children’s learning
CHCECE041Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE045Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE049Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCECE046Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCECE042Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE050Work in partnership with children’s families
CHCECE048Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
CHCECE043Nurture creativity in children
CHCMGT003Lead the work team
CHCECE053Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
CHCINM002Meet community information needs

Online

IntakeLocations
January, 2026Online
February, 2026Online
April, 2026Online
May, 2026Online

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.

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.

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, numeracy and digital literacy 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. Placement is to be organised by the student, CQUniversity will assist where required.

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.

Fees & Scholarships

Fee for Service/ Full Fee

Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE. 

Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee

Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.

This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply. 

Fee-Free TAFE places are limited. 

Fee-free TAFE places are only available for new course enrolments from the 1st of January 2026.

Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.

This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

Fee for Service/ Full Fee

Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE. 

Co-contribution

Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, provide a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per *nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Career Start or Career Boost.

Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Funding

Free apprenticeships for under 25s covers the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new or existing apprentice or trainee in a priority qualification. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.

 

Some employers may optionally choose to sponsor all or part of a student’s full fees or co-contribution fees. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training. 

*Nominal hours is a value assigned to a VET course or unit and nominally represents the anticipated hours of supervised training deemed necessary to conduct the training and assessment activities associated with the course or unit.

*Some qualifications require students to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform or other compulsory resources which are not included in free or subsidised enrolments. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.

At CQUniversity, we believe that studying 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 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

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Start Your Application

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 with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.

Apply

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Please refer to Course Structure below.

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