Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

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Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2027
Study mode
Online
Course code
CM79
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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A childcare worker working with children at table in early learning centre.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is an initial teacher education course that will prepare you to demonstrate the requirements to work as a teacher with children of preschool age or under in centre-based services.

Be the change you want to see and fast-track your journey to becoming a qualified Early Childhood Teacher in just one year with CQUniversity’s Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

In just two terms, you’ll gain the qualifications to inspire young minds and shape the future, working in early childhood education and care settings such as long daycare centres, preschools, and early learning services.

This course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to foster children’s learning from birth to five years old. You’ll dive deep into key theories, practices, and principles that form the foundation of this impactful profession. Plus, you’ll gain the practical experience to bring those lessons to life through 60 days of hands-on, professional experience in early childhood education settings.

There's a focus on not just teaching but engaging with young children to inspire their development and growth, and a supportive learning environment designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in a dynamic and essential field.

Study Experience

Discover more about your industry-accredited early childhood education and care course, including flexible study options and hands-on practical learning designed to build your confidence and support children's learning, development and wellbeing.

  • Research Pathways
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Industry Accredited
  • Student Support
  • Internships

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is an initial postgraduate pre-service teacher education course for those who aim to pursue a career as an early childhood teacher. Graduates are qualified to teach in birth to prior to school contexts. This course does not enable graduates to teach in the compulsory years of schooling in Australia. 

In states that register teachers who work in prior to school settings, graduates of this course can apply for registration with the relevant state or territory. Please see the following site for further details: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/early-childhood-teacher-registration-and-accreditation

Graduates of this course have developed significant skills that enhance employment opportunities in other sectors. In combination with work experience and personal qualities, graduates may pursue employment in a variety of career paths including:

  • government departments (e.g. family services, education and health)
  • education administration
  • community development roles
  • workplace training developers

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. 

You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete 8 units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Additional Information

Working with Infants and Toddlers - EDEC28004

15 day placement with children birth to 24 months

Early Language, Literacy and the Creative Arts - EDEC28005

15 day placement with children 3 - 4 years

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment - EDEC28008

30 day placement with children 4 - 5 years

Professional Practice - Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)

Core

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has determined the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification has met the requirements to be added to the list of approved early childhood teaching (ECT) qualifications.

If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Course Fees

This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms). 

Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

International Course Fees

International students from selected regions may be eligible for scholarships. 

Browse our scholarships.

Please note there may be other costs involved apart from your tuition fee.

How to Apply

You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.

Apply