Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care prepares individuals with an undergraduate degree from any field, or relevant diploma and experience, for a career shift into the early childhood education sector. It emphasizes hands-on learning with 60 days of professional experience, covers core topics such as child development and leadership, and is accredited by ACECQA as an approved Early Childhood Teacher qualification. Graduates may find employment in early learning settings, including preschools, long day care, and family day care.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for individuals seeking a career shift into the early childhood education space.
• It is open to those with an undergraduate degree in any field or a relevant diploma with at least 5 years of relevant workplace experience in a leadership position in early childhood education.
• The program provides recognition of prior learning (RPL) for those with a diploma and relevant work experience.
• It emphasizes practical learning through 60 days of professional experience, including work with children of different age groups.
• The degree is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification.

Outline:

• The program consists of 8 units, including core courses and professional experience placements.
• Core courses cover topics such as:
• Child development and learning
• Curriculum planning and assessment
• Inclusive practices
• Leadership and management in early childhood education
• Professional experience placements provide students with hands-on experience in early childhood settings, including:
• 20 days with children aged 3-5 years (Kindergarten)
• 10 days with children aged from birth to 35 months
• 30 days with children before they start formal schooling or another approved context

Assessment:

• Assessment methods may include:
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Reflective journals
• Practical demonstrations
• Assessment criteria will focus on students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in early childhood education, as well as their ability to apply theory to practice.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by qualified academics with industry experience and a passion for education.
• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Online learning
• The program also incorporates a strong focus on workplace learning through professional experience placements.

Careers:

• Graduates may find work as qualified early childhood teachers in:
• Early learning centers
• Preschools
• Long day care
• Kindergartens
• Family day care
• Traditional day care settings

Other:

• The program does not lead to teaching in primary or secondary schools.