CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Lead the Way in Early Childhood Education
Gain the skills to design and deliver meaningful learning experiences for young children in regulated care settings across Australia. This qualification prepares you to create curriculum aligned with approved frameworks, ensure compliance, and potentially supervise others.
This course is fee free* for residents of Western Australia.
Some eligibility conditions apply for the fee free training and other fees may apply for some courses. Please refer to the FAQs for more information.
*Please note that eligibility requirements apply to some of the fee free training.
This course is eligible for a VET student loan. To see if you're eligible and to find more visit our Student Loans page.
Overview
Campus Geraldton | Kalgoorlie | Northam
When Available all year round | Semester 2, 2025 | Semester 1, 2026
Study Mode On campus | Online | Online and on campus | Workplace
Duration 1 Year to 6 Months
Lead the Way in Early Childhood Education
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 curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
Work Placement
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
When choosing a course, it's important to think about the key skills and knowledge you'll need, as well as how you'll be assessed. Take a look at this information and consider if you might face any challenges in meeting the course expectations and requirements.
Meet the entry requirements:
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care(opens in a new tab) OR CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care(opens in a new tab) .
Alternatively, individuals may hold: 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 OR hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care(opens in a new tab) .
- Enjoy working with children and able to work in partnership with them and their parents
- Enthusiastic, tactful, patient and professional
- Calm, alert, observant and active
- Able to use judgment and initiative and work as part of and lead a team
- Good fitness level to be able to lift children and childcare equipment
- Sound organisational and interpersonal skills to problem solve, manage staff, communicate with a range of stakeholders
- Sound computer skills
- Students must undertake a mandatory work placement in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia totalling 280 hours.
- Be able to obtain a Working with Children Check.
Important information
Select your preferred campus and apply
Semester 1, 2026
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $19.22 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $5.94 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $26.53 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $9.27 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $12.38 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $19.22 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $17.89 |
|
|
$0.00 | $10.37 |
|
|
$0.00 | $9.27 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Available all year round, 2025
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below. On-the-job learning must also be completed to attain this qualification under Traineeship arrangements.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $19.00 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $19.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $19.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $19.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $19.00 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below. On-the-job learning must also be completed to attain this qualification under Traineeship arrangements.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700
Semester 2, 2025
Details
Units and fees
To attain this qualification, you are required to successfully complete fifteen (15) units of competence, comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units selected from the options provided below.
For an approximate fee estimate, mark the boxes below corresponding to the number of units needed for this course. The estimated fees will be displayed on the right-hand side.
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness | $0.00 | $19.22 |
| CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | $0.00 | $5.94 |
| CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | $0.00 | $26.53 |
| CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children | $0.00 | $9.27 |
| CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | $0.00 | $12.38 |
| CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | $0.00 | $19.22 |
| CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families | $0.00 | $8.15 |
| CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $17.89 |
|
|
$0.00 | $10.37 |
|
|
$0.00 | $9.27 |
Please note: Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
- Fees may differ between campus locations due to the difference between elective units in the course study plan or a need to adapt courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for individuals depending on units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Fees are payable at the time of enrolment.
- Total fees quoted include tuition fees and resource fees only. You may also be required to purchase text books, uniforms or other personal equipment that are not included in this fee estimate.
- For Lower Fees, Local Skills (half-price) courses please refer to additional eligibility information above.
- Concession rates: If eligible, proof of concession must be presented.
- Concessions and the secondary school age fee cap do not apply to commercial courses (short courses), or Foundation Programs (i.e ESL and General Education).
- Secondary school aged persons (in 2025, students born on or after 1 July 2007 who are at least 15 years old in 2025) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course (tuition) fee chargeable is $420. Additional resource fees and discretionary fees may apply.
- VET Student Loans for eligible courses and fee caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
More information: Visit our fees and payment options page or call us on 1800 672 700