This program offers a robust mix of theoretical knowledge & practical experience

CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Grow your career with our Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, crafted for individuals dedicated to making a significant impact on young children’s lives.

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s services across Australia. At this level, educators are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that aligns with an approved learning framework, while also ensuring compliance in other key areas of service operations.

Educators in this role use specialised knowledge to analyse and apply theoretical concepts to a wide range of work situations. They may also oversee the supervision of volunteers or other educators.

Take the lead in providing meaningful care to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Gain the practical skills and knowledge to become an educational leader or manager in childcare, ensuring that children receive high-quality, inclusive care during their early years.

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Course Overview

  • Delivery Mode: Blended (face-to-face, work placement, and online)
  • Classroom Location: Summer Hill NSW 2130
  • Online Canvas
  • Vocational work placement: 280 hours



Entry Requirements

This is an intermediate course where the individual must

All candidates must also:

  • Be aged 18 years or older
  • Have access to the internet through a personal or workplace computer.
  • Hold an active Working with Children Check (WWCC)
  • Hold a valid HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting from a national provider
  • Have an appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills. A LLN assessment may be be conducted as a part of the pre-enrolment process.



Entry Recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to read, write and speak English
  • The ability to work with people in difficult situations and circumstances
  • Empathy, patience, and the capacity to empower others
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid change
  • Adequate fitness and mobility to deliver First Aid, like performing CPR while kneeling on the floor respond to emergency situations



Work Placement

To achieve this qualification, individuals must complete a minimum of 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia, as outlined in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.

These hours can be accumulated collectively across all units that include a workplace hours requirement.

Australian Montessori College students are able to complete work placement at any of Montessori Academy group’s 56 Australian childcare centres. Visit the Montessori Academy website to find a childcare near you in New South Wales.



Course Structure & Fees

Structure

Australian Montessori College’s offering of CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care has a total number of 15 units including 12 core units and 3 elective units. See the course guideline for a more detailed overview.

Fees

CHC50121 has a course fee of $9,000. Fees are payable per term, however fee-free courses are available where students become employed in a permanent full-time or part-time role at a Montessori Academy childcare centre. A minimum and active employment period of 2-years and T&Cs apply.

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Study Pathways

Study Pathways

Advance your professional practice and studies with other courses.

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care



Career Pathways

Career and Employment Pathways

Preferred pathways after candidates complete this qualification may include:

  • Early childhood educator
  • Lead educator
  • Early childhood director
  • Nominated supervisor
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Childcare Employment Insights

Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) insights show that:

  • 170,700 Childcare Educators
  • $1,146 Median Weekly Earnings
  • 94% Female Share
  • 32 Median Age
  • 9,900 Annual Employment Growth

Cited in March 2025. Refer to Jobs and Skills Australia for the latest data.

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