Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

CHC50121

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will empower you with the advanced skills and knowledge to take on a leadership role in the early childhood sector. Whether you choose face-to-face or live online learning, this nationally recognised qualification will help you unlock new career opportunities.

  • 1 – 2 years to complete
  • South East Qld Only: Face to Face and Live Online
  • 280 hours in an early childhood and care setting
  • Guided online learning and resources

Unlock your potential with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Are you ready to advance your career in early childhood education? The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) is your ticket to leadership opportunities and professional growth in one of the most rewarding industries.

Become a leader in the sector

This course provides the advanced skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles, whether you’re managing a team, designing curriculum, or ensuring compliance with regulations. You’ll be empowered to make a lasting impact on children’s lives and the services you work with.

Flexible study that fits your life

Busy with work or family? No problem. Our part-time delivery model is designed for busy professionals like you. With classes held on Thursday evenings, either face-to-face or live online, you can study without disrupting your current commitments.

Learn and work simultaneously

You don’t need to choose between working and studying. The programme includes 280 hours of hands-on placement, allowing you to gain real-world experience in an early childhood setting while applying what you learn in your coursework.

Comprehensive support every step of the way

We’re here to ensure your success. From online guided learning resources to direct support from experienced trainers, you’ll have everything you need to excel. Your personal online portal keeps your learning materials, assessments, and progress at your fingertips.

Affordable and accessible education

With course fees at just $6,000, we offer flexible payment plans tailored to suit your needs. Plus, government funding may be available to help make your studies even more affordable.

Make a real difference

Early childhood education is one of the most impactful fields you can work in. This diploma equips you to lead with confidence, shape young minds, and create a brighter future for the next generation.

What you’ll gain

  • Leadership and team management skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of child development and wellbeing.
  • Practical strategies to foster creativity, inclusivity, and positive behaviour.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing sustainable, innovative curriculums.
  • The ability to collaborate effectively with families and communities.

Start your journey today

Don’t wait to take the next step in your career. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care isn’t just a qualification; it’s a pathway to a fulfilling, impactful, and leadership-driven career.

All Learners are provided with a set of learning guides and books, as well as online guided learning via our learner management system. During the course, each Learner will have access to their own personal portal where they can download and receive their assessments, and can access support from their trainers via the phone, email, or face-to-face during classes. This ensures that learners have full support from the college.

BSBTWK502 – Manage team effectiveness

CHCECE041 – Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

CHCECE042 – Foster holistic early childhood learning, development, and wellbeing

CHCECE043 – Nurture creativity in children

CHCECE044 – Facilitate compliance in an education and care service

CHCECE045 – Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

CHCECE046 – Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

CHCECE047 – Analyse information to inform learning

CHCECE048 – Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum

CHCECE049 – Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

CHCECE050 – Work in partnership with children’s families

CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective Units

CHCMGT003 – Lead the work team

CHCECE057 – Use collaborative practices to uphold child protection principles

BSBHRM413 – Support the learning and development of teams and individuals

This program is delivered part-time over a period of 1 – 2 years, as per the Australian Qualifications Framework volume of learning indicators.

Learning will be conducted in the training centre for 3 hours of Live Online or 3 hours of face-to-face training at one of our Campus locations. These sessions are held on Thursday nights from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

The learner must complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care within an early childhood education and care setting and the learner will be either an employee or volunteer. It is the responsibility of the learner to source work placement. The training package specifies 280 hours within an early childhood education and care setting.

There are two choices for Delivery. Your enrolment type will define how your course is delivered.

Face-to-Face

Our lessons are conducted in the classroom with the mode of face-to-face learning, within Montessori Early Childhood Environments and some online guided learning.

Virtual Learning Campus

These lessons will be held in our virtual classroom. They are scheduled and hosted in real-time virtually with your trainer.

Upfront Payments: Students may choose to pay up to $1500 for their course upfront. Further payments of up to $1500 can be made at a later in the students enrolment. Course fees are to be paid via bank transfer to MECTA once an invoice is received.

Payment Plans: MECTA offers payments plans to students who require it. Payment plans are individually created with the student to ensure they meet the needs of the student.

Funding: Government funding options may be available – learn more >

We use competency-based assessment for all assessment activities. Students prove competency with demonstrations of written knowledge and practical skills. We take timelines into consideration for practical skills and students must meet the criteria as deemed industry competent by the assessor.

Formative evidence will be assessed in the form of an Assessment Task Portfolio. The Assessment Task Portfolio uses several assessment tools to accommodate the student’s individual needs. The assessment types include:

  • Written Assessments
  • Portfolio
  • Practical Observation
  • Projects
  • Research project
  • Case Study
  • Montessori Albums
  • Observation and Practicum logbooks
  • Material Examination

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold either:

  • a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; OR
  • a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

All students must demonstrate English and numeracy proficiency at enrolment by undertaking the Language, Literacy and Numeracy test supplied by MECTA.

To enrol in this course you will need:

  • A free Canva account. Create your account at www.canva.com
  • A device, such as an iPad or computer, to complete your learning, assessments and training sessions.
  • Video conferencing hardware including a working computer camera with speakers and microphone (Virtual Campus Students only)
  • Reliable access to the internet.
  • A device to record yourself for the Practical Component.
  • A quiet space to attend tutorials without interruption.
  • Sound technology and digital literacy skills

Cost - $6000

  • All course materials
  • All assessment activities
  • Small group, Face to Face classroom or Live Online training options available
  • Direct contact with your trainer
  • Support throughout your course
  • Online support and guided online learning
Ask a question

How to Apply

Step 1: Enrolment Enquiry

To let us know that you are interested in studying this course complete an Enquiry Form by clicking on Apply.  Once we have received this form and confirmed eligibility we will send you information regarding your course. You will be required to send back a confirmation that you would like to go ahead training with us.

Step 2: Complete Induction course

You will be sent a link to log into our Student Management System Axcelerate to complete our online induction course. During this induction you will be given in depth information about your course and MECTA. Once this is complete you will be sent the online enrolment form.

Step 3: Commence Training

You will be enrolled into the Nationally Recognised Course you have chosen with MECTA and you can commence your training.