Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

• Flexible Learning : Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.

• Assured Placement : Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.

• Monthly Intakes : Enrol anytime with flexible start dates.

• Comprehensive Student Support : 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.

• Industry Connections : Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities : Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments

15 units of competency are required for this qualification.

• 12 core units
• 3 elective units

24 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning which includes on- campus simulation based training and Professional experience placement.

Students are required to attend 24 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is an essential component of most of the units of this qualification. IHNA Guarantees Professional Experience Placement for all its student studying Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Students will commence the PEP upon the completion of theory assessments and SBA. During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this qualification. They are to complete 280 hours of PEP in a regulated childcare centre (long day care) that provides three different age groups (infant, toddlers and pre-schoolers). Students will have to undertake the PEP at the end of the course.

Each student will work with a workplace supervisor during the PEP.

An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress during practical placement. Students may arrange PEP by themselves, if preferred, as agreed with and in consultation with, the course coordinator.

Want to know more about IHNA’s clinical and industry partners? Click here

Note: Where a student breaches the PEP requirements as stated in the Entry Requirements, they could be excluded from their PEP. IHNA will not be responsible for any such exclusion.

IHNA Admission Requirements

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:

• Hold a CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• 18 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course *#
• Successful completion of an Australian Year 10 course or equivalent.

*Mature age students (22+) may also be considered without the minimum education requirements. Each case will be reviewed individually to ascertain the capacity of the applicant to meet course requirements.

#Students below 18 years of age should have consent from their parents prior to getting enrolment in any courses.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

Digital Literacy

• Students should possess basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.
• Students should be in possession of their own laptops to facilitate the training and assessment.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation prior to undertaking Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Declaration of having a disability, disorder, or on any medication that will need reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements
• Working with Children Check (WWCC): Students may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. Before students are allowed to contact with minors, students need to obtain a WWCC check.

(Students are encouraged to disclose any disabilities, disorders, or medications that may require reasonable adjustments to help us provide appropriate support.)

The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.

• Questions
• Projects
• Simulations

The questions or knowledge-based assessments are made up of a series of relevant short to medium length questions and multiple-choice options for learners to respond.

The projects assessments require learners to respond to relevant scenarios, case studies and tasks. These can include, writing short or medium length reports or proposals. Analysing data and preparing reports. Templates are provided to assist learners to write policies and produces. Composing appropriate business style emails, preparing notes for meetings, presentations and reflecting on the learning.

The simulation assessments are supervised, in-class or online (real time) simulated activities consisting of various methods. They may include the following: Group and individual projects, role plays, individual and group activities including presentations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.

Credit Transfer(CT)

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

• How long will it take to complete this course?

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care courses is 52 weeks long. But you can fast-track the study.

• How many days must I visit campus for SBA?

One to two weeks per semester.

• Is there any flexibility in attending SBA?

It is preferable to attend SBA in a childcare simulated environment.

• How long will it take to complete the professional placement?

280 hours.

• Are the SBA and PEP (Professional Experience Placement) mandatory?

Yes, students must finish both SBA and PEP components of the course.

• How many days must I attend class if I prefer Blended mode delivery? Is there any flexibility in attending class?

If you prefer Blended mode delivery – 2.5 days of class a week (Online interactive session). 4-hour class a day, with Wednesday (half-day) support session.

• How long will it take to get the certificate?

Maximum 30 days as per IHNA policy.

• How many days must I attend class if I prefer on-campus mode delivery?

2.5 days of class a week (Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), with Wednesday (half-day) support session.

• Can I get RPL or credit transfer?

Yes, based on prior knowledge and experience, you may be eligible for RPL or direct credit transfer (CT).

• What is the catch-up arrangement in case I miss one or two days of classes in Blended mode/On-campus delivery?

Our trainers are available Monday to Friday. You can contact them via Teams, email, or phone to set up a time that suits both the trainer and yourself. You can then have a student support/facilitation session.