Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
The CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is suited to the role of childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. You will be required to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standards.
This course teaches you the skills and knowledge to provide appropriate education and care to children. You may choose to work under direct supervision or autonomously and may also be required to supervise others. Students who have successfully completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will receive advance standing for this course.


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Course Duration
1250 Hours
AQF Level
5
Study Mode
domestic
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
03
March
2026
Additional Details
Course Overview
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care equips individuals with advanced skills to plan, implement, and manage programs in early childhood education settings. The course covers fostering children’s learning and development, ensuring health and safety, and leading teams in childcare environments. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles like Lead Educator or Centre Director in childcare centres and early learning facilities.
Why study Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at IHNA ?
- 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
Course structure
15 units of competency are required for this qualification.
- 12 core units
- 3 elective units
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing |
CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children’s learning |
CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with Children’s families |
CHCECE048 | Plan and implement Children’s education and care curriculum |
CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in Children |
CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operation |
CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children |
CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children |
CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service |
BSBTWK502 | Manage Team effectiveness |
CHCECE057 | Use collaborative practices to uphold child protection principles |
CHCMGT003 | Lead the teamwork |
BSBHRM413 | Support the learning and development of teams and individuals |
Mode of Delivery
24 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning which includes on- campus simulation based training and Professional experience placement.
FACE TO FACE DELIVERYStudents are required to attend 24 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
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.
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.
Entry Requirements
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.)
How is the Course Assessed?
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) & Credit Transfer (CT)
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.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will it take to complete this course?
- How many days must I visit campus for SBA?
- Is there any flexibility in attending SBA?
- How long will it take to complete the professional placement?
- Are the SBA and PEP (Professional Experience Placement) mandatory?
- How many days must I attend class if I prefer Blended mode delivery? Is there any flexibility in attending class?
- How long will it take to get the certificate?
- How many days must I attend class if I prefer on-campus mode delivery?
- Can I get RPL or credit transfer?
- What is the catch-up arrangement in case I miss one or two days of classes in Blended mode/On-campus delivery?
Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care courses is 52 weeks long. But you can fast-track the study.
One to two weeks per semester.
It is preferable to attend SBA in a childcare simulated environment.
280 hours.
Yes, students must finish both SBA and PEP components of the course.
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.
Maximum 30 days as per IHNA policy.
2.5 days of class a week (Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), with Wednesday (half-day) support session.
Yes, based on prior knowledge and experience, you may be eligible for RPL or direct credit transfer (CT).
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.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
Bachelor of Arts(Pathway to Teaching Birth – 5/Birth – 12yrs)

- Associate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
- Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood or Primary School Teaching
Explore opportunities
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Support the learning and development of teams and individuals
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Children’s Services Assistant Manager
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Early Childhood Educator
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Family Day Care Educator
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Nanny
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Playgroup Supervisor
Fees & Funding
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$3,599
$3,999
-
**To know more about the VET Student Loan, click here
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$3,599
$3,999
-
**To know more about the VET Student Loan, click here
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$3,599
$3,999
-
**To know more about the VET Student Loan, click here
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$3,599
$3,999
Attention Students, recent surge in cyber scams!
We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.
Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.
For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.
Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.
For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.
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