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.

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.
• has successful completion of an ACSF test with demonstrated competence as per IHNA LLN requirements (issued within the last 12 months from the time of admission), which is Successful completion of the language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) test the competence level as exit level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) in both reading and numeracy.
• possess basic computer skills

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.

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance / Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate (AFP) / NCC will be required for all practical placements.
• Working with children check (WCC)
• IHNA highly recommends students to complete the immunisation process before the Professional Experience Placement start date as some facilities will not provide placement to student without Immunisation. Applicable immunisation certification such as COVID-19 Certificate.

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.

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.

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.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

• Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
• Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
• Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
• Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
• Evidence of creativity and performance
• Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
• Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

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.