Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Childhood Education and Care

Become a Qualified Educator and Make a Lasting Impact

At Sydney Gateway College, we empower people through high-quality education and real-world training. Our Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to support and nurture children in their most important developmental years. This course opens doors to exciting roles in the early childhood sector.

About the Course
Course Highlights
Who Is This Course For?

It is a comprehensive qualification tailored for individuals who want to take a leadership role in early learning environments. This includes childcare centres, preschools, and family day care services. As a diploma-qualified educator, you’ll plan, implement, and manage programs that support children’s wellbeing, development, and learning from birth to age five.

You’ll also gain the skills to supervise other educators, meet legal requirements, and create safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments.

  • Nationally recognised qualification (CHC50121)

  • Delivered by industry-trained professionals

  • Work placement included for practical experience

  • Study options: on-campus or diploma of early childhood education and care online

  • Ideal for both new and experienced educators

This course is perfect for:

  • Aspiring educators with a passion for early childhood learning

  • Current childcare workers looking to upskill

  • Career changers wanting a more meaningful role

  • Students seeking a graduate diploma of early childhood education and care pathway
Individual Support
Duration
12 Week
Language
English
Units
20
Certificate
Yes
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What You’ll Learn

Throughout this diploma of early childhood education and care course, you will develop key skills in:

  • Early childhood development and learning frameworks
  • Curriculum planning and program implementation
  • Health, safety, and wellbeing of children
  • Cultural competence and inclusive practice
  • Legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance

Leadership and team supervision in an early learning setting

Units May Include:
  • CHCECE041: Maintain a safe and healthy environment
  • CHCECE042: Foster holistic early childhood learning
  • CHCECE043: Nurture creativity in children
  • CHCECE044: Facilitate compliance in an education setting
  • CHCECE045: Foster positive, respectful relationships
  • CHCPRP003: Reflect on and improve professional practice
  • HLTAID012: Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

(Unit codes and names may vary depending on delivery mode)

Study Options

At Sydney Gateway College, we offer flexible delivery modes to support every learner:

On-Campus Learning

Join us at our Sydney campus for a structured, interactive classroom experience led by qualified trainers.

Online Learning

Prefer to study from home? Our diploma of early childhood education and care online course offers flexible schedules and remote access.

Work Placement Requirement

To ensure you gain the hands-on experience, the course includes mandatory work placement in a licensed early childhood education and care setting.

  • Hours Required: Typically 280+ hours (based on units selected)
  • Placement Support: We assist in arranging suitable placements for all students
  • Workplace Mentoring: Ongoing trainer guidance during your practical training
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Why Choose Sydney Gateway College?

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Empowering Future Educators with Practical Training

At Sydney Gateway College, we take pride in preparing our students to become confident and capable educators. Our courses are designed to be relevant to current industry needs. The programs provide a mix of classroom theory and workplace practice.

Real Industry Experience

Work placement is an essential part of our training. It gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real childcare environment. This prepares you for the workforce from day one.

Flexible Learning Paths

Whether you prefer in-person learning or the diploma of early childhood education and care online, we offer the option. Our delivery options let you study your way, without compromising on quality.

Qualified and Supportive Trainers

Learn from experienced educators who are passionate about the early childhood sector. You’ll receive expert guidance and continuous support throughout the course.

Affordable Fees and Transparent Pricing

We offer a competitive diploma of early childhood education and care fee structure. Flexible payment options may be available to eligible students.

Career Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates can work in roles such as:

  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Lead Educator or Room Leader
  • Childcare Centre Supervisor
  • Family Day Care Coordinator
  • Education Support Worker
  • Out-of-School Hours (OOSH) Coordinator

You may also use this diploma as a stepping stone to - 

  • a graduate diploma of early childhood education 
  • and care or a university degree in early childhood teaching.

Course Fees

The diploma of early childhood education and care cost depends on - 

  • your eligibility for government subsidies 
  • and your selected study mode.

Domestic Students: Competitive pricing with flexible plans

Subsidised Training: Available under NSW Smart and Skilled and other programs

Upfront and Instalment Plans: Offered for all eligible students

Please contact us for an individualised quote based on your circumstances.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course. However, you will need:

  • To be at least 18 years old
  • A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
  • To pass a Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) assessment
  • To complete required First Aid certification (HLTAID012)

If you’re currently working in early childhood education, your workplace may also be used to complete your placement hours.

Pathways After Graduation

Once you’ve completed this diploma, you may continue your education with:

  • Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management
  • Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or Teaching (via credit transfer at universities)

Key Benefits at a Glance

  • Nationally Recognised Qualification

  • Hands-On Work Placement

  • Flexible Study Options – Online or On-Campus

  • Affordable Fees with Payment Support

  • Career-Ready in Early Childhood Education

  • Personalised Trainer Support and Mentoring

cta-image
Complete Your Degree

Start Your Journey Today

Early childhood education is more than a career; it’s a calling. If you're passionate about nurturing children and helping them grow, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in Sydney is your ideal pathway.

Join Sydney Gateway College today and begin your journey towards a fulfilling and impactful career. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

cta-image
cta-image
Complete Your Degree

Start Your Journey Today

Early childhood education is more than a career; it’s a calling. If you're passionate about nurturing children and helping them grow, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in Sydney is your ideal pathway.

Join Sydney Gateway College today and begin your journey towards a fulfilling and impactful career. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Support

Frequently Asked Question

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification. It  prepares students for leadership roles in early childhood settings. It focuses on - 

  • delivering education and care to children from birth to five years, 
  • with an emphasis on planning 
  • and implementing educational programs.

It also promotes children’s wellbeing, and supervising other educators.

It’s ideal for those looking to work in childcare centres, preschools, or as family day care operators.

This course is perfect for:

  • Individuals starting a career in early childhood education
  • Educators already working in childcare who want to upskill
  • Career changers looking for meaningful and rewarding work
  • Students seeking to progress to a graduate diploma of early childhood education and care

This course gives you the practical and theoretical tools to thrive in the field.

Graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care can pursue a wide range of roles, such as:

  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Lead Educator or Room Leader
  • Childcare Centre Supervisor
  • Educational Leader
  • Family Day Care Coordinator
  • Out-of-School Hours (OOSH) Coordinator
  • Early Childhood Program Manager

These roles exist in childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens, and family day care settings.

There are no formal academic prerequisites. However, applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment
  • Hold or be eligible to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
  • Be physically and emotionally capable of working with children

Complete HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

The fees are competitively priced. Fees may vary depending on:

  • Whether you study online or on campus
  • Your eligibility for government funding or subsidy programs

We offer:

  • Flexible payment plans
  • Upfront and instalment options
  • Access to Smart and Skilled or other funding for eligible domestic students

Please contact us directly for a tailored quote.

The course covers a mix of core and elective units. Key topics include:

  • Early childhood learning frameworks
  • Program planning and implementation
  • Promoting child safety and wellbeing
  • Supporting children with additional needs
  • Team leadership and workplace compliance
  • Cultural competence and inclusion

Example core units:

  • CHCECE041 – Maintain a safe and healthy environment
  • CHCECE042 – Foster holistic early childhood learning
  • CHCECE044 – Facilitate compliance
  • CHCPRP003 – Reflect on professional practice
  • HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

(Exact units may vary depending on training package updates)

 

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