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Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Course Details
- Program Type: Vocational Education and Training (VET) Diploma.
- Duration: Typically 1 to 2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent.
- Prerequisites: Generally, no formal prerequisites; entry requirements may include basic literacy and numeracy skills, and a Working with Children Check.
- Delivery Mode: On-campus, with practical placements in early childhood education and care settings.
Specialisations
Child Development: Understanding of developmental stages from infancy through early childhood.
Health and Safety: Practices for ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of children in care.
Curriculum Planning: Designing and implementing age-appropriate educational programs and activities.
Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication with children, families, and colleagues in childcare settings.
Special Needs Education: Techniques for supporting children with disabilities or additional needs.
Infant and Toddler Care: Focus on caring for children under three years old.
Outdoor Education: Incorporating outdoor play and learning experiences into early childhood programs.
Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting cultural diversity in early childhood settings.
Practical Placements
Supervised Practicum: Practical experience in early childhood education settings, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Observation and Reflection: Reflective practice and observation of children’s development and behavior.
Learning Outcomes
Educational Competence: Ability to plan and implement educational programs that support children’s learning and development.
Caregiving Skills: Skills in providing nurturing care and support for children’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
Professionalism: Ethical practice, teamwork, and compliance with regulations and standards in early childhood education.
Family Engagement: Building positive relationships with families and engaging them in children’s learning and development.
Course Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fee
Tuition fee for this course usually ranges to AUD 15,000 – 20,000 per year
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) is usually required.
- Some institutions may accept Year 11 with relevant work experience.
Age Requirements:
- Generally, students must be at least 18 years of age.
Language Proficiency:
- Non-native English speakers usually need to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be through tests such as IELTS (typically requiring a minimum score of 5.5-6.0) or equivalent.
Working with Children Check:
- Applicants will often need to undergo a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) to ensure they are eligible to work with children.
Health and Immunization:
- Some institutions may require proof of certain vaccinations or a health check, especially if practical placements involve working with children in early childhood settings.
First Aid Certification:
- A current First Aid Certificate may be required, or you may need to obtain one during the course.
Work Experience:
- Prior work experience in childcare or a related field can be beneficial but is not always mandatory.
Personal Attributes:
- Institutions may look for personal attributes such as good communication skills, patience, and a genuine interest in working with children.