Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Bedford College and start a rewarding career in a booming high-growth sector.

Learn how to support, engage and teach young children in their formative years with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, where you can make a real difference in the lives of children.

Qualification
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Requires a prerequisite of Cert III in Early Childhood Education & Care
- 12 month duration
- Part-time study available for Domestic students
- CRICOS Code:107016C

Modes of delivery
Domestic students:
- Online: Students are provided with a training plan that sets out a course structure for students to follow at their own pace
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course
International students:
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course

Entry requirements
Domestic students:
- Successful completion of Year 10 (or equivalent)
- No ATAR is required
- Applicants undertake a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment for the College to determine the level of assistance needed to support the student.
International students:
- Students must provide evidence of IELTS 5.5 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0 score or equivalent (test must be completed within 2 years) and
- Successful completion of a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12
- Provide a Statement of Purpose (SoP) for studying at Bedford College when applicable
- A minimum age of 18 years is required

Career outcomes
Graduates of our diploma in children’s services can go into roles in childcare, early learning and educational centres such as long day care, pre-school and family day care.
Many graduating students go on to fulfil the following career opportunities:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Day Care Educator
- Room Coordinator
- Educational Leader
- Service Coordinator
- Assistant Director
- Operations Manager
- Workplace Mentor
- Children’s Services Coordinator
- Nanny or Au Pair
With high job prospects and plenty of choice when it comes to choosing your place of work, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will have you work-ready within 12 months. If you’re looking to complete a diploma in childcare, studying with Bedford gives you the theory and practical experience required to become an early childhood educator.


Practical placement
Thanks to our 80-year legacy providing nationally recognised training, Bedford works closely with industry partners as part of the students’ practicum placement, with many students going on to receive employment offers upon graduation.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care students have a minimum of 280 mandatory hours of practicum placement over the duration of the course.
Note: If 18 years or over, a valid NSW Working with Children Check number is required for students to undertake the mandatory practicum.

University pathways
Some of our graduates choose to undertake further study upon completion of their diploma in childcare.
Bedford College have arrangements with high-ranking universities to provide articulation pathways (with credit) towards Bachelor degree programs. As the formal agreements are subject to periodic change, it is best to contact us directly for the most up-to-date information.

Course subjects
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care core units:
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
- CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in children’s education and care service
- CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
- CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
- CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care elective units:
- HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
- CHCECE053 Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
- CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity

Intakes
Bedford offers students flexibility when it comes to enrolment, allowing commencement of study across four study periods in a year.
- February
- April
- July
- October

Course costs
View our domestic student fees and international student fees.
Bedford College is an approved VET Student Loans (VSL) provider for Diploma level qualifications where students meet the eligibility requirements.
VSL is for domestic students only and is not available for international students.

Further information
Take that next step and invest in yourself.
Learn more about our diploma in childcare by downloading a Course Guide or getting in touch.