Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Make a Difference

With MCIE’s nationally accredited qualification, you can make a real difference in children’s lives. All training has been developed in consultation with the child care industry to ensure graduates are equipped with necessary and in-demand skills.

Join our successful graduates who are now employed within the Australian early childhood education and childcare industry as children’s services coordinators and early childhood educators.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Course Details

• National Code: CHC50113
• Units: 23 core + 5 electives
• Location: 250 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 and 1/13 Watton Street, Werribee, VIC, 3030
• Duration: 12 months, with a total of 60 sessions and 240 mandatory work placement hours
• Work-based Traineeship: up to 20 months
• Assessment: Written, simulated and workplace-based practical observations
• Prior experience: RPL & Credit Transfer is available
• Fees/Materials: From $220*

 *The time in the simulated environment is included in the direct contact time.

The coursework teaches Early Childhood Educators how to deliver childhood education services that align with child care industry regulations, and successfully nurture young children’s learning and growth.
In studying this course, you will also learn how to design an approved learning framework in line with the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard.

To fulfil all the requirements of this childcare course, students are required to undertake 240 mandatory hours of work placement within an early childhood education centre.

Career Opportunities

The Child Care Diploma is well-suited for individuals looking to embrace a career as a:

• Children’s Service Coordinator
• Director or Educational Leader at an Early Childhood Education Centre
• Child Development Worker
• Early Childhood Educator
• Centre Manager & more

Hands-On Learning

Our trainers make the Early Years Learning Framework easier to understand through specially designed activities in our simulation spaces. This gives our students an edge as they put theory into practice on campus which makes it easier for them to handle difficult and challenging scenarios when they embark on their practical experience.

Course Fees for Local Students

Enrolment fees include textbooks, resource and Students ID charges. In 2019 this course will be delivered to eligible candidates with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding. ^ Eligibility criteria apply. Trainees may be eligible for State and/or Federal Funding. * Eligibility criteria applies. For any further course costs, such as re-assessment fees, please refer to the student handbook.

Pre-Requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this qualification.

Delivery and Assessment

Classroom Training
Training is delivered ‘face to face’ by qualified trainers and students are required to attend each scheduled class. The trainer will moderate the learning pace, method and sequence appropriate to the learning needs.
Learning methods will vary and can include case study scenarios, field trips, ‘hands-on’ practical classes, role-play techniques, discussions, presentations and assignments.

Assessment
Assessment tasks and strategies cover a wide range of methods and may include the creation of specific written documents, projects or reports, formal questions (multiple choice, short and long answer), practical demonstrations, small or large group tasks, oral presentations, problem-solving tasks, case studies and discussions.
Broadly classroom assessments have two or three assessment tasks for each unit of competency or module.
As a general rule for major assessments, students are provided with task assessment instructions including the date the task is due for completion.

Work-placement
The work placement requirement of this qualification is 240 hours.
MCIE will organise your work-placement with one of our host employers.

It is a requirement that students obtain the following documents prior to commencing practical placement.

• Police Check (at applicant expense – cost between $30 and $50 AUD)
• Working with Children Check (minimum level required ‘voluntary’ which is at no cost)

Qualification Recognition

This qualification is based on the principles, guidelines and standards set by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and is recognised throughout Australia.

Credit Transfer and RPL

Students may be granted RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) or Credit Transfer (CT) if they are able to demonstrate that they have achieved the level of skills and knowledge equivalent to the unit they seek credit for through work experience, through life experiences or similar study at another institution. Students can apply for credit transfer or RPL at the time of enrolment.

Candidates applying for RPL/CT should submit the RPL/CT application along with their original supporting documents to Student Administration. Where RPL applied, the candidate must submit all relevant evidence of work experience and where learning has occurred.

A Credit Transfer application must be accompanied by Nationally Recognised Certificates with detailed Statements of Attainment indicating the units successfully completed including unit codes and titles and dates of completion. Credit Transfer may also include credit transfer based on formal learning that is outside the AQF.

MCIE Business Development staff, Heads of Department and Course Coordinators should follow the MCIE policy for applicants who are under 18 years of age.

Updated 28 October 2018