Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

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

Government Funded: $230*

Traineeship: $250*

Full Fee: $14,300

Textbooks: $220

Enrolment fees include additional resources required for the course and student ID charges.  For additional service fees, such as re-assessment fees, please refer to the Domestic Student Handbook.

This course is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding, to eligible candidates.
* Eligibility criteria applies.
^Eligibility criteria apply. Trainees may be eligible for State and/or Federal Funding.

• National Code: CHC50113
• Units: 23 core + 5 electives
• Location: 5, 250 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 and 1/13 Watton Street, Werribee, VIC, 3030
• Duration: 12-14 months (including holidays), 52 sessions plus 240 mandatory work placement hours over 52 weeks
• Delivery Method: Classroom-based
• Assessment: Written, simulated and workplace-based practical observations
• Prior experience: RPL & Credit Transfer is available
• Workplacement uniform t’shirt: $30

There are no pre-requisites for this qualification.

Education/Core Skills

Students must complete a Pre-Training Review, meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skill standards for Diploma level study and demonstrate that they are a suitable candidate for this course. Refer to MCIE’s website for details.

Age at Commencement

It is recommended that students have attained the age of 18 by the course commencement date.

Special Needs

MCIE welcomes people with disabilities to apply. Approval will be subject to the person being able to undertake all tasks and requirements of the course.

Regulatory

Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency is required. All participants require a Unique Student Identification (USI) number. If you do not have a USI number you can apply for one online at https://www.usi.gov.au/students or you can give MCIE’s admin staff permission to apply on your behalf.

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)

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.

Refer to the Domestic Student Handbook or MCIE’s website for more information.

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

After graduating from this course you may apply to enter MCIE’s pathway into the Victoria University Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Reducing the Bachelor from three years to two years.

Students learn vital skills throughout the course, such as:

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 service.