Why should you study this course?
If you’re passionate about helping young children grow, learn and thrive, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offers the skills and knowledge to turn that passion into a meaningful career. This diploma prepares you not just to work in childcare but to lead.
You’ll gain the confidence to implement, evaluate and be creative with programs that support children’s learning across all areas—emotional, social, physical, and cognitive. You’ll also learn how to guide and support other educators in your team.
A pathway to a secure and rewarding career
With the growing demand for qualified educators across Australia, this diploma opens the door to a stable and fulfilling career. Whether you want to work in long day care, kindergartens, or community centres, your skills will be in demand—and you’ll be doing work that truly matters.
Career opportunities after certification include:
Playgroup
Leader
Average Annual Salary:
$55,000 – $70,000 AUD
Childcare Centre Supervisor
Average Annual Salary:
$70,000 – $90,000 AUD
Program
Facilitator
Average Annual Salary:
$65,000 – $85,000 AUD
Early Childhood Trainer
Average Annual Salary:
$70,000 – $95,000 AUD
Program details
National Code
CHC50121
Units
12 core + 3 elective
Total duration
52 weeks (Delivered for 12 months with up to 18 months to complete as required)
Program delivery
Online – self paced
Course fees and payment
Easy payment options
MCIE understands that you need flexibility in order to pay for your course.
That’s why we offer a range of payment plan options designed to suit different budgets and circumstances.
Whether you prefer to pay upfront or spread the cost over manageable instalments, our team will work with you to find a solution that allows you to enrol with confidence.
Option 1: Pay the full fee (Get 35% discount!)
Tuition Fee: $7,500.00
Discounted Upfront Tuition fee: $4,875.00
Save as much as $2,800.00!
Option 2: Pay us weekly at $60.10 per week
Pay as low as $60.10 per week (Save $750.00!)
Total number of instalments: 104
Initial payment of $500.00
Option 3: Pay us monthly at $279.17 per month
Pay $260.42 per month (Save $750.00!)
Total number of instalments: 24
Initial payment of $500.00
Option 4: Pay with Zip Money
This course is available for discounted full course fee of $4,875
Credit limits typically $1,000-$5,000 (subject to approval)
Weekly repayments from approx. $44/week (or monthly equivalent)
Interest-free period available (length depends on Zip and merchant offer)
Other Zip Money approval and terms may apply
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the diploma early childhood education online qualification can pursue roles such as:
-
Lead Educator
-
Room Leader
-
Educational Program Coordinator
-
Kindergarten Assistant
-
Nominated Supervisor
-
Early Childhood Support
These positions are essential in creating strong foundations for children during their most important years.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia
- There are approximately 24,500 Child Care Centre Managers in Australia.
- This occupation is projected to experience strong future growth of around 21.8%.
- About 72% of Child Care Centre Managers work full-time, with average weekly earnings estimated at approximately $1,500–$1,700, depending on current labour market data.
Online Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) in Melbourne
Build a rewarding career supporting children’s learning and development with a nationally recognised qualification. Our online Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care gives you the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in the early learning sector while balancing your study and everyday life.
Whether you are progressing from Certificate III or entering the field with previous experience, this flexible course helps you grow into a capable educator equipped to make a positive impact on young children and their families.
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold either of the following qualifications:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Education and skills
Regulatory
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age.
All candidates 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 administration staff permission to apply on your behalf.
Students with disabilities
Digital technology
Students must have sufficient digital literacy skills to access online content, enter answers to written questions and communicate with trainers via email, the student portal and the learning management system. Students should have access to the internet, data, a laptop or computer with Microsoft Teams to successfully participate in this program.
Industry requirements
Candidates may be asked to provide evidence of the following for work placement (requirements vary according to host employer policies):
- National Police Check
- Working with Children Check
- National Mandatory Child Safety Training -Foundation Course (by 27th August 2026)
- Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccinations
Prior experience
Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available. Credit Transfer is free of charge.
RPL applications are subject to fees.
Work placement
Students must complete 280 mandatory placement hours for the work-based training component of this program. Students are to undertake placement in a Long Day Care setting, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, and access to qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care of equivalent).
You can look up eligible services by using this link: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/national-registers
MCIE facilitates placement coordination via our placement partner, SkilTrak, and a $250 placement coordination fee applies.
Delivery and assessment
Course is accessed online via our user-friendly learning management system. Work-placement will be undertaken at a MCIE approved regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service.
Assessments include written short answer questions, case study/scenario and practical demonstrations and work placement portfolio and reflective journal.
Pathway to University
Work placement support
MCIE Work Placement Coordinator/SkilTrak will facilitate work placement for students into early childhood environments.
Course Units
Core Units
- CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
- CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
- CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
- CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
- BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
Elective Units
- CHCPOL002 Develop and implement policy
- CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
- BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
The reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Comments
This is Nationally Recognised Training, leads to an Australian Qualification that complies with the Australian Qualifications framework (AQF) qualification or a Statement of Attainment.
Register your interest now!
Apply today and embark on a journey to a brighter future with our course certification.
To submit a general support request, complaint or appeal submit request
All finance matters, invoices, payments and queries should be sent to accounts@mcie.edu.au
Or call us on