Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

To be eligible for this course as an Existing Worker student entrant, you must hold one of the following:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Alternatively, individuals may hold:

• An Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care; or
• An Australian diploma or certificate III in Children’s Services; and
• Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence.
• Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

For the entire course, you’ll need to:

• Be employed in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia
• Have a workplace supervisor to support your practical skills development and provide feedback through third-party reports
• Have access to children aged 0 to 5
• Allow ARC Training trainers and assessors into your workplace for direct observation assessment

• Complete an LLN assessment, achieving ACSF level 3 across all domains
• A computer with reliable internet
• Basic computer and digital literacy skills

• A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• National Child Safety Training, mandatory from 27 August 2026, with evidence required before you start placement (learn more at ACECQA)
• Physical fitness for practical placement in an ECEC setting
• Proof of vaccinations, if your host workplace requires it

• CHCECE048 Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
• CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children's learning
• CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
• CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice (elective)

You'll learn educational program planning grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework, using observational records, anecdotal records and work samples to understand each child's developmental milestones, plan play-based learning experiences, and evaluate the outcome. You'll also explore child development theories and how they shape everyday practice.

• CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
• CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children

Covers understanding child development and behaviour, working with children with diverse needs, including sensory processing needs, and building an environment where every child belongs.

• CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
• CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations

From spontaneous play to sustainable everyday routines, you'll learn to build creativity and environmental thinking into your service.

• CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children's families

Focuses on building positive relationships with children and families, sharing information in clear, factual language, and bringing families into their child's learning.

• CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
• CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service

Covers the National Quality Framework and its seven quality areas, the Quality Improvement Plan, quality rating systems, duty of care requirements, Mandatory Reporting, and how to respond to grievances and complaints about the service. 

You'll also work through practical scenarios such as incident reports, medication records, sleep checks, nappy change procedures and complex allergy management plans, so you're ready for an assessment and rating visit or a Department of Education audit.

• BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments (elective)
• BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence (elective)

Builds your leadership and management skills: managing team effectiveness, mentoring team members, decision-making, and leading continuous improvement and professional development across your service.