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CHC50121: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Develop the advanced skills to lead learning, support inclusion and strengthen quality practice in early childhood education and care.

Blended (In class and Online)
Burwood
52 weeks (4 Terms)
Certificate IV
Intake 1: 21 September 2026, Intake 2: 19 October 2026 ...
This course is available to international students holding a current Student visa.
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Course Overview

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care develops the advanced skills required to design, implement and evaluate programs for children in regulated education and care services.

You will learn to plan curriculum, foster children’s learning and creativity, support inclusion, maintain safe environments and build positive partnerships with families.

The course also strengthens your skills in leadership, team effectiveness, service compliance, operational planning and reflective practice. It combines classroom learning, online study, practical simulations and a minimum of 280 hours of supervised vocational placement.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility

To enrol, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Hold a current Student visa
  • Demonstrate satisfactory completion of studies equivalent to an Australian Year 10 qualification
  • Provide evidence of upper-intermediate English language proficiency through one of the following approved tests:
    • IELTS
      • Overall band score of 6, or
      • Overall band score of 5.0 when packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or
      • Overall band score of 4.5 when packaged with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS
    • Cambridge English: Advanced, CAE
      • Score of 162, or
      • Score of 154 when packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or
      • Score of 147 when packaged with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS
    • Pearson Test of English Academic, PTE
      • Score of 42, or
      • Score of 36 when packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or
      • Score of 30 when packaged with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS
    • Occupational English Test, OET
      • A score of at least B for each test component
    • TOEFL iBT
      • Score of 46, or
      • Score of 35 when packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or
      • Score of 32 when packaged with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS
  • The English language test must have been taken within the two years immediately before the date of the visa application.

To successfully complete this course, you’ll need to:

  • Have access to a computer/laptop with webcam, microphone, headset/speakers, reliable internet, and Microsoft Office (or equivalent)
  • Maintain access to required technology and study resources
  • Complete any required Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills evaluation
  • Obtain a valid Working with Children Check before commencing placement
  • Obtain a Police Check where required
  • Meet any immunisation requirements advised by the vocational placement provider
  • Wear appropriate attire during practical activities and vocational placement

South Sydney College may assess individual learning and support needs before enrolment and arrange suitable assistance where required.

Course Structure

All units are delivered across four study terms. The delivery schedule allows students to commence at different scheduled intakes while progressively developing the knowledge and practical skills required for vocational placement and employment.

Core Units (12) Description
BSBTWK502 – Manage team effectiveness Lead teams, support collaboration and establish processes that help employees achieve shared objectives.
CHCECE041 – Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children Develop and maintain practices that protect children’s health, safety and wellbeing within an education and care service.
CHCECE042 – Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing Plan and support experiences that promote children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication development.
CHCECE043 – Nurture creativity in children Create environments and experiences that encourage imagination, creativity and self-expression.
CHCECE044 – Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service Support service operations to meet regulatory, quality and organisational requirements.
CHCECE045 – Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children Promote respectful relationships and guide children’s behaviour through positive and supportive practices.
CHCECE046 – Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children Develop and apply strategies that support the participation, learning and development of every child.
CHCECE047 – Analyse information to inform children’s learning Analyse observations and other information to guide planning and improve children’s learning experiences.
CHCECE048 – Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum Design, deliver and evaluate curriculum that responds to children’s interests, strengths and development.
CHCECE049 – Embed environmental responsibility in service operations Integrate environmentally responsible practices into education programs and daily service operations.
CHCECE050 – Work in partnership with children’s families Build respectful relationships with families and involve them in children’s learning, wellbeing and care.
CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice Review professional performance, seek feedback and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.
Core Units (3) Description
BSBTWK502 – Manage team effectiveness Lead teams, support collaboration and establish processes that help employees achieve shared objectives.
CHCECE041 – Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children Develop and maintain practices that protect children’s health, safety and wellbeing within an education and care service.
CHCECE042 – Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing Plan and support experiences that promote children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication development.
CHCECE043 – Nurture creativity in children Create environments and experiences that encourage imagination, creativity and self-expression.
CHCECE044 – Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service Support service operations to meet regulatory, quality and organisational requirements.
CHCECE045 – Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children Promote respectful relationships and guide children’s behaviour through positive and supportive practices.
CHCECE046 – Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children Develop and apply strategies that support the participation, learning and development of every child.
CHCECE047 – Analyse information to inform children’s learning Analyse observations and other information to guide planning and improve children’s learning experiences.
CHCECE048 – Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum Design, deliver and evaluate curriculum that responds to children’s interests, strengths and development.
CHCECE049 – Embed environmental responsibility in service operations Integrate environmentally responsible practices into education programs and daily service operations.
CHCECE050 – Work in partnership with children’s families Build respectful relationships with families and involve them in children’s learning, wellbeing and care.
CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice Review professional performance, seek feedback and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.
Elective Units (3) Description
CHCPOL003 – Research and apply evidence to practice Research credible information and apply evidence to strengthen professional decisions and practices.
BSBOPS502 – Manage business operational plans Develop, implement and monitor operational plans to support service objectives and performance.
BSBPEF502 – Develop and use emotional intelligence Recognise and manage emotions while building effective and respectful workplace relationships.

Key Learning Areas

Plan and implement early childhood curriculum

Foster children’s holistic learning and wellbeing

Nurture creativity and self-expression

Promote positive interactions and behaviour

Implement inclusive practices for all children

Analyse observations to guide learning

Maintain safe and healthy environments

Support service compliance and quality standards

Work in partnership with children’s families

Embed environmental responsibility

Lead and support effective teams

Manage operational plans

Apply research and evidence to practice

Develop and use emotional intelligence

Reflect on and improve professional practice

Course Delivery, Structure and Commitment

Duration: 52 weeks (including breaks)

Study Load: Approx. 30 hours per week, including 15 hours of face-to-face classes and tutorials, 5 hours of online or self-paced learning, and 10 hours of homework and independent study. Additional coaching is available by appointment.

Work Placement: Minimum 280 hours in an approved early childhood education and care service

Delivery & Assessment Methods:

Face-to-Face Classes: Delivered at the Burwood campus

Online learning: Self-paced learning activities completed via the LMS

Trainer support: Ongoing guidance, feedback, and coaching from qualified trainers

Assessments: Written assessments, case studies, projects, simulations and observed practical tasks

Training: Supervised vocational placement, workplace observations and placement evidence

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT):

Students with previous study or relevant work experience may be eligible to have their existing skills recognised or receive credit for equivalent units, allowing for faster course completion.

Applications for RPL or Credit Transfer are assessed individually to ensure your experience or prior qualifications meet the required competency standards.

Ideal For:

International students seeking advanced skills for leadership and senior educator roles in long day care, preschool, family day care, kindergarten and other regulated early childhood education and care services.

Resources & Support

We provide the tools, equipment, and learning materials you need to succeed in your studies and future career.

01

SSC will provide:

  • Classroom and computer facilities
  • LMS access and learning materials
  • Trainer support
  • Simulated workplace resources
  • Practical training facilities
02

Student needs to provide:

  • BYO laptop with Microsoft Office or equivalent
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Working with Children Check
  • Police Check and immunisations
03

Vocational placement host will provide:

  • Access to early childhood workplace
  • Play, hygiene and meal supplies
  • Workplace policies and records
  • PPE and emergency equipment
  • Qualified educators supervision
Career Pathways

Career Pathways

This qualification prepares graduates for skilled and leadership roles in regulated early childhood education and care services. Potential occupational outcomes include:

Lead Educator Room Leader Centre Supervisor Early Childhood Education Team Leader Educational Leader

Graduates may progress to:

  • CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
  • Other related higher education qualifications

Explore Reviews from Students

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I have had nothing but good experiences at South Sydney College. Every member of the staff is polite, professional, and eager to assist students with any issues or queries. They...

Maria Serenia Lee

Maria Serenia Lee

South Sydney College has provided me with invaluable knowledge and an incredible experience as an international student. They have truly honed my skills and helped me grow into a...

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I appreciate the support provided by the Student Services and Administration team. They have been approachable and helpful in assisting with my queries, especially regarding...

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Shane Roman (Roshien Nicole)

I have to thank to South Sydney college for giving me a great experience talking in academic and social terms, I've learned so much with them and besides I had the great group of...

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Jose Andres

I've had a really positive experience studying at South Sydney College. The staff are very supportive, friendly, and approachable, which makes the college feel welcoming. They...

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Renz Carmelo M. Ibay

My experience studying the Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis at South Sydney College over the past two years was great. The trainers were helpful, and the hands-on...

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