How long will the course take?
This qualification may be completed from 6 months. As this course if flexible and self-paced, completion time is not fixed and can vary depending on each student’s background, ability, study routine, confidence, support needs, placement arrangements and personal circumstances.
Students may complete closer to the standard 6-month course schedule where they have relevant experience or existing skills, such as:
- experience in childcare, family day care, education support, or similar child-related roles
- experience with babies, toddlers or young children through parenting, volunteering or community involvement
- experience in people-focused or caring roles, such as aged care, disability support, health care, community services or customer service
- transferable workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, WHS, following policies and procedures, documentation and time management
- prior study experience, such as completing another certificate, diploma or degree
Students may take longer where they are new to formal study, have limited workplace experience, or are still developing professional English language skills. Some students may require an extension beyond the standard enrolment period.
Sarah – around 6 months
Sarah is 35 and has two children aged 4 and 7. She has experience with babies and young children through parenting, playgroups and regular contact with early childhood services and schools over the years. She has also worked in administration, giving her transferable workplace skills in following policies and procedures, communicating in a team environment, and maintaining accurate documentation and records.
Many course concepts are familiar to Sarah, including routines, safety, communication, child development and supporting children’s learning. She studies consistently and works through the course at a steady pace. Sarah aims to complete the course in around 6 months, including the required workplace component towards the end of her course.
Maria – longer than 6 months
Maria is 22 and works in retail two days per week, which she has done since leaving school several years ago. She is reliable, confident with customers and used to following workplace procedures. She also helps care for younger relatives, giving her some experience with children in everyday family settings.
Maria is developing new study habits and improving her professional English skills. She works through the course steadily and asks for help when needed. Written tasks may take longer because she is still building these skills. For Maria, completing the course may take longer than 6 months.