CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Complete in Just 6 Months
Flexible Self-Paced Study
Expert Local Trainers
Interest-free Payments
Understanding Your Qualification
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the leading qualification for advancing your career in early childhood settings such as childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and family day care services. This course equips you to design and implement curriculum aligned with approved learning frameworks, manage compliance responsibilities, and lead teams of educators. You’ll build advanced, practical skills and knowledge essential for senior educator roles in diverse early childhood environments.
Your course includes a structured 280-hour placement in a registered early childhood service, providing real-world experience with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. You’ll demonstrate leadership, manage daily operations, plan and evaluate educational programs, foster family partnerships, and mentor fellow educators within a supportive, professional setting.
You’ll gain high-level skills essential to senior roles, including:
Leading curriculum design and implementation for holistic child development
Managing compliance with national regulations and quality standards
Promoting positive, inclusive practices for all children
Guiding and mentoring educator teams for effective practice
Partnering with families to support children’s development
Embedding sustainable practices into daily operations and learning environments
Analysing child development data to inform educational programming and quality improvement
These competencies are directly aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), industry expectations, and regulatory requirements, ensuring your professional readiness as a senior early childhood educator.
Complete Your Diploma Faster
Our integrated course structure means you can finish your qualification in just 6 months instead of the usual 12–18 months at other providers. By avoiding repetitive units, you'll build genuine workplace-ready skills faster, potentially earning $30,000–$60,000 more by starting your career sooner.
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Qualification:
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Accreditation:
Nationally Recognised
Availability:
Western Australia, Victoria (other locations coming mid-2025)
Duration:
6 months standard (600 hours); commonly faster for students with prior study, childcare, parenting or related experience
Enrolment:
Flexible, 18-month enrolment window to accommodate life events
Content:
Leadership, curriculum planning, managing compliance, guiding staff, ensuring quality practice, and building partnerships with families
Placement:
280 hours with support from local trainers [Read more]
Study Mode:
Online – enrol anytime, flexible self-paced study supported by expert local trainers [Read more]
Support:
Experienced trainers in all major states for personalised guidance, weekly live webinars, tutorials in select areas, phone and email support [Read more]
$3800; Interest-free payment plans; eligible for Centrelink student payments; obligation-free 30-day trial; all materials included [See Fees tab]
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally recognised qualification designed for educators aiming to work in leadership roles within childcare centres, kindergartens, family day care, and preschool services. It prepares you for higher-level responsibilities such as curriculum planning, supervising staff, managing compliance, and ensuring quality standards in early childhood settings.
Most students complete the Diploma in around 6 months, depending on prior experience and study pace. The standard course workload is approximately 600 hours, including 280 hours of practical placement. The course is fully self-paced, with up to 18 months allowed for completion. Students with previous childcare or related industry experience commonly finish sooner.
The Diploma includes a mandatory 280-hour placement in a registered early childhood education and care service. You'll undertake responsibilities with different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—under the guidance of experienced service staff. You’ll demonstrate your ability to lead educational programs, manage daily routines, supervise other educators, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Yes. ITAC provides trainer support across multiple regions in Australia, with local trainers available in key areas. You’ll receive personalised support via email, phone, and weekly webinars. Trainers also assist during your placement, providing guidance, documentation support, and workplace visits.
The Diploma uses practical, workplace-focused assessments. There are no exams or essays. Instead, you’ll complete:
Short-answer questions and scenario-based activities
Reflections on professional practice
Creative project tasks such as planning a series of learning activities focusing on sustainability
Short video recordings and presentations
A workplace portfolio demonstrating leadership, compliance, and staff supervision skills
Practical demonstrations assessed on-site by your trainer during placement
Yes. This course is designed specifically for adult learners who often balance study with employment, parenting, or other commitments. You can adjust your study intensity flexibly as needed throughout your enrolment window, and paid employment hours may count towards placement hours.
Diploma graduates typically gain employment in senior roles such as Lead Educator, Room Leader, Educational Leader, Director, Assistant Director, and Family Day Care Coordinator. This qualification meets regulatory requirements for senior and leadership positions under the National Quality Framework.
All students receive:
Direct access to a local trainer for one-on-one support
Weekly live Q&A sessions and webinars
Placement preparation and workplace documentation support
Help with job readiness via our JobAssist program
You’ll also have 24/7 access to your course materials via our online learning platform.
Yes. This qualification is Centrelink-approved. Eligible students may apply for study assistance such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Abstudy. Contact Centrelink directly to check your eligibility.
ITAC is one of Australia’s leading providers of early childhood qualifications. We offer:
Fast-tracked, integrated study that reduces duplication
Local trainers in every major region
Structured, practical assessments and real-world placement support
Flexible self-paced online delivery
Industry recognition and high graduate employment outcomes
Units of Competency for the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead teams in the workplace and to actively engage with the management of the organisation.
The unit applies to individuals working at a managerial level who lead and build a positive culture within their work teams. At this level, work will normally be carried out using complex and diverse methods and procedures requiring the exercise of considerable discretion and judgement. It will also involve using a range of problem solving and decision-making strategies.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
The unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain health and safety in the areas of individual health, hygiene, infectious disease, supervision, risk management, incident and emergency management. It includes the ability to contribute to the ongoing improvement of workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
This unit applies to educators who implement and monitor practices according to established service policies and procedures in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. They may also provide guidance to other workers.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to foster and enhance the holistic learning, development and wellbeing of children from birth to six years of age. It includes the ability to use detailed knowledge of different developmental domains and developmental theory and how these domains link to support holistic development.
This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, according to the philosophy of the service.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate experiences that nurture creativity in children through construction, digital technologies, dramatic play, imaginative play, movement, music and visual art.
This unit applies to educators who develop and implement learning experiences in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate legislative, regulatory and National Quality Framework compliance in an education and care service.
This unit applies to educators working in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They provide guidance to others and have responsibilities in relation to continuous improvement of services provided.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop guidelines that foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour, and to monitor and support children’s learning, development and wellbeing in this area.
This unit applies to educators working at a leadership level in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote inclusion and diversity and to plan, implement and monitor individual support strategies.
This unit applies to educators working at a leadership level in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather and analyse information about children’s learning to inform practice.
This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum over a period of time to foster children’s learning and development.
This unit applies to educators who develop and implement curriculum in the context of an approved learning framework in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken independently, but according to the philosophy of the service.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate a sustainability management plan and support children’s environmental responsibility.
This unit applies to educators who develop and implement practices according to established organisational policies in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish relationships with families, connect with the local and broader community and promote opportunities for collaboration and sharing of information with families to support effective education and care for children.
This unit applies to educators working at a senior operational or leadership level in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Work is undertaken collaboratively according to the philosophy of the service and involves providing guidance to others.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.
This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support and encourage children’s connection with the natural environment.
This unit applies to educators who contribute to the curriculum planning process under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply child protection principles in an education and care setting. It also covers standard protocols to maintain a safe environment for children and work using a collaborative practice model.
This unit applies to educators who work according to established policies and procedures in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with community groups and individuals to identify and address their information needs.
This unit applies to work at all levels in a range of community service or health contexts.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Fees & Payments
Course Fee:
$3,800
Payment Plan:
Interest-free options available
Evaluation Period:
30-day trial period
Centrelink:
Eligible for student payments during study
Materials:
Included – no additional costs
Textbook:
PDF version provided free; optional paperback available for purchase
* Due to regulations ITAC cannot receive more than $1500 in advance. The second payment is scheduled soon after the 30-day census period. Students may request fees be paid over 2-3 payments.
Admission
Prerequisites
Students must hold either CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Language Requirements
Students must demonstrate functional English suitable for early childhood leadership roles, including interpreting policies, writing curriculum documentation, communicating clearly with staff, families, and external parties, and understanding regulatory requirements.
Literacy Requirements
Students must have the literacy skills required to read, interpret, and apply regulatory documents such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS), and operational policies, as well as effectively document observations, assessments, and quality improvement plans.
Numeracy Requirements
Students must demonstrate numeracy skills sufficient for calculating educator-to-child ratios, interpreting basic operational budgets, accurately managing medication dosages, nutrition measurements, and recording children's developmental progress data.
Digital Literacy Requirements
Students require regular access to a computer with internet connectivity and basic software (PDF reader, browser, word processor). Students must competently navigate childcare management systems, complete digital assessments, document children's learning electronically, and communicate effectively using digital technologies relevant to early childhood environments.
Physical Requirements
Students must be physically capable of participating in all indoor and outdoor learning activities. This includes sitting on the floor, lifting small children, setting up equipment, responding quickly to emergencies, and actively supervising children's play. Reasonable adjustments may be available for physical limitations—contact ITAC before enrolling.
Age Requirement
Students must turn 18 in the calendar year of enrolment.
Location
Students must reside in Australia.
Visa Status
This course is not available to student visa holders (subclass 500). All other visa types may be eligible. [Find CRICOS providers here]
Clearances
Students must obtain the relevant working with children clearance for their state or territory (e.g. WWCC, Blue Card, WWVP). [Click here for more information]
Disposition Requirements
Students must demonstrate a suitable disposition for working at a leadership level in early childhood settings, including appropriate communication, professionalism, reliability, emotional maturity, respectful interactions, and commitment to ethical and safe conduct at all times.
Workplace Expectations
Students must meet professional standards expected in early childhood services, including being drug and alcohol-free, dressing professionally, maintaining personal hygiene, and presenting in a professional, respectful, and safe manner during placement.
ITAC Discretion
ITAC reserves the right to accept or decline enrolment based on any factor it reasonably considers relevant, including capability, support needs, conduct, or course suitability.
Experience our range of innovative programs at ITAC, enhancing your educational journey towards success.
JobAssist
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Academic Engagement
Designed to support consistent learning towards academic goals, this program offers regular one-on-one contact with experienced staff and other services.
EnablePath
Aimed at creating an inclusive environment, this program offers customized learning plans, specialist staff, and one-on-one support for students with disabilities.
Dandjoo Support
Targeted for Indigenous students, this program offers culturally sensitive support, mentorship, and resources to help students navigate their academic journey.
Flexible Learning
Local Expertise
Experienced trainers across major Australian cities, providing tailored support and local insights throughout your studies.
Online Learning Platform
24/7 access to our comprehensive digital resources, allowing you to study at your own pace, wherever you are in Australia.
Personalised Support
Dedicated team committed to your success, offering academic guidance and practical assistance to help you balance study with life's demands.
Nation-wide Support: Trusted by Thousands of Students Every Year
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