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Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching

Course code O12

Professional Recognition

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About this Course

Are you an aspiring early childhood teacher with an existing degree?

This course will equip you to teach in early childhood settings after one year of full-time study. Focusing specifically on children from birth to five years of age, this course is centred on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities.

This course is built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. Reflective thinking and research, with an emphasis on links between theory and practice is valued. Students develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with children, families, communities and colleagues. Students are taught how to develop, implement and assess socially inclusive curricula where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning.

This course accommodates "principles and dimensions" of excellence and is delivered through mutually beneficial partnerships between ECU, and individual schools and early childhood settings.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.

Course code O12

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $4,650

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

About this Course

Are you an aspiring early childhood teacher with an existing degree?

This course will equip you to teach in early childhood settings after one year of full-time study. Focusing specifically on children from birth to five years of age, this course is centred on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities.

This course is built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. Reflective thinking and research, with an emphasis on links between theory and practice is valued. Students develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with children, families, communities and colleagues. Students are taught how to develop, implement and assess socially inclusive curricula where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning.

This course accommodates "principles and dimensions" of excellence and is delivered through mutually beneficial partnerships between ECU, and individual schools and early childhood settings.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.

Course code O12

CRICOS code 117519H

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $37,700

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

1 year full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree; or
    • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree; or
    • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
LAN6120Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years15
AED6160Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood15
ECE6340Inquiry in Professional Experience (Birth to 35 months)15
MSC6110Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children 15
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCE6120Science for Young Children15
ECE6145Inclusive Early Childhood Environments15
ECE6360Inquiry in Professional Experience 2 (3 to 5 years)15
ECE6170Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts15

O12|1

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • This course does not follow the standard ECU academic calendar. Please check the School of Education calendar for start dates and practicum dates.

  • Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Experience in early childhood education and care settings culminating in a final Practicum in the final semester of the course. Students have the shared responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in early childhood education and care settings, therefore the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics.

    In line with ACECQA regulatory requirements, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching will require 60 days of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the form of professional experience placements. The first professional experience is provided through the unit Investigating Young Children’s Holistic Learning and Development in Early Childhood Education and Care, where students will work with children from birth to 35 months for 20 days. The second professional experience is provided in the new unit Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Education and Care, where students will work with children from birth to five years. All professional experience placements will be undertaken in early learning centres.

    Further information regarding Professional Experience can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis or otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    The Department of Education Western Australia has the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in Centres. For these reasons, all Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Experience.

    Further information can be found at http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.

    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document

    The host Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teacher's placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the Centre has had concerns about the Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.

    Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
  2. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
  3. Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and communities.
  4. Use high level self-management skills to plan, execute and reflect on an extended practicum, to enhance professional practice in the field of early childhood education.

Professional Recognition

Course

ECU is currently seeking accreditation of the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching with the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/nqf-approved). Graduates of ACECQA accredited programs may apply for registration and work in Australian early childhood education and care settings with children aged birth to five years. Graduates from an ACECQA accredited Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching course may also be eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (https://www.trb.wa.gov.au/Schools-and-Employers/Early-childhood).

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
LAN6120Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years15
AED6160Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood15
ECE6340Inquiry in Professional Experience (Birth to 35 months)15
MSC6110Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children 15
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCE6120Science for Young Children15
ECE6145Inclusive Early Childhood Environments15
ECE6360Inquiry in Professional Experience 2 (3 to 5 years)15
ECE6170Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts15

O12|1

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • This course does not follow the standard ECU academic calendar. Please check the School of Education calendar for start dates and practicum dates.

  • Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Experience in early childhood education and care settings culminating in a final Practicum in the final semester of the course. Students have the shared responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in early childhood education and care settings, therefore the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics.

    In line with ACECQA regulatory requirements, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching will require 60 days of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the form of professional experience placements. The first professional experience is provided through the unit Investigating Young Children’s Holistic Learning and Development in Early Childhood Education and Care, where students will work with children from birth to 35 months for 20 days. The second professional experience is provided in the new unit Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Education and Care, where students will work with children from birth to five years. All professional experience placements will be undertaken in early learning centres.

    Further information regarding Professional Experience can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience

    Attendance requirements

    Generally host Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis or otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    The Department of Education Western Australia has the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in Centres. For these reasons, all Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Experience.

    Further information can be found at http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience

    Professional practice rules

    During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.

    The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document

    The host Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teacher's placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the Centre has had concerns about the Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.

    Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
  2. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
  3. Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and communities.
  4. Use high level self-management skills to plan, execute and reflect on an extended practicum, to enhance professional practice in the field of early childhood education.

Professional Recognition

Course

ECU is currently seeking accreditation of the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching with the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/nqf-approved). Graduates of ACECQA accredited programs may apply for registration and work in Australian early childhood education and care settings with children aged birth to five years. Graduates from an ACECQA accredited Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching course may also be eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (https://www.trb.wa.gov.au/Schools-and-Employers/Early-childhood).

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $4,650 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in early childhood education and care services with children up to the age of five.

Possible future job titles

Early Childhood Teacher (Birth to 5 years), Centre Director, Kindergarten Teacher, Pre-School Teacher

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $37,700 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in early childhood education and care services with children up to the age of five.

Possible future job titles

Early Childhood Teacher (Birth to 5 years), Centre Director, Kindergarten Teacher, Pre-School Teacher

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Creative thinkers start here

Creative thinkers start here

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

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