Graduate Diploma of Education in Early Childhood (With Placement) Southern Cross University (Venture) - Perth Campus, Australia

 Early childhood education and care is an immensely satisfying career and a precious opportunity to give children the very best start in life.

In 12 months (1 year), our Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) will effectively prepare you to work in early childhood education and care settings, long day care centres, kindergartens, and preschools.

Our course covers key areas of early childhood education and care, theory, principles, and practices that best support children’s learning and development. Admission into the course is via an undergraduate degree in any discipline, including a teaching qualification, OR a completed Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (AQF5 or above), and a minimum of five years relevant work experience (undertaken within the last seven years) in an Australian early childhood education and care setting with related leadership responsibilities.

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) offers a direct pathway to the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood), facilitating advanced education opportunities.

Placements, work experience and study hours: 

Students undertake 60 days (480 hours) of professional placement during this course in two environments — a preschool setting for children aged 3-5 years and an infant and toddler setting. Students are responsible for travel to attend placements, which may not always be within their local area. Students, particularly those in metropolitan areas, are strongly encouraged to consider undertaking a placement in rural and remote regions. Placements are scheduled for specific time periods and have staggered start dates, which means that not all students begin their placements simultaneously.

Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including Working with Children Check, as detailed on the Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements page, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. Preparatory coursework components must be completed prior to the commencement of placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.