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E&Education & Teaching · CHC50121

Become a Diploma-Qualified Early Childhood Educator

Earn the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care online, at your own pace, with 280 hours of real workplace experience.

Flexible
CHC50121National Code
12 to 24 MonthsCourse Duration
280 hrsWork Placement
OnlineDelivery
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Self-Paced Online Learning

Study online at your own pace, with 52 weeks course duration completed over 12 to 24 months, fitting around your work and personal commitments.

Guided Trainer Support

Access experienced trainers via email, the student portal and the learning management system throughout your studies.

Work Placement Coordination via SkilTrak

MCIE's Work Placement Coordinator and SkilTrak facilitate placement into approved early childhood education environments. A placement coordination fee applies.

Pathway to Victoria University

Provides a direct pathway into Victoria University's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (reduced from 3 years to 2 years) or extended Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership (reduced from 4 years to 3 years).

Nationally Recognised Qualification

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification trusted by employers across Australia.

Earn & Learn Recruitment Access

The provider has a large network of domestic marketing partners and international education agents/partners across multiple countries facilitating student enrolments.

Career & Employment Support

Melbourne City Institute of Education provides dedicated career services including job search assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation to help graduates find employment.

Student Wellbeing Support

Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.

280 Hours Of Work Placement

Students must complete 280 mandatory placement hours in a Long Day Care setting, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, and access to a qualified supervisor (holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent). MCIE facilitates placement coordination via placement partner SkilTrak.

Where This Can Take You

The Roles This Qualification Opens

Roles this nationally recognised qualification can lead to. Salary ranges shown are published by the provider for this course.

181k+Employed in this field (AU)
$55,700Median income in the first year after training (NCVER, 2025)
Playgroup Leader
$55,000 to $70,000 a year
Average Annual Salary: $55,000 – $70,000 AUD
Childcare Centre Supervisor
$70,000 to $90,000 a year
Average Annual Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 AUD
Program Facilitator
$65,000 to $85,000 a year
Average Annual Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 AUD
Early Childhood Trainer
$70,000 to $95,000 a year
Average Annual Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 AUD
Child Care Centre Manager
$78,000 to $88,400 a year
Approximately 24,500 Child Care Centre Managers in Australia.
Lead EducatorRoom LeaderEducational Program CoordinatorKindergarten AssistantNominated Supervisor

Indicative market figures from publicly available Australia data (ABS / NCVER). Salary ranges are indicative and vary by state, setting and experience. No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 13 Units Behind The Qualification

Every unit is nationally recognised and sits on your transcript individually, which matters for credit and recognition later.

13Total Units
12Core Units
1Electives
280Placement Hours

Core Units

CHCECE042Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE048Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
CHCECE047Analyse information to inform children's learning
CHCECE043Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE041Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE049Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice

 

CHCECE045Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE046Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE050Work in partnership with children's families
CHCECE044Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
BSBTWK502Manage team effectiveness

Elective Units

CHCPOL002Develop and implement policy
After This Course

Where It Leads Next

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Reduced from 3 years to 2 years for graduates of CHC50121. Offered through Victoria University.

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership

Extended bachelor reduced from 4 years to 3 years for graduates of CHC50121. Offered through Victoria University.

Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

18 or over at enrolment
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Meet language, literacy and numeracy standards for this level
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Complete a Pre-Training Review
Meet Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skill standards

How It Starts

01
Enquire or contact MCIE to discuss course entry requirements, study schedules, and workplace placement arrangements
02
Complete a Pre-Training Review
03
Provide evidence of prerequisite qualification (CHC30121 or CHC30113)
04
Obtain a USI number (or authorise MCIE to apply on your behalf)
05
Select a payment option and enrol
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

$60 / week

Weekly Payment Plan. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

$279 / month

Monthly Payment Plan. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Pay Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Pay with Zip Money

Weekly repayments from approx. $44/week. Interest-free period available (length depends on Zip and merchant offer). Zip Money approval and terms may apply.

Buy Now Pay Later with Zip Money

Weekly repayments from approximately $44 per week, subject to Zip Money approval and terms.

Flexible Payment Options

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements can vary and may include prior experience or study in early childhood education. Submit an enquiry to confirm the current entry criteria before you apply.

How much does this course cost?

Pricing is not listed here, as it has its own dedicated section on the course page. Payment options include upfront (with a 35% discount), weekly or monthly instalments, and Zip Money buy-now-pay-later. Enquire to confirm current pricing.

How long does the course take to complete?

The course duration is 52 weeks, completed over 12 to 24 months. The self-paced structure lets you move faster or slower depending on your schedule.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered fully online by Melbourne City Institute of Education. Students access learning materials, assessments, and trainer support through the student portal and learning management system.

What does the work placement involve?

Students complete 280 hours of work placement in an approved early childhood education environment. Placement is coordinated through SkilTrak, and a $250 placement coordination fee applies.

What career roles does this qualification prepare me for?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as Lead Educator, Room Leader, Nominated Supervisor, Childcare Centre Supervisor, and Early Childhood Trainer. These roles exist across childcare centres, kindergartens, and community education services. The qualification prepares students for these roles but does not guarantee employment.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This diploma covers the skills and knowledge needed to lead early childhood programs, support children's development, and supervise educators in care settings. Students work through curriculum design, child safety, inclusive practice, and educational leadership. The course is delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education and completed entirely online.

Study is self-paced over 12 to 24 months, making it well-suited to people already working in childcare or balancing other commitments. Trainer support is available throughout via email and the student portal. The 280-hour work placement is coordinated through SkilTrak, placing students into approved early childhood environments.

Graduates of this nationally recognised qualification are prepared for leadership roles across childcare centres, kindergartens, and community education settings. A direct university pathway is also available for those looking to continue into a bachelor degree.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Registered Training Organisation

MC
Melbourne City Institute of Education
RTO 22172
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Earn & Learn, the college's own recruitment service
Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.
Nationally Recognised TrainingITECALes Toques BlanchesAustralian Culinary FederationCPA Australia
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The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees, funding eligibility and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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