get course.
CoursesProvidersIndustriesBlog
Browse Courses
get course.
Browse CoursesIndustriesProvidersBlogAboutContactList Your Courses
PrivacyTermsCookiesData Protection

Get Course brings courses from leading education providers into one place. We are not a registered training organisation and do not deliver courses; each course is delivered by the education provider listed on its page. Nationally recognised qualifications display the provider's RTO and, where applicable, CRICOS details.

© 2026 Get Course. All rights reserved.

Home›Education & Teaching›Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online

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.

Nationally Recognised · CHC50121100% OnlineFrom $60/Week
Enquire now
24 Mths
Duration
280 Hrs
Placement
Online
Delivery
13
Units
Flexible
Start Date
Diploma
Level
Home›Education & Teaching›Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online

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.

Nationally Recognised · CHC50121100% OnlineFrom $60/Week
24 Mths
Duration
280 Hrs
Placement
Online
Delivery
13
Units
Flexible
Start Date
Diploma
Level
Why Study This

Real Skills, Real Placement, A Recognised Qualification.

280 Hours Of Real Workplace Placement Included

Direct Pathway To Victoria University In 2 Years, Not 3

Where It Can Take You

Career Paths & Direction

Roles graduates commonly move into across Australia. Your path depends on experience, employer and location.

181k+
Employed in education & teaching (AU)
Childcare Centre SupervisorOversees daily operations and staff in a licensed childcare centre.
Child Care Centre ManagerManages centre administration, compliance, staffing, and service quality.
Early Childhood TrainerDelivers training and professional development to early childhood educators.
Program FacilitatorPlans and runs structured learning programs for young children.
Playgroup LeaderLeads play-based learning sessions and supports families in group settings.
Lead EducatorTakes responsibility for the educational program and outcomes within a room or service.
Nominated SupervisorHolds legal responsibility for the day-to-day operation of an early childhood service.
Educational Program CoordinatorDesigns and coordinates curriculum and learning experiences across an early childhood setting.

Indicative market figures from publicly available Australian data (ABS / NCVER). Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

13 Nationally Recognised Units · 12 Core, 1 Electives

Core Units · 12 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 · 1 units
  • CHCPOL002Develop and implement policy
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started in this nationally recognised qualification.

Minimum age 18

Australian citizen or permanent resident

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Language, literacy & numeracy (LLN) assessment may apply

Complete a Pre-Training Review

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

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.

Flexible Payment Options

Choose from upfront payment (35% discount), weekly instalments, monthly instalments, or Zip Money BNPL to suit your budget.

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.

MCIE
Your Provider

Melbourne City Institute of Education

MCIE is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers vocational education and training. It provides Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer services to candidates, assessing competencies acquired through formal, non-formal, and informal learning against training package or VET accredited course requirements.

Endorsed by ITECA · Les Toques Blanches · Australian Culinary Federation · CPA Australia · Migration Institute of Australia · Migration Alliance · Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority · Family Day Care Australia · Australia Diabetes Association · Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation
RTO Code 22172 · CRICOS 03024A (nationally accredited)
Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $60/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Weekly payment planZip
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Enquire or contact MCIE to discuss course entry requirements, study schedules, and workplace placement arrangements
2
Complete a Pre-Training Review
3
Provide evidence of prerequisite qualification (CHC30121 or CHC30113)
4
Obtain a USI number (or authorise MCIE to apply on your behalf)
5
Select a payment option and enrol
Why Students Choose Us

Recognised Training, Real Support

Nationally Recognised

CHC50121 is registered on the AQF and delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education (RTO 22172).

Career Support

Dedicated career services to help graduates move into work.

Wellbeing Support

Ongoing support throughout your studies, including post-placement support.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available, allowing you to receive credit for existing skills and experience. Submit an enquiry to find out how RPL is assessed for this qualification.
Yes. This diploma provides a direct pathway into Victoria University's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, reduced from 3 years to 2 years. There is also a pathway into the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership, reduced from 4 years to 3 years.
Keep Looking

Compare Similar Courses

Interior Design Business PathwayMicro-credential · Online · 12 monthsCompare →Childcare PathwayMicro-credential · Online · 180 hoursCompare →Teachers Aide Course Bundle (3 Micro-Credentials)Micro-credential · Online · 180 hoursCompare →
About This Course

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online

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.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Education & Teaching

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from Melbourne City Institute of Education will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across Australia find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

Nationally Recognised · CHC50121100% OnlineFrom $60/Week

Nationally recognised training: CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Online is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education (RTO 22172).

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026