Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education
AE's Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education gets you career-ready fast: One year, full-time online study. Practical and fully accredited.
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WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
This course offers a pathway into a professionally recognised career in early childhood education, where you can shape the foundations of children’s learning and development. Accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), it prepares you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work as an Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher in Australia’s growing sector.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, learning theories, and play-based pedagogy. The course also focuses on curriculum planning, inclusive practice, and professional responsibilities. Through supervised placements, you will apply your knowledge in real settings and build the confidence to support children’s learning in diverse environments.
The first five years of a child’s life shape everything that follows. Acknowledge Education’s Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education prepares graduates of any discipline to be the people standing in that window, with a one-year, ACECQA-accredited qualification that supports your pathway into the early childhood education profession.
The course covers child development, play-based pedagogy, curriculum planning and professional leadership. You’ll also complete 60 days of supervised placement with preschoolers aged three to five and infants and toddlers from six weeks to two years.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for registration as early childhood teachers, subject to meeting state or territory regulatory requirements. The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is delivered online with intakes in February, May and September.
This course is delivered online only for all new students. Students enrolled in the online delivery mode are not eligible for a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Students who previously commenced the course in blended delivery (on-campus and online) will continue their studies in their approved delivery mode.
Live Online classes consist of 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials to support students throughout their studies. Please note that blended delivery and Flexible Online delivery are no longer available for new enrolments.
Important: All students are required to complete 60 days of face-to-face placement as part of the course. Placements are scheduled only in Trimesters 2 and 3 of the course.
Course Overview
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is an academic, practice-based profession that promotes healthy early childhood development. ECEC strengthens families and communities by enhancing children’s cognitive and social-emotional skills while supporting the workforce participation of parents and caregivers.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a one-year course designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of early childhood development, pedagogy, curriculum, and the ethical and legislative requirements of the profession. You will also develop critical thinking, reflective practice, and continuous professional development skills.
You will be introduced to the profession of early childhood teaching through an integrated curriculum that combines direct practice with theory, leadership, and advocacy, within a contemporary, play-based, and holistic approach. Field education placements will provide opportunities for experiential learning, allowing you to apply and develop theoretical knowledge across various early childhood teaching settings. Classroom activities, online tasks, and field practicums will help you connect theory to practice and apply your learning effectively.
As an AE student based in the heart of Australia’s most vibrant cities, you join a diverse and friendly community of practice. You will benefit from plenty of opportunities to make lifelong friends, network, and grow as a global professional.
Course Structure
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is conducted over three trimesters, with units taught concurrently within each trimester and dedicated time to complete your placement. The course is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study. You will need to complete two separate field education placements at an approved early childhood service, totalling 60 days of supervised professional experience.
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you are required to complete 8 units (48 credit points) as outlined below.
As the course is offered online, you can expect to attend 3 hours of Live Online classes (lectures and tutorials) per unit per week via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. You and your classmates will attend these virtual classes together at scheduled times. In addition, you will be expected to complete approximately 7 hours of independent study per week, including readings and other learning activities.
Course Sequence
Pre-requisites
Pre-requisites
PRFX201 Professional Experience I | Pre-requisite for | PRFX401 Professional Experience II |
Units of Study
Theory and Practice
ECEC100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
ECEC101 Child Development (birth -5)
ECEC200 Play in the Early Years
ECEC300 Policy, Pedagogy and Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers (birth -2)
ECEC301 Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education & Care (STREAM)
Field Education
PRFX201 Professional Experience I
PRFX401 Professional Experience II
Management and Leadership
ECEC400 The Early Childhood Professional
The course is structured to maximise your opportunities to become work-ready and pursue employment in an Australian early childhood education centre during your studies.
You will complete two 30-day placements in Trimesters 2 and 3 of the course. Students must be available onshore during the scheduled placement periods.
IMPORTANT: Placement units include both theory and practical experience. Students are required to complete 60 days of face-to-face placement as part of the course and attend online classes as scheduled. This ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to successfully complete their placements.
Professional Experience I: 30 days with preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years)
Professional Experience II: 30 days with infants and toddlers (6 weeks to 2 years)
Acknowledge Education will organise placements for all students who are available to complete their placements within the scheduled study periods.
If you prefer to arrange your own placement, please notify us as soon as possible after your course has commenced by emailing placement@ae.edu.au.
Academic Requirements
To be admitted to the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you must have an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
English Requirements
If you have obtained a bachelor’s degree (AQF 7) or equivalent from a country other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, or the Republic of Ireland, you must meet one of the following minimum English language requirements:
An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score below 6.5, or
equivalent AE English placement test
Please visit our website for the Admissions Policy for Overseas Students and Admissions Procedure for Overseas students (Higher Education and VET).
Other requirements to be completed prior to commencing field education placements are:
Valid National Police Record Check with no recorded offences
Working with Children Check or equivalent
CHCPRT025 Training (Identify and Report Children and Young People at Risk)
Mandatory National Child Safety Training
Medical Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
Resume
Immunisations*
*It is recommended to be vaccinated against Influenza, MMR - Mumps, Measles and Rubella, Pertussis (dTpa) and Varicella.
Students are encouraged to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) – also known as exemptions – for studies completed at another higher education provider, as well as time you may have spent working in the relevant industry. Your eligibility and quantity of exemptions will be determined by a number of factors such as the similarity of your prior completed studies with your Acknowledge Education course, and the equivalence of your prior studies and/or experience with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Approved exemptions for previous study or work experience may reduce the overall cost and study load (duration) of your course.
For further information, including the maximum amount of exemptions permitted for your course, please refer to Acknowledge Education’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
How do I apply for recognition of prior learning
Individuals must complete a Recognition of Prior Learning application form , and once complete, submit the completed form and all supporting evidence to Acknowledge Education. While applications for RPL can be accepted at any time, you must continue to attend classes until your application has been assessed and exemptions have been either granted or denied.
Evidence requirements
The evidence that you’re required to submit to support your application include (where relevant), and must be translated into English where relevant:
Copies of subject outlines, translated into English where applicable (information must include; learning outcomes, weekly structure, topic list, assessment details, contact hours/student workload).
Certified English translation of your qualification and academic transcript.
Recent CV/resume and work references.
Please note your application won’t be assessed if the required evidence hasn’t been included.
How will my application be assessed?
Acknowledge Education will undertake an academic review of your RPL application based on your supporting evidence and may contact you if further details are required to review your application, which may result in a delay in the assessment of your application.
If your RPL application is approved, exemptions may be granted for the relevant subjects. If your application for RPL is declined, you’ll need to enrol into, and complete, the relevant subjects in order to complete your course.
Can I appeal a RPL decision made by Acknowledge Education?
You may appeal the outcome of a decision made by Acknowledge Education in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy published on our website.
This course is accredited by Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Graduates may apply for registration and work in Australian early childhood education and care settings with children from birth to age five. Graduates are also eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with their state teacher regulatory authorities.
Occupational titles for you with this qualification may include:
Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher
Qualified Educator
Educational Leader
Service Director
Area Manager
Inclusion Support Worker
Inclusion Support Manager
Out of School Hours Educator
Out of School Hours Coordinator
February, May, September
View all dates here.
Domestic Students
International Student
Indicative total tuition fee:
Blended: $25,960
Online: $21,500
Unit fee:
Blended: $3,245 per unit x 8 units
Online: $2,687.50 per unit x 8 units
Administration fee: $250
View fee list here.
Thinking about studying Early Childhood Education?
We understand that life is busy and your study needs to fit around your other commitments. The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education (GDECE) is delivered online for all new students, allowing you to attend scheduled Live Online classes from home while completing your professional experience placements face-to-face.
Here are some quick answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn’t answered below, please contact us.
Q. What are my study options?
The GDECE is delivered online only for all new students. You will attend scheduled Live Online classes each week and complete your professional experience placements face-to-face at approved early childhood services.
Students enrolled in the online delivery mode are not eligible for a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Students who previously commenced the course in blended delivery will continue their studies in their approved delivery mode. Blended and Flexible Online delivery are no longer available for new enrolments.
Q. What’s it like to study online?
You will attend 3 hours of Live Online classes (lectures and tutorials) per unit per week via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. You and your classmates will attend these virtual classes together at scheduled times.
In addition, you will be expected to complete approximately 7 hours of independent study per unit per week, including readings and other learning activities.
Q. Do I need to attend classes at a scheduled time?
Yes. Live Online classes are scheduled classes that you attend online with your lecturer and classmates. This allows you to participate in lectures and tutorials, ask questions and engage with your class in real time.
Q. What about Placement?
Professional experience placement is a compulsory part of the course. Placement units include both theory and practical experience, so you will be required to attend scheduled online classes as well as complete your face-to-face placement. These classes are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete your placement.
You must complete a total of 60 days of face-to-face placement at approved early childhood services:
• Professional Experience I: 30 days with preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years)
• Professional Experience II: 30 days with infants and toddlers (6 weeks to 2 years)
Placements are scheduled in Trimesters 2 and 3 of the course. Students must be available onshore during the scheduled placement periods.
Q. Will AE organise my placement?
Acknowledge Education will organise placements for all students who meet the eligibility crieria and who are available to complete their placements within the scheduled study periods.
If you prefer to arrange your own placement, please notify us as soon as possible after your course has commenced by emailing placement@ae.edu.au.
Q. What do I need to study online?
Here’s your tech checklist:
A laptop or desktop (a phone isn’t enough)
Reliable internet
Ms Office including Ms Teams or/and (don’t worry—we’ll give it to you for free!)
Q. What is Moodle? Is it different to Student Portal?
Moodle is Learning Management System (LMS) that facilities online learning and teaching.
Your LMS account is active after 2 working days you complete registration.
It is the main site for you to access course materials, unit outlines, submit assignments and participate in discussions.
Student Portal is different to Moodle.
It is your first stop for accessing your academic records, timetable, attendance, course/unit enrolment, financial information and to update your personal details.
Your student portal is also active after 2 working days you complete registration.
Students will receive an email from our Student Services Team when those accounts are ready for access with instruction.
Q. How are courses assessed?
Units are assessed through a variety of academic and practical tasks designed to prepare you for real-world work as an Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher.
Assessments focus on developing creative and reflective practices, including designing learning experiences, creating resources, observing children’s development and planning engaging learning environments. These tasks are closely aligned with professional practice in early childhood settings, helping you develop practical skills and confidence. Students must achieve an overall 50% to pass each unit. For the placement units (PRFX201 & PRFX401), students must pass both the theory and the practice to demonstrate the unit and course learning outcomes, resulting in passing the unit.
Q. English is an additional language; how can AE support me for academic writing and referencing?
All students have access to the academic support such as in-class workshops, one-to-one academic skill support sessions and weekly academic skill workshops. The Academic Integrity Team support students to strengthen their academic skills, including assessment analysis, research and database searching, academic writing, APA 7 referencing, presentations, academic integrity and responsible AI use, and effective assessment planning and time management.
Why Study with AE?
Real outcomes for students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.
140+ Year Heritage
Multi-Sector Education Excellence
Over 140 years of excellence delivering ELICOS, VCE, VET, and Higher Education across 8 national campuses.
98% Placement Satisfaction
Job-Ready Success
98% student placement satisfaction with programs designed alongside industry partners for maximum graduate outcomes.
Up to 50% course credit
Credit for Prior Learning
Get up to 50% course credit for prior learning in Australia. You may be able to reduce both your tuition and study time.
2 week average to COE*
Seamless Enrolment
Expert onshore support from consultation to CoE issuance, with an average 2-week processing time.
*Processing times may vary depending on document completeness and course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, early childhood educators are in demand in Australia, according to data and a report from Jobs and Skills Australia. Early childhood education plays an important role in supporting children’s development and learning across Australia. With ongoing investment in early learning and childcare services, there are a range of opportunities for qualified educators across settings such as long day care, kindergarten and early learning centres.
Yes, being an early childhood teacher is worth it! Working as an early childhood teacher can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy supporting children’s learning and development. The profession offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact during early years, while developing professional skills in education, communication and child development.
Key skills for early childhood teachers include communication, patience and the ability to support children’s learning. Other important skills include observation and assessment, teamwork with families and colleagues and planning engaging learning experiences that support children’s development.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is an online postgraduate qualification that prepares you to become an early childhood teacher. It focuses on child development, curriculum planning and teaching practice, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to work in early learning environments.
To enrol in this course, you typically need a recognised bachelor’s degree and must meet English language requirements if applicable. Acknowledge Education also offers an English Placement Test for eligible applicants as an alternative way to demonstrate English proficiency. This course is designed as a graduate-entry qualification, building on your prior study.
Graduates may pursue roles such as early childhood teacher in settings including long day care centres, kindergartens and early learning services. The course prepares you with the knowledge and practical experience to work with young children in educational environments.
Yes, this course is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority.
Graduates may apply for registration and work in early childhood education and care settings in Australia with children from birth to five years. You may also be eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with relevant state or territory teacher regulatory authorities.
Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is built for people who are ready to move into teaching but need the right qualification to get there. It builds on your existing degree and combines the theory behind early childhood development with real classroom experience through practical placements.
Because this is a professional teaching qualification, you'll get the most out of it if you're genuinely drawn to working with young children and ready to commit to the study. Students who come in motivated tend to leave with both the credential and the confidence to hit the ground running.