Graduate Diploma in
Education (Early Education)
(Birth to Five)
CRICOS Course Code: 117395D
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) (Birth to Five) is a one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program. It equips pre-service teachers with a broad understanding of the theories and practices essential for teaching children from birth to five years. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through placements in accredited early childhood education settings.
6000
The job market in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is experiencing significant growth, with approximately 6,000 job vacancies each month.
ABOUT
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
COURSE STRUCTURE
AND CONTENT
MODES OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)( Birth to Five) covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a broad and coherent knowledge base. Key areas of study include digital play, neurological influences on learning and development, outdoor learning and nature play, and learning through play. The program also emphasizes traditional areas such as the arts, sciences, numeracy, and creativity. Students will explore theories and practices in early childhood education, focusing on professional practice through work-integrated learning and practicum experiences. The curriculum is designed to ensure students understand child development, learning, and wellbeing, preparing them to create engaging and effective learning environments.
THE WAY YOU WILL STUDY
Students in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) (Birth to Five) will engage in a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience. The course includes two units of professional practice and 60 days of supervised placements in early childhood settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Close supervision by academic staff and partnerships with diverse early childhood education providers will support students throughout their placements, ensuring they are well-prepared for teaching roles.
Guaranteed entry
ATAR Score 50
(for Domestic students only)
Duration
Full time: 1 Year
(or equivalent part time for Domestic students only)
Start dates
S1 2025: MAR 10
S2 2025: JUL 25
NOV 2025: NOV 25
Study options
Full Time
Part Time (for Domestic students only)
Fees
FEE-HELP applicable
(for Domestic students only)
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- A graduate of Crown Institute of Higher Education will possess comprehensive knowledge in their discipline area and be able to apply that knowledge effectively in the workplace.
- They will be able to identify problems and work pro-actively and creatively to develop solutions and to generate, analyse and interpret different types of information to inform and support decision-making processes.
- They will be able to think logically and critically to analyse and solve problems; be independent thinkers; engage with others proactively and collaboratively for continued personal and professional development; and act ethically and with an awareness of cultural diversity.
- They will also be able to communicate effectively to level required at the professional level.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A graduate of the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)( Birth to Five) may progress to secure possible jobs which include:
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Early Childhood Consultant
- Playgroup Facilitator
- Family Support Provider
- Childcare Administrator
- Home-Based Service Provider
- Before/After School Care Program Coordinator
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS:
- Successful completion of any Bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7) or overseas equivalent
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
Successful completion of any Bachelor’s degree (AQF7) or overseas equivalent.
International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in the English language.
English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing proof of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall test result (or equivalent alternative test result as defined by regulation) that meets the specified level of English proficiency for the course:- IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
- Pearson PTE Academic 58 overall with no individual communicative skill below 50.
- Or recognised equivalency.
- Completion of secondary education/undergraduate qualification via the medium of English, or
- Successful completion of an Australian qualification recognised as at least AQF Certificate IV (minimum period of study of 1 school year within the last 2 years), or
- Successful completion of a Tertiary Studies Foundation Program (minimum period of study of 1 school year), or
- International students who do not meet the specified English proficiency requirements may undertake an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program prior to undertaking the course.
All candidates, regardless of entry pathway, will be required to undergo an interview to assess their interest and aptitude for early childhood teaching and to provide an additional assurance of English competence and suitability for this course.
All students must obtain a Working with Children Check and a Police Check before engaging with children. As part of their offer letter, they will be informed of the requirement for certified anaphylaxis training and certified first aid training prior to employment. Upon admission, all students undergo an orientation program upon arrival.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)( Birth to Five) is a 1-year, 2-semester degree. To fulfil the requirements of the award, students must complete a total of 80 credit points. Each unit is 10 credit points.
COURSE STRUCTURE
| Level 1 | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| EC500 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education |
| EC501 | Early Childhood Learning and Development |
| EC502 | Language and Literacy in Early Years |
| ECP501 | Early Childhood Curriculum and Pegagogy Professional Experience 1 |
| Level 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| EC503 | Numeracy, Science, Sustainability and Technology in the Early Years |
| EC504 | The Arts and Creativity in Early Childhood |
| EC505 | Children, Family, and Community |
| ECP502 | Reflective Practice, Assessment and Evaluation Professional Experience 2 (Pre-Req: ECP501) |
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Crown Institute of Higher Education (“CIHE”) grants credit towards a course of study on the basis of prior learning, whether from formal studies or professional work experience to ensure that students commence study at a level appropriate to their prior learning experiences so that they are not required to repeat prior learning.
For more information please visit:
MODES OF STUDY ASSESSMENT
At CIHE we provide workshop-based engaged learning.
All our units involve participation in 3 hours of on-campus workshop per week for 12 weeks. Each week’s workshop will require preparation – reading, activities and online work.
All our units are supported by an online learning management system – Moodle.
We use a range of assessment tasks at CIHE to help you monitor your learning – quizzes, group work, case-studies and scenario-based activities, reports and exams.
Throughout the course, achievement of unit and course learning outcomes will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment activities.
Lecturers will aim to provide timely and constructive feedback to support the success of students in the achievement of learning outcomes and to acquire the necessary attributes that will distinguish them as a graduate of the Institute.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
CIHE’s Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)( Birth to Five) course is yet to be recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers under the National Quality Framework. CIHE has submitted an application for professional accreditation and its current status is “pending approval”.
GUIDANCE ON TEACHER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT
Every State/Territory in Australia has its own Teacher Registration Authority. You can find a link to authority which covers your location here.
For Example, in New South Wales, the Authority is the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA). For graduates with qualifications from Birth to Five, NESA does not do its own assessment but refers to the assessment of the professional body, which is called Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), so your first step is to seek accreditation with ACECQA before applying for registration with NESA. You can apply for accreditation with ACECQA here .
In the ACT, the Teacher Registration Authority is The Teacher Quality Institute. You can apply for accreditation here. The approach is similar to that of NESA with automatic recognition of ACECQA accredited courses.