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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 - 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
Away From Base: This is an approved Away from Base (AFB) `mixed mode- course. For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb.
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 280 hours of work in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
A working with children clearance 'Ochre Card' from SAFE NT will be required.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011), the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Casuarina Palmerston Katherine |
| Duration | 1 - 2 years part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Blended (example) *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 3: 14 July 2026 Term 4: 6 October 2026 *A specific commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Online delivery with some on campus simulation and workplace based assessments. |
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- early childhood educator
- group leader
- service director
- preschool assistant
- outside school hours educator/director
- home based educator
- nanny
- support worker.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.
The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification.
Completed Qualification | HE | VET | Bachelor Degree | Maximum Credit Available |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline. | ||||
Professional Recognition |
Course Structure To achieve CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
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Employability Skills |
2026 Fees
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now. |
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type. For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments. | |
| Fee Exemptions | Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only. At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment. If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption. |
| VET Student Loans | Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts). 2026 VET Student Loan schedule |
General Description Availability: Applications are open for 2026. This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.
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Course Information Flyer(s) CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - 2026 | ||||||||||||
Accreditation This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package. | ||||||||||||
Locations and Study Mode Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Palmerston, Remote | ||||||||||||
Entry Requirements Domestic | A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals. To gain entry into CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, candidates require:
Alternatively, the individuals may hold:
Everyone employed or volunteering in child-related work are required by law to hold an Ochre Card. It will, therefore, be a mandatory requirement to hold an Ochre card in order to complete any work placement. If you do not already have an Ochre card, you can apply through SAFE NT Online Applications. Required Resources Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on Learnline, CDU's online learning platform. Before you can start using Learnline, you'll need to make sure that your computer has the correct setup. For more details: https://www.cdu.edu.au/current-students/services/learnline Computer and internet access will be required to participate in online sessions, source information and The required textbooks for CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are:
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Duration Estimated completion time: 2 year/s | |
| This program is delivered over a period of 1 - 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level. | |
Career Opportunities Occupations relevant to this qualification include:
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Marketing Professional Recognition |
Marketing Course Description |
Marketing Career Opportunities |
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Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $5,189.80 |
| Full Fee | $18,615.88 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
Delivery allowance for VET funded programs
VET student loans
Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts).
Determine your eligibility using the VET Student Loan Eligibility Tool on the Your Career website.
2026 VET Student Loan schedule
2027 VET Student Loan schedule
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1348.
Course structure
To achieve CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising twelve (12) core and three (3) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1348.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| BSBTWK502 | Manage team effectiveness | 60 |
| CHCECE041 | Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children | 55 |
| CHCECE042 | Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing | 200 |
| CHCECE043 | Nurture creativity in children | 80 |
| CHCECE044 | Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service | 110 |
| CHCECE045 | Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children | 60 |
| CHCECE046 | Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children | 65 |
| CHCECE047 | Analyse information to inform children's learning | 75 |
| CHCECE048 | Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum | 180 |
| CHCECE049 | Embed environmental responsibility in service operations | 73 |
| CHCECE050 | Work in partnership with children's families | 70 |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | 120 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 1148 | |
| Elective units of competency | ||
| BSBPEF502 | Develop and use emotional intelligence | 60 |
| CHCMGT003 | Lead the work team | 100 |
| CHCPRT026 | Support the rights and safety of children and young people (unnamed) | 40 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 200 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1348 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, candidates require:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, OR
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Alternatively, the individuals may hold:
- An Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, OR
- An Australian diploma or certificate III in Children's Services AND
- Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence, OR
- Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Everyone employed or volunteering in child-related work are required by law to hold an Ochre Card. It will, therefore, be a mandatory requirement to hold an Ochre card in order to complete any work placement.
If you do not already have an Ochre card, you can apply through SAFE NT Online Applications.
Required Resources
Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on Learnline, CDU's online learning platform. Before you can start using Learnline, you'll need to make sure that your computer has the correct setup. For more details: https://www.cdu.edu.au/current-students/services/learnline
Computer and internet access will be required to participate in online sessions, source information and
complete assessments.
The required textbooks for CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are:
- Frameworks for Learning and Development, 5th Edition, by Karen Kearns paperback/eBook
Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 9780170445535 /ISBN 9780170455770 - The Business of Childcare, 5th Edition, by Karen Kearns paperback/eBook
Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 9780170445528 /ISBN 9780170455749 - Working with Children Clearance - Standard Fee (Employment) $89.00
- Working with Children Clearance - Concession Fee (Employment) $8.00
- National Police Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $92.00
- National Policy Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $17.00
- NDIS Worker Screening Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $149.00
- NDIS Worker Screening Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $14.00
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.
For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Location and study mode
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Palmerston, Remote
Study Mode: both
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Education and Foundation Skills |
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Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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