Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 years)

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education course (CRICOS Course Code:117469B) is a two-year course is designed to meet the ACECQA frameworks and standards for early childhood teaching program. It also introduces students to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the graduate level. The continuing shortage of qualified staff in the early childhood sector is an important motivation for the necessity and provision of this course, as it would cater to the needs of career changers and help address the critical shortage of teachers in the early childhood sector. 

This course is accredited by The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Why Choose Early Childhood Education?

The early childhood sector in Australia has experienced massive growth over recent years, resulting in early childhood teacher shortages, and posing a risk to the education of many Australian children. In Victoria, for example, reports indicate that the State needs more that 10,000 more pre-school teachers to meet increased demand for early childhood education (Victoria University, 2023). 

This degree aims to equip students with real life problem-solving and decision-making skills essential to accessing teaching careers in private sector organisations, government agencies and the not-for-profit sector, both locally and globally.

Graduates of this course will make important contributions to the development of the early childhood sector and to the preparation of the next generation of Australian leaders. Graduates will also fill relevant vacancies in early childhood services resulting from the shortage of qualified early childhood educators in Australia.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the course, students will demonstrate knowledge and competencies at Australian Qualifications Framework level 5. Specifically, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) course will prepare graduates to: 

• demonstrate understanding of early childhood curriculum and contemporary child development theories and apply them to the education and care of young children across diverse contexts; 
• effectively plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogies in keeping with approved learning frameworks to support the diverse learning interests, abilities, and holistic development of young children.  
• identify the learning needs of young children and apply effective assessment strategies to evaluate and support  learning and development.   
• apply analytical skills and independent judgement to address complex professional situations and problems and generate effective solutions.    
• develop culturally competent communication and partnerships with families, communities, and external stakeholders to support children’s learning and development across diverse contexts; 
• demonstrate understanding of health, safety, compliance, and ethical issues and apply this knowledge when working with young children; 
• engage in ongoing professional learning and development, with a focus on critically reflecting on and continually improving professional practice, and articulating a sound professional identity. 

Modes of Delivery

Each unit in the course will be delivered in a face-to-face mode across 12 weeks. This mode of delivery will enrich student experience and engagement and provide opportunities for developing skills and engaging with content. It will also maximise lecturer-student interaction and facilitate students’ achievements of learning outcomes. Being on campus would enable students to access campus resources such as the library and internet to aid their learning. 

Supervised Professional Experience

The Diploma course includes 35 days of supervised professional experience. Students will be placed in early childhood services and obtain hands-on opportunities to put knowledge and theory into practice, under the guidance of more experienced educators.

Course Details: Compulsory completion requirements  

To complete the course successfully, a student must complete all 16 units of study or 160 credit points for the Diploma of Early Childhood (Birth to 5), chosen from the relevant subject groups with at least a pass mark of 50% in all units.  

All students must have been formally admitted to the Academy before commencing their degree program. Admission to the course is based upon the ATAR and NAPS’ Admissions Policy. To be admitted to the degree program, a student must meet the following criteria:

International Students

• Year 12 Certificate or Equivalent International Qualification.
• Applicants with Higher Education: Must have undertaken a higher education qualification (or at least a semester of study).
• Applicants with Vocational Education and Training: must have completed a vocational qualification at Diploma level or higher.
• Applicants with a nationally recognised Diploma: may receive a credit for prior learning. The value of the credit depends on the length and subject of the diploma

Domestic Students

Current School Leavers

• Minimum ATAR of 65 (or equivalent assessment in New Zealand or a Higher School Certificate or overseas equivalent.

Non-Current School Leavers

• Completion of a AQF level 4 or equivalent course; or
• Previous admission to or the subsequent completion of at least one semester of an AQF level 7 or equivalent course.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements apply to international applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:  

They must have an overall score of 6.0. 

Students who do not meet the minimum English Language requirement may be permitted to enrol after successful completion of an appropriate English for Academic Purposes program accredited by NEAS and approved by the Academy.   When an IELTS score or equivalent is used to demonstrate English proficiency, that score must have been attained within two years of the date of application for admission.  

Students with Disabilities

NAPS is committed to equity and inclusivity for all students. Students with disabilities or special needs will not be excluded based on pre-judgements about their ability to meet the demands of the course. The same conditions and procedures apply to the admissions of students with a disability as to all other students. NAPS fosters an environment of inclusiveness so that necessary accommodations and supportive measures are provided to ensure that all students are set up for success in their learning. 

Students who enrol initially for the Bachelor’s degree may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education after completing the first two years of study comprising of 8 core units (160 credit points). 

Articulation Credit Transfer Arrangements 

A student may be granted advanced standing for an equivalent subject studied in another institution where this unit was successfully completed towards a similar or related degree, or through other significant learning which the Academic Dean (or delegate) considers equivalent.  All credit transfer arrangements will be subject to the NAPS policy on recognised prior learning.

The courses are designed to support students in building an understanding of child development, early childhood contexts, theoretical and practical considerations in working in the early childhood education industry, in consistence with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) requirements.   Today’s children are tomorrows adults. Early childhood education lays important foundations for subsequent learning in adulthood and a critical aspect of education.  The courses present an exciting opportunity to develop a career in early childhood education and care for the growing demand in Australian and internationally.  Graduates may opt for careers in education and care, health or management:

Education and care

• Early childhood teacher
• Early childhood educator
• Educational leader

Health

• Maternal and child health nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Speech pathologist

Management

• Early years manager
• Children’s services manager

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