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Please note: The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care was superseded by CHC50125 on 4 September 2025, as per training.gov.au. The new qualification is deemed equivalent, and students currently enrolled in CHC50121 will be supported to complete their studies or transition to CHC50125 within the designated transition period.
Passionate about enhancing and influencing the lives of young children?
Early childhood teaching is a highly respected and sort after qualification. This qualification gives you the knowledge to perform work-supporting children’s wellbeing, learning and development in early learning centres and junior primary classes. This course prepares graduates with both the practical and theoretical skills to work in a variety of disciplines including; day care, preschool, integrated child and family services, and early intervention services.
To work in childcare you must have, or be actively working towards, at least an approved Certificate III Education and Care qualification.
The Education and Care Services National Regulations state under Section 126: Centre-based services – The qualification requirements for educators at center-based services for children preschool age or under are – at least 50 per cent of the educators who are required to meet the relevant educator to child ratios for the service must have, or be actively working towards, at least an approved diploma level education and care qualification. Section 128: Family Day Care coordinator qualifications state: A family day care coordinator must have an approved diploma level education and care qualification.
Please note that this course does not follow our Academic Calendar. Please speak with our team for more information.
Nationally recognised
Important Information About Mandatory Vocational Placement
Vocational placement is a compulsory component of CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and is critical for achieving competency in specific units. Students cannot receive the qualification until all placement requirements are completed. Students will experience vocational placement in a regulated children’s education and care service within Australia. For those currently employed in the industry, you may be able to use your workplace to meet your placement requirements, provided it meets the necessary criteria. Please note that placement centres must be within a 20km radius of the College.
Placement Duration & Timing
The course requires a minimum of 280 hours of mandatory vocational placement. Vocational placement is typically scheduled towards the end of the course, after completing relevant theoretical components. This ensures students are well-prepared for real workplace environments.
Placement Support
Queensford College assists in arranging suitable placements, but students are expected to actively participate in the process. Comprehensive support and guidance is provided, including detailed information on placement timing, structure, and expectations during course and placement orientation sessions.
Before You Enrol
Understanding the placement requirements is essential prior to enrolling. Students must be able to obtain a Working with Children Government Check that is relevant to their state before commencing vocational placement. Any associated costs will be shouldered by the student.
If you have any questions about vocational placement or how it fits into your course, please contact your course advisor or our Admissions Team for more information.
Enrolling in the this course requires students to participate in practical training and vocational placement in a regulated early childhood setting. By undertaking this course, students acknowledge and accept the following conditions:
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge these requirements and accept responsibility for meeting all necessary conditions for successful completion.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer for this course.
Queensford College use industry current practices and methodologies to ensure the training program is relevant to industry while also meeting Training Package requirements. Our students have access to a team of reliable staff and trainers that are available throughout the course duration. For the duration of the course students will be supported with the following:
Students entering into this program have the minimum knowledge and skills to study at this level, at the minimum of an AQF Level 2 Graduate.
Students must have completed at least an Australian year 11 or equivalent*
*Mature age students, who do not hold a qualification and wish to study with Queensford College, will be assessed based on their work experience.
English Language Proficiency
All students must undertake Queensford College’s Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment via online LLN Robot System.
Student must provide evidence of attaining an overall IELTS score of 6 bands or equivalent scores on a similar test (such as PTE etc) to commence a Certificate III Qualification or higher. OR
Student must have attained at least Advanced Level of English and must provide evidence of the same before commencing a Certificate III Qualification or higher.
English Language Requirements Exempted if
The student is enrolled in full-time school studies as a principal course including in a secondary exchange programme, a postgraduate research course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored students. OR
The student has completed at least five years’ study in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland. OR
If the student is a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland. OR
If student has in the last two years before applying for the student visa, had completed in Australia and in English Language, either Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at Certificate IV or higher level, while they held a student visa.
For more information on entry requirements, please visit: queensford.edu.au/international-admissions
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold:
Please note that specific eligibility requirements are required to be met for South Australia Government Funded Programs, Queensland Government Funded Programs and New South Wales Government Funded Programs. Refer to the Fees and Funding section for more information on funding options.
Enrolling in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care requires students to participate in practical training and vocational placement in a regulated early childhood setting. By undertaking this course, students acknowledge and accept the following conditions:
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge these requirements and accept responsibility for meeting all necessary conditions for successful completion.
Students will need to ensure they are able to connect to the internet and have the capability to use our online learning system that meets the minimum technical requirements, which are:
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Centre Manager
Child Care Worker
