Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Graduates will be well placed to find work in early learning centres, kindergartens, preschools and early intervention programs.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is approved by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education may be eligible to apply for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an early childhood teacher. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Higher education

Applicants must have a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification. It is expected that applicants will be working in the field of early learning. If this is not the case, students may be required to seek additional employment opportunities.

Practicum placement

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 80 days of professional practice in early learning centres and kindergartens during their studies.

Applicants must have a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification to be eligible for admission into the course and credit to the value of 180 credit points will be applied towards the completion of the degree.

If you’re an early childhood educator, La Trobe's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education allows you to upgrade your qualification and take the next step in your career. 

Enjoy flexible learning that's designed to fit around your work and personal commitments. The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is delivered entirely online, using virtual classrooms and meeting spaces; video and webinars; online learning modules and mobile learning apps.

This four-year degree includes 180 credit points of advanced standing for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, as well as relevant work experience. You’ll complete a further 300 credit points to gain the Bachelor’s qualification.

Build your skills and experience through supervised work-based learning (WBL) placements. You can also nominate to complete 50 per cent of the WBL component in your place of employment, subject to the centre meeting the supervision requirements.

Graduate ready to build your career in learning centres, kindergartens, preschools or early intervention programs.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students who wish to enrol in a part time load are recommended to enrol in one subject per term. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook to review the full structure.

Students who are studying and want to take a break (minimum one study period) must submit a leave of absence covering the relevant dates.

Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first term as a CSP student:

LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module

ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete 32 subjects (480 credit points) as follows:

20 core subjects

12 core subjects (180 credit points of credit for completion of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or approved equivalent)

Undertake a minimum of 80 days of professional practice in early learning centres and kindergartens during their studies.

Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first term as a CSP student:

LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module

ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education

Exit Points

Upon completion of 240 credit points and compulsory placement obligations, students have the option to exit with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (EAECEO).*

*Please note that if you are a past La Trobe student who has discontinued study, or if you have been absent without leave, you are not eligible to apply for an alternative exit retrospectively.