Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

Graduates will be eligible to be employed as the registered early childhood teacher in prior-to-school settings including long day care and kindergartens.

Professional recognition

This program is professionally recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, applicants must have the following:

• an undergraduate degree in primary or secondary education
• OR a postgraduate primary or secondary education qualification which leads to teacher registration.

English Proficiency 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 program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 

• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 

• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies. 

The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to provide qualified registered teachers the opportunity to teach in pre-school settings (1-5 years) as well as specialise in the early years of school (5-8 years) to enhance their development as a professional.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Child Development, Families and Communities

• History and Philosophy of Early Childhood 

• Curriculum and Pedagogy in the Early Years

• Professional Experience and Practice Early Childhood Education and Care

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (GCertEarlyChiEdCare), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the core subjects.