Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching

During this course, students will learn about:

1. Learning Environment Management Techniques - Learn practical, age-appropriate techniques that help nurture a positive and dynamic learning environment for babies and young learners aged 0 – 5 years.
2. Practical Skills for Early Childhood Teaching - Apply early-childhood specific learning techniques in group learning contexts, preparing dynamic lesson plans that harness the education potential of play and creativity.
3. Curriculum Planning - Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.
4. Child Behaviour - Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.
5. Health & Activity - Explore a range of issues surrounding children’s health, nutrition and safety.
6. Twenty-First Century Teaching - Embrace the role of being a teacher in an era of rapid change.

Play a pivotal role in the development of young children.

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is a one-year postgraduate qualification that provides you with the pathway to become a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with an expert understanding in educational theory and pedagogical practices to make a difference to children’s lives and your early childhood employer services.

The demand for early childhood teachers and job roles is projected to rise by 21% between 2026 – 2028. With strong employability prospects and a growing demand for early childhood teachers, there has never been a better time to elevate or discover your passion in childhood education.

This innovative and accelerated early childhood teacher qualification helps overcome the typical barriers to undertaking an early childhood teaching qualification through a workplace-based internship model with alternative setting experience. For every unit you undertake, you will arrange a classroom placement and have real-world opportunities to teach literacy, numeracy, creative arts and sciences while addressing the specific learning needs of children within early childhood services.

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching is professionally accredited with ACECQA and Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Please check with your state’s early childhood teacher registration body for reciprocal arrangements that exist in other states/territories.

This course is not offered to students intending to teach in South Australia (SA) or New South Wales (NSW), as it does not currently meet state-based qualification requirements.

Recommended study pattern

Child Growth, Health and Well-Being (EDU60052)

Child Play with Literacy and Creative Pedagogy (EDU60053)

Child Play with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (EDU60054)

Professionalism with Family, Community and Industry (EDU60055)

Placement Requirement:

• 60 Days of supervised professional experience.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching, students must complete 100 credit points comprising:

• Four Core Units (25 credit points each for a total of 100 credit points)
• 60 Days of Supervised Professional Experience

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $26,680

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

15

Applicants are required to meet both of the following minimum entry requirements:

• A successfully completed Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or recognised ungraded equivalent); and
• A minimum of 5 years relevant leadership or managerial work experience in an early childhood education setting (undertaken within the last 7 years)

All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check from the appropriate State Authority.

A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.

60 Days of supervised professional experience.