CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

(Traineeship)

Inspire, Lead, and Make a Lasting Impact

Course Duration

12-14 Months in the form of a traineeship.

Funding and Fees

Government Funding Available

Delivery Location

Maddington & Mandurah

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face classroom-based delivery mode

Take your passion for early learning to the next level with the CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This nationally recognised qualification equips you with advanced skills to plan, implement, and manage education programs for children from birth to school age. You’ll learn how to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and create inclusive learning environments that support every child’s development. Whether you want to progress from a Certificate III or step into a leadership role, this course will prepare you for a fulfilling and flexible career in early childhood education.

Under Jobs and Skills WA, you may be eligible for Fee Free training.

See If You Qualify By Clicking Down Below

Course Overview

You’ll explore the principles of early childhood development, curriculum design, and inclusive practices while learning how to lead and mentor other educators. The course includes a significant practical component, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a real-world childcare setting and graduate job-ready. By the end of this course, you’ll have the knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience to:

Plan and implement curriculum

Create inclusive learning environments

Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing

Lead and mentor other educators

Develop positive relationships with children, families, and staff

Support transitions to school

Who Should Enrol?

You should consider enrolling if:

You’re Already Working in Childcare
And want to step into leadership or educational programming roles.
You’re Passionate About Early Learning
And want to help shape the formative years of children’s lives.
You’re Ready to Progress Your Career
And want a qualification that opens doors to more responsibility and better pay.
You’re a Career Changer
Looking for meaningful, purpose-driven work with high job demand.
You Value Flexibility
And want a qualification that allows for flexible working hours and career growth.

Entry Criteria

Applicants must complete the following to determine suitability:

Suitability Review (SDR)
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold either
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWC) or state equivalent, before participating in practical placement.

Fees and Funding

As a Jobs and Skills WA funded provider, we’re proud to offer the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) through two major government-subsidised programs:

Fee Free
Eligible students may be able to enrol in this nationally recognised course at no cost under the WA Government’s Fee Free initiative. This means your tuition is fully covered—giving you the opportunity to build a rewarding career in early childhood education without financial barriers.

Lower Fees, Local Skills
If you’re not eligible for Fee Free, you may still access significantly discounted fees through the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative. This program supports students by reducing the cost of training in essential industries like early childhood education—making it easier to take the next step in your career.

Australia’s early childhood education sector continues to grow, with increasing demand for passionate, qualified educators to support children during their most important developmental years. Early childhood professionals help lay the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional wellbeing, and social development—making a real impact in the lives of children and families.

Whether you choose to work in long day care, preschool, or family day care, this industry offers a wide variety of rewarding and flexible roles in nurturing, play-based environments.

Lead Educator or Room Leader

Centre Supervisor

Educational Leader

Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Units of Study

The successful completion of this qualification requires competency to be achieved in 15 units comprising of twelve (12) core units and three (3) elective units, consisting of: 2 units from the electives listed below, up to 1 unit from the list below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course. The selection of electives chosen must be guided by the job outcome sought, local sector requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.

CHC50121 Units - Code 2

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

If the RPL application is successful, you will be given credits towards your course (meaning you may not have to complete all the units to gain this qualification).

Further Study Options

Pathways

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)