This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.

Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.

To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au

The following are the admission requirements :

• be 18 years of age or older at the time of course commencement
• some prospective students may be asked to undertake an LLN assessment or enrolment interview prior to acceptance
• Must have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent level of schooling or a Certificate III or higher qualification with an Australian institution
• Must demonstrate English level of IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent, such as: IBT 60
  • PTE Academic 50
  • CAE 169
  • OET Pass
  • Duolingo 100
  • General English Advanced*
  • MOI Certificate
• Certificate IV or higher qualification with an Australian institution · Must have the ability to undertake a work placement at a regulated child care centre.
• General English Upper Intermediate is generally considered to be between 5-5.5 IELTS.

This qualification enables the student to seek employment in the following job roles:

• Early childhood educator
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Home-based Care Worker