Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5) Teacher Pathway

Overview

Move your teaching from the classroom into early learning settings with our Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5).

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) allows already qualified Primary and Secondary teachers to upskill and work with young children aged birth-to-five years. It is delivered online with two in-person placement components across the program of study.

Please note this qualification is for those who already hold a teaching qualification. This qualification does not lead to registration as a teacher. It broadens the range of settings an already qualified school-teacher can work in.

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Courses

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

Duration:
1 year

Delivery mode:
Online plus placement/intensive

Location:
Bedford Park

Availability:
Full-time
Part-time

Start dates:
March

SATAC code:
2GD140 (Commonwealth supported)
2GD640 (Full fee paying)

Annual indicative fees (2025)
$4,627 (Commonwealth supported)
$23,312 (Full fee paying)

Further information on fees listed

Your career

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) will be equipped with advanced professional knowledge, and exceptional practice and relationship skills - preparing them to transition from teaching school children into teaching children from birth to age 5 years in a range of community settings.

Potential occupations include:

Teacher in long-day childcare and preschools
Teacher in a private Early Learning Centre
Team leader in long-day childcare services
Director or manager at a long-day childcare centre
Director at a kindergarten or preschool
Curriculum and policy advisor.

Potential employers include:

Long-day childcare centres
Preschools
Kindergartens
Early Learning Centre
Government
Not-for-profits.

Professional accreditation/recognition

This degree is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (currently pending)

This academic qualification does not enable you to apply for registration as a teacher. Those who complete this course should already have a teaching qualification and be able to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board South Australia.

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What you will study

Throughout this year of study, students will gain knowledge of child development, relational pedagogies, curriculum studies and theories of early childhood education, and undertake teaching practice (60-days) which brings together theory and practice in birth-to-5 early childhood settings (e.g. long day care, kindergartens, preschool). This qualification celebrates Flinders University’s connection to Kaurna Country. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven throughout the study plan.

Topics include:

Contemporary Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy
Reading and Writing Through Play
Research Play and Pedagogies
Knowing the Literate and Numerate Infant
Playing on Country
Pedagogies of Belonging
Professional Experience 1 (Early Childhood)
Early Learning in STEM

Practical experience

It is an ACECQA accreditation requirement that all students complete 60-days of professional experience during the degree. Students will complete a two professional learning experiences, providing the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to children’s learning and the setting’s curriculum goals and priorities.

This consists of 25 day placement in birth-2 and a 35-day placement with children aged 3-5 years, spent in a metropolitan or country early childhood setting. During this time, students will be able to plan, implement and evaluate a curriculum that involves and engages children in deep and meaningful learning.

There is flexibility available for those balancing work and study commitments. Students are encouraged to meet with the academic team to negotiate 60-placement days around their other commitments.

Practical experience requirements

Child-Related Employment Screening

All College of Education, Psychology and Social Work pre-service teachers must obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Human Service (DHS) Screening Unit and a Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect: Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) from a registered provider before undertaking their professional experience placements. This is a requirement of the Department for Education (DfE), in agreement with the Catholic Education and Independent Schools Boards. Pre-service teachers who are not cleared will therefore not be able to complete the requirements of the course.

Instructions about applications are provided on the professional experience website.

View study program

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an appropriate bachelor degree or approved equivalent in Initial Teacher Education and hold, or be able to attain, teacher registration with the Teachers Registration Board (South Australia).