Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) aims to develop early childhood teachers who can integrate theoretical knowledge into practical education and care skills in the workplace.

There is a strong, applied learning focus to this degree so that when you graduate, you'll be prepared to work with children in a variety of settings including long day care, preschool, integrated child and family services and early intervention services.

The academic and theoretical content are supplemented by work experience which will allow you to apply what you've learned in a real world environment.

You will study child development and pedagogical practices, ethics, diversity and social justice. During your work placement, you will have the opportunity to test your theoretical understanding in a real workplace.

The four-year degree offers:

• Experience in the workplace. You'll complete eight separate professional experience placements throughout the program. These will be in the form of block placements for 5 days a week for 2 to 4 weeks in each semester of study. This will give you an outstanding opportunity to put the knowledge you have acquired into practice.
• A multidisciplinary approach. You'll gain practical skills with a strong theoretical underpinning. You'll reflect on your practical experiences as you learn.
• A supportive learning environment. Students will learn in small classes and enjoy learning from experienced, qualified teachers. TAFE NSW understands the learning needs of its students and has developed its teaching style accordingly.
• An industry-recognised qualification that will allow you to work as an early childhood teacher in Australia.
• Opportunities to achieve multiple VET qualifications during the degree including a Certificate 3 and a Diploma in Children's Services (18206) and (18208).

The degree is structured over eight semesters, with full-time students required to complete five subjects per semester in the following sequence.

Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)

This course teaches students to manage a Child Care Centre. You will learn the legal requirements of the child care industry and in most Australian states this is the highest qualification required at Director or Service Manager level for children's services centre-based care.

You will learn how to plan, implement and manage children's programs and services in accordance with governmental regulations as well as how to effectively manage staff and volunteers.

Work placement:

Workplace learning ('on-the-job' training), is required for the achievement of competencies in the Diploma. A minimum of 300 hours of workplace learning is required, comprising 240 hours in a real workplace (over 2 semesters) and 60 hours of simulated in-class activity. Workplace learning is not paid. A teacher will secure a work placement for you and assist in the organisation of the workplace learning and associated workplace activities in line with TAFE NSW policy.

Additional information

In NSW you need a minimum of one year's experience, gained after the Diploma qualification, to apply for the role of an authorised supervisor of a child care centre. See the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) requirements.

Certificate 3 in Children's Services

This qualification is for people who want to work as an early childhood educator and care educator in a centre-based service and family day care. This is the nationally regulated entry level qualification for working in early childhood education and care.

You will learn how to use a national learning framework, regulations and quality standards to support the education and care of children from birth to school age. You will be able to facilitate play and ensure children's health and safety while supporting their learning and well-being.

Intending students should note that if they have a criminal record involving violence or abuse, there may be limitations to their practical and workplace activities in the course and that they may not meet requirements for employment once they complete the course if the employment involves contact with children and vulnerable people. Students may be required to undertake a Criminal Record Check or a Working with Children Check.

Work placement:

Workplace learning ('on-the-job' training) of a 100 hours in total, is required for the achievement of competencies to receive the Certificate 3 in Children's Services. A teacher will secure a work placement for you and assist in the organisation of the workplace learning and associated workplace activities in line with TAFE NSW policy.