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. Educators at this level are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations. They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other educators.

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 at least 280 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.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (as applied in each state and territory) 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.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or its equivalent successor)

         OR

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Alternatively, individuals may hold:

• An Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

OR

• An Australian diploma or certificate III in Children’s Services.

AND

• Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence.

OR

• Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.