Diploma of Children's Services

(Early Childhood Education and Care)

Admission requirements

You are eligible if:

* you have successfully completed the Australian year 12 or equivalent in your country
* you have achieved a minimum of either:
- IElTS 5.5 academic (no band score less than 5.5) or
- TOEFl paper based 530 (minimum TWE 3.5) or
- TOEFl computer based 197 (minimum TWE 3.5) or
- TOEFl internet based 71 (minimum 17 in all sections).

Intake

February

Books and equipment (AUD)

Supplied through the materials fees, however students will be required to supply their own personal stationery.

Material fees (AUD)

Compulsory $500 (total)

Students will be supplied with uniform, learning resources, manuals and workbooks.

Study pathways

On completion of the Diploma, graduates may apply for:

* Bachelor of Arts/ Education Early Childhood/ Primary at Victoria University
* Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
* Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

Career pathways

On completion of the Diploma, graduates may seek employment as:

- Authorised supervisor (children's services)
- Centre manager (children's services)
- Child care worker
- Children's adviser
- Children's service director/ manager
- Children's services coordinator
- Director (children's services)
- Group/ team coordinator/ leader (children's services)
- Program leader (children's services)
- Child development worker.

Course structure

The Diploma consists of 29 units which include both compulsory and elective units. The Certificate III in Children's Services (070578M) units are included as entry-level units within the Diploma studies.

In a typical week students will attend classes approximately five days per week and students will complete six coursework practical placements over the duration of the two-year course. Classes will be scheduled between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The teaching methods used include classroom-based teaching, lectures, supervised practical components, flexible delivery, individual research and field trips. The assessment methods used include tests, assignments (both group and individual), classroom presentations, course work practical placement, group work and observation.

Units

Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Ensure the health and safety of children
Provide care for children
Contribute to provision of nutritionally balanced food in a safe and hygienic manner
Provide care for babies
Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
Support the development of children
Interact effectively with children
Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
Develop understanding of children's interests and developmental needs
Apply first aid
Contribute to occupational health and safety processes
Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
Foster physical development in early childhood
Foster social development in early childhood
Support emotional and psychological development in early childhood
Foster cognitive development in early childhood
Foster children's language and communication development
Manage children's services workplace practice to address regulations and quality assurance
Establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour
Plan and implement inclusion of children with additional needs
Organise experiences to facilitate and enhance children's development
Gather, interpret and use information about children
Design, implement and evaluate programs and care routines for children
Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate care for children
Coordinate the work environment
Use music to enhance children's experience and development
Implement and promote inclusive policies and practices in children's services
Reflect on and improve own professional practice