Course Overview
This Diploma is built for people who are already working in early childhood — or who’ve completed their Certificate III — and want to take on more responsibility, move into leadership, or work towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
You’ll study fully online, at your own pace, so you can keep working while you learn. The course is built around the real world of early childhood education, and from day one you’ll be working through practical scenarios in a simulated childcare setting (Little.ly Early Learning Centre) — so you can build confidence before stepping into your workplace assessments.
You’ve got up to 24 months to complete the qualification, which includes 300 hours of work placement in a regulated early childhood service.
This course is only delivered in Victoria.
Who's It For?
This course is designed for people who are already working in early childhood education and care — or who have completed their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care — and want to:
- Take on more responsibility in the sector
- Move into leadership roles
- Work towards a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Education Leader
- Family Day Care Coordinator
- Childcare Centre Manager
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Leader
What You'll Learn
- Health, safety and compliance in early childhood services
- Working in partnership with children's families and communities
- Curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation
- Fostering holistic learning, development and wellbeing
- Inclusion, diversity and behaviour guidance
- Environmental responsibility in service operations
- Leadership: team management and professional development
- Work placement in regulated ECEC settings
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
This course is designed to be completed in up to 24 months. You are expected to submit assessments by the due dates within each block to maintain progress.
The course is delivered across three structured study blocks:
- Study Block 1: approximately 9 months
- Study Block 2: approximately 12 months
- Study Block 3: approximately 3 months
The course includes approximately 1,600 scheduled hours of learning, including 300 hours of work placement. Students with significant industry experience may be able to complete the qualification in less than 18 months.
Delivery
This course is delivered predominantly online. You'll access your learning and assessment resources using an online portal, available anywhere and anytime.
With Monarch Institute, 'online' doesn't mean 'alone'. You'll be backed by trainers at every step. Included resources:
- Easy-to-follow course materials
- Videos and webinars
- Heaps of support from course trainers (email, Zoom)
- A dedicated admin team on hand to guide you
- Online assessments
- Access to a student Facebook group
Entry Requirements
Students must be at least 17 years of age. Before enrolment, all students complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy (LLN) and Digital Literacy (DL) assessment. Students should have access to the internet and a device capable of recording video. A reasonable level of physical fitness is also required.
Formal prerequisites (one of the following):
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent successor), OR
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Alternatively:
- An Australian Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, OR
- An Australian Diploma or Certificate III in Children's Services
AND one of:
- At least 12 months of cumulative employment (FTE) 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
Course Features
Key features of this course include:
- Simulated Learning Environment: Students are introduced to the Little.ly Early Learning Centre — a simulated ECEC setting complete with organisational documents, policies, procedures and templates — to practise skills in a supported context before entering the workplace.
- Industry-Relevant Work Placement: 300 hours of work placement in a regulated early childhood education and care setting.
- Pathway to Higher Education: This qualification provides a pathway into a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Flexible trainer support: Email and Zoom access to trainers throughout the course.
- Online portal: Access learning and assessments anywhere, anytime.
- Fast assessment turnaround times with comprehensive trainer feedback.
Work Placement
This qualification includes 300 hours of mandatory work placement in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service. Work placement is spread across the study blocks:
- Study Block 1: 20 hours of work placement
- Study Block 2: 280 hours of work placement
Prior to commencing placement, students must obtain and maintain, at their own expense:
- A valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent state-based clearance)
- Any required vaccinations and immunisations
- Relevant workplace or regulatory clearances
- Completion of national child safety training (Geccko)
Students may be required to complete placement across more than one service to ensure they can demonstrate the full range of required skills, knowledge and interactions with different age groups.
Most students find a placement themselves through their current workplace, a local centre, or word of mouth. Monarch assesses and approves the host organisation, onboards the supervisor, and ensures everything meets regulatory requirements. A Placement Matching Service is available for students unable to source a placement themselves, for a $250 administrative fee.
Recognition Of Prior Learning
Credit transfers are not included as part of the standard course structure, although students may apply separately if they have previously completed relevant nationally recognised training.
Professional Recognition
NRT — Nationally Recognised Training under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), Diploma level (1–2 years volume of learning).
The course aligns with the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) qualification requirements. Graduates are equipped to work in ACECQA-regulated services.
Assessment
Assessments are submitted online through the student portal. Due dates apply within each study block to maintain progress. Students can reach out to their trainer for support at any time.
Work placement assessments must also be submitted at the relevant stages of the course.
Additional Information
This course is only delivered to students based in Victoria.
Industry trends highlight ongoing workforce shortages in early childhood education, strong career progression opportunities, and increasing employer value placed on professional development and flexible working arrangements. Career pathways include progression from Educator to Lead Educator, Educational Leader, Centre Director and beyond.
Source: Hays Salary Guide FY26/27.
Subjects
About Monarch Institute
Monarch Institute is one of Australia’s leading providers of professional services training. We believe education should be an experience, not a transaction.Our award-winning, innovative approach to course content and design means that you get relevant, accredited courses with loads of support from experienced trainers who give you the time to ensure you’ve got the skills that the industry needs. Study online today with Monarch and change the way you think about studying.Study online with Monarch Institute and experience education, reimagined.
