Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This diploma builds on foundational skills in children’s services and focuses on planning, implementing and evaluating early childhood programs for children from birth to school age. Typical study areas include:

• Child development and learning: developmental theories, observation and assessment of learning, and inclusive practices.
• Curriculum design and programming: designing play-based programs, intentional teaching strategies and linking programs to early learning frameworks.
• Health, safety and wellbeing: risk assessment, nutrition, infection control, first aid requirements and promoting children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Professional practice and leadership: supervising teams, mentoring educators, workplace policies, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Partnerships with families and communities: engagement strategies, culturally responsive practice and collaborating with allied professionals.
• Legal, ethical and administrative responsibilities: child protection, record keeping, rostering and resource management.

Study is a mix of classroom/online learning, skills workshops and a significant supervised practical placement in an approved early childhood service so you gain hands-on experience in programming, assessment and leadership tasks.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary schooling (or equivalent) or hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Mature-age applicants with relevant workplace experience may be considered. All students must meet the course’s literacy and numeracy requirements; domestic students may be asked to demonstrate this through prior study or a diagnostic assessment. Additional mandatory requirements for placement include a current Working with Children check (or state equivalent), up-to-date immunisations as required by placement providers, and recognised first aid and anaphylaxis training where required. International applicants must satisfy CQU’s English language requirements for vocational study.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to work as lead educators, room leaders or supervisors in long day care centres, preschools, childcare centres, family day care schemes and community early years services. With workplace experience, graduates often progress to centre management roles, quality or compliance coordinators, or specialist positions such as inclusion support or early intervention assistants. The diploma also provides a pathway into higher-level study, such as a bachelor degree in education or early childhood, for those seeking teacher registration or advanced leadership roles.

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers flexible delivery modes, allowing students to combine on-campus classes, online study and intensive workshops to suit work and life commitments. CQU has established links with regional and metropolitan early childhood services, supporting meaningful placement opportunities and local industry networks. The program emphasises work-integrated learning and contemporary practice aligned with Australia’s regulatory framework for early childhood services, delivered by staff with professional experience in the sector. Small cohort sizes and dedicated student support services help students transition from study into employment or further tertiary study.