Move your teaching from the classroom into early learning settings with our Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5).
The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) allows already qualified Primary and Secondary teachers to upskill and work with young children aged birth-to-five years. It is delivered online with two in-person placement components across the program of study.
Please note this qualification is for those who already hold a teaching qualification. This qualification does not lead to registration as a teacher. It broadens the range of settings an already qualified school-teacher can work in.
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Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)
Duration:
1 year
Delivery mode:
Online plus placement/intensive
Location:
Bedford Park
Availability:
Full-time
Part-time
Start dates:
March
SATAC code:
2GD640
Annual indicative fees
$4,627 (2025, Commonwealth supported)
$22,200 (2024, Full fee paying)
The postgraduate program is not available to international students.
Continue to explore course options at Flinders University or send us an enquiry.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) will be equipped with advanced professional knowledge, and exceptional practice and relationship skills - preparing them to transition from teaching school children into teaching children from birth to age 5 years in a range of community settings.
This degree is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (currently pending)
This academic qualification does not enable you to apply for registration as a teacher. Those who complete this course should already have a teaching qualification and be able to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board South Australia.
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in Education & Training for
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Throughout this year of study, students will gain knowledge of child development, relational pedagogies, curriculum studies and theories of early childhood education, and undertake teaching practice (60-days) which brings together theory and practice in birth-to-5 early childhood settings (e.g. long day care, kindergartens, preschool). This qualification celebrates Flinders University’s connection to Kaurna Country. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven throughout the study plan.
Topics include:
It is an ACECQA accreditation requirement that all students complete 60-days of professional experience during the degree. Students will complete a two professional learning experiences, providing the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to children’s learning and the setting’s curriculum goals and priorities.
This consists of 25 day placement in birth-2 and a 35-day placement with children aged 3-5 years, spent in a metropolitan or country early childhood setting. During this time, students will be able to plan, implement and evaluate a curriculum that involves and engages children in deep and meaningful learning.
There is flexibility available for those balancing work and study commitments. Students are encouraged to meet with the academic team to negotiate 60-placement days around their other commitments.
Child-Related Employment Screening
All College of Education, Psychology and Social Work pre-service teachers must obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Human Service (DHS) Screening Unit and a Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect: Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) from a registered provider before undertaking their professional experience placements. This is a requirement of the Department for Education (DfE), in agreement with the Catholic Education and Independent Schools Boards. Pre-service teachers who are not cleared will therefore not be able to complete the requirements of the course.
Instructions about applications are provided on the professional experience website.
Applicants must hold an appropriate bachelor degree or approved equivalent in Initial Teacher Education and hold, or be able to attain, teacher registration with the Teachers Registration Board (South Australia).
Select your preferred course.
Check entry requirements.
Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.
Apply online at SATAC.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
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