The first few years of a child’s life are characterised by rapid brain development, boundless curiosity, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Recognising the profound, life-long impact of these formative years, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is an innovative course that offers professional practice across two trimesters, where you will be actively involved with children under aged three (generally 0-35 months) and children aged three until before they start formal schooling (generally 3–5-year-old children).
This Graduate Diploma offers a transformative journey that will equip you with the pedagogical knowledge, professional skills, and the compassionate understanding required to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of young children, families, and communities. Upon graduation, you will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with children, families, communities, and other stakeholders, including early childhood teachers, educational leaders, and service directors.
LHE’s Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is accredited with ACECQA.
Age requirements
Learners must be a minimum age of 18 years or above at the time of course commencement.
Qualifications – (One of the following)
Domestic: completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
International: Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field and IELTS result of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. However, regarding the English Language requirement, special alternative admission arrangements are as follows:
Minimum academic standards apply to all students, but they can apply for a English test waiver if they can demonstrate:
*Work experience of four or more years in full-time employment (in an early childhood context) where the language of employment, both oral and written is English (evidence from the employer is required).
*Study experience if applicant has completed at least 3 years of full-time studies in a university where English is the main language of study (evidence from the University is required).
English Language Requirement – (one of the following)
National Police Check[1]
Required before enrolling in the Professional Placement unit.
Working With Children Check[2] & Child Protection Training [3]
Required before enrolling in the Professional Placement unit.
Vaccinations
Health based placement providers may require students to undertake various vaccinations before being accepted for placement in their agencies.
Interview
Students who demonstrate that they have the minimum entrance criteria will be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
[1]Apply for a national police check | Our services | Victoria Police
[2]Working with Children Check | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
[3]Child protection in early childhood: online learning | vic.gov.au
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE100 | History and philosophy of early childhood education and care (ECEC) | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE101 | Child Development and Care | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE102 | Inclusive Practice | On-campus | 12 pts |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE200 | Education and Curriculum Studies | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE201 | Preparing for Teaching Practice | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE300 | Professional Teaching Experience | Hybrid | 12 pts |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE300 | Professional Teaching Experience | Hybrid | 12 pts |
| GDECE301 | The Early Childhood Professional | On-campus | 12 pts |
| 2026 | 2027 | |
| 2 March 2026 | 1 Mar 2027 | |
| 15 June 2026 | 14 June 2027 | |
| 28 Sept 2026 | 27 Sept 2027 |
GDECT graduates will have the opportunity to enter master’s courses in education, teaching, social sciences, and other related fields.
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
LHE is committed to the ethose of lifelong learning and recognises that students may have direct learning and / or work placed experience that mirrors some of the content in our courses. For full details on our approach to advanced standing students should refer to the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure. Our approach will meet the requirement of external professional bodies with whom the course may be accredited.
The maximum credit allowed is 30%
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching graduates will be able to:
Upon graduation, students will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with:
Start building your résumé with real industry experience while you study through our highly regarded Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, guaranteed in all qualifications.
Our Student Experience Team are available to answer student questions, or students might like to attend one of our information events.
Review information on our courses and our Institute to ensure that both meet their future learning needs
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 03 7068 0005.
LHE will review the application to ensure the entry requirements are met. Additional information may be requested.
LHE will send an Offer Letter and a Student Acceptance of Offer Form which should be signed and returned to us.
On receipt of the Acceptance of Offer Letter and payment of their deposit, students will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment.
