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Study graduate diploma online through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

Early childhood education is an immensely satisfying career and a precious opportunity to give children the very best start in life.Within 10 months, our Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) will qualify you to be an early childhood teacher to work in early childhood education and care services, long day care centres, and preschools.Our course covers key areas of early childhood education and care, theory, principles and practices that best support children&#39;s learning and development. Admission into the course is via an undergraduate degree in any discipline, including a teaching qualification. This course includes 60 days (480 hours) professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements website, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Ideal if you already have a degree in any discipline and you want to teach young children. Gain experience in a professional placement. Get accredited by a national authority. You can become an early childhood teacher and enjoy a satisfying career.

Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)

Upskill your current industry experience or launch into one of the most rewarding careers as an Early Childhood Teacher. The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is a one-year postgraduate qualification which will provide you the pathway to become a qualified teacher with an expert understanding in educational theory and pedagogical practices to make a difference to children’s lives and your early childhood employer services.The demand for early childhood teachers and job roles are predicted to rise strongly from 47,900 to 56,200 by 2025. With strong employability prospects and a growing demand for early childhood teachers, there has never been a better time to elevate or discover your passion in childhood education.This innovative and accelerated early childhood teacher qualification helps overcome the typical barriers to undertaking an early childhood teaching qualification through a workplace-based internship model with alternative setting experience. Achieve a sector-led qualification and become immersed in real-world opportunities to teach literacy, numeracy, and sciences while building the practical techniques to the specific early childhood teaching needs of pre-primary school aged children.The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching is professionally accredited with ACECQA and Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Please check with your state’s early childhood teacher registration body for reciprocal arrangements which exist in other states/territories.

Add this teaching qualification to your prior studies and experience–and become an early childhood or kindergarten teacher. Take part in professional placements in settings with children aged 0-5 years. You’ll explore how they learn and play.

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching

Child Development for Educators

Supporting Literacy and Numeracy Development for Diverse Learners

Arts Education: Music & Visual Arts

The Professional Educator: Developing Teacher Identity

Play, Pedagogy and Learning

Creative Literacies

Educators Inquiring About the World

Performing Arts for Educators

Project-based iSTEM Education

Creating and Responding to Literature

This is the first in the suite of three English subjects in the Master of Teaching. The focus of this subject is on an in-depth understanding of what reading entails and the characteristics of the good reader. Theories and practices of reading will be situated in the context of broader perspectives of literacy and language. Students will learn and understand the multiple components of reading to inform the comprehensive identification of children’s skills as readers at various stages of their development. Using the English curriculum, the subject will provide students with a basis for the symbiotic process of planning and assessment to develop a systematic sequence of learning.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Explore the key concepts of effective reading. You’ll cover theories and practices that get children started on their reading journey. Think about inclusive strategies that deepen students’ engagement. Inspire young learners to open a book and enjoy it.

Introduction to English: Reading

This subject will provide an overview of local and international, historical and philosophical perspectives that have influenced contemporary Australian early childhood education and care contexts. Their impact on early childhood education and care and its leadership and management will be critically examined. The subject affords the opportunity to explore and critique policy and procedure development in the light of current legislative and accountability requirements. Pre-service teachers are invited to examine approaches to: leading professional learning communities; engaging with families; sustaining advocacy for children; relating theory to practice and supporting professional research; and creating a climate for continuous debate and improvement of Early Childhood settings.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Philosophy, Management and Leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care

This subject examines early literacy theories and perspectives, with an emphasis on play-based pedagogies, research approaches and documentation of young children’s literacy learning. Students will develop understandings of the experiences and perspectives of families and the relationship between home literacy practices and early literacy learning. These understandings will inform the design of literacy rich environments, incorporating play-based learning and intentional teaching.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Early Literacies and Play-Based Pedagogies

This subject is the second in the suite of professional experience subjects and includes both a theory and a practical component (a placement in a school). It is also the second in the suite of three English subjects. The subject covers writer identity and theories and practices of writing to provide foundational understandings for planning, assessment and reporting. Scaffolded by the placement, the subject explores theories, pedagogical practices and effective planning related to teaching English to support all learners. Specific attention is given to lesson planning in educational settings for 3, 4 and 5 year-olds, which includes selecting objectives, resources and strategies for teaching, learning and assessment in diverse contexts. The professional experience practical assessment is a three-week full-time block placement intended to enable practical application of the knowledge and skills gained along with providing further insights into the complexity of an Early Childhood Educator’s role. All required clearances to work with children must be obtained and valid, and all other professional experience requirements met. Both theory and practical components must be passed in order to pass the subject.To view the Professional Experience Calendars, please see below:<a href="https://www.open.edu.au/-/media/degree-advice/2025-curtin-master-teaching-professional-experience-placement-dates" target="_blank">2025 Master of Teaching Prof Exp Calendar</a> (PDF)Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Study and experience hands-on how early childhood educational practices are planned out, evaluated and reported. See what goes into devising a teaching program and design your own. Look into assessment methods for children, including data and reporting.

Early Childhood Professional Experience 2: Planning for Writing, Assessment and Reporting

This subject was previously known as ECHX603 Early Childhood Professional Practice 1.This unit incorporates both specialist theory and practice in early childhood education by combining university-based study with a 15 day professional experience in an early childhood setting. Central to the unit is the exploration of a variety of theories on how children learn. Students learn to record thoughtful, reflective observations, to use intentional teaching strategies to plan an appropriate curriculum and to follow the planning cycle. A range of teaching strategies for guiding children&#39;s learning and behaviour are considered. Students also engage in critical reflection as part of their commitment to teaching. Students will utilise their coursework knowledge to complete a compulsory professional experience in a prior to school early childhood setting with children aged two to five years.

Integrate theory and practice by combining your university study of theory and the Early Years Learning Framework with a 20-day practical teaching experience. You’ll practise at the level expected of a postgraduate teacher of babies and toddlers.

Early Childhood Professional Practice 1

This unit was previously known as ECHX829 Early Childhood Postgraduate Internship.This unit enables students to refine their roles as early childhood teachers. During their final placement students will have opportunities to strengthen their autonomy and independence as a teacher of young children as they explore their role within the centre and its local community. With increasing confidence, students will be able to justify their decision making as a teacher responding to the challenges of daily work in an early childhood centre. This unit contains a 30 day placement to be completed as three days a week over ten weeks. Students may apply to complete the placement requirements in their own workplace where appropriate.

Refine your role as an early childhood teacher during a 30-day placement, 3 days a week over 10 weeks. Collaborate with children, parents and staff, and consider the context of the centre and characteristics of the children, families and community

Professional Experience 3

This subject was previously known as ECHX827 Learning Through Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood Settings.This subject explores theories of learning in mathematics, science and technology for young children (birth to five years). Students will examine the specialist role of play and conceptual development in a range of early childhood settings. Current issues in research and practice will be investigated through independent study. Students acquire autonomy and expert knowledge of pedagogy and content for mathematics, science and technology as they design and evaluate learning experiences for young children.

Explore theories of STEM learning for children 0-5 years. Examine conceptual development and how children use play to relay their experiences and make sense of the world. Study curriculum design with an emphasis on mathematics, science and technology.

Learning Through Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood Settings

This subject was previously known as ECHX826 Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings.This subject explores micro and macro systems that impact on the effective leadership and management of early childhood settings. The unit will focus on the critical exploration of three content areas: the social, political and legal contexts within which early childhood organisations in Australia operate; early childhood leadership theory; and roles and responsibilities of early childhood leaders and managers. Students will investigate diverse management structures, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the ethical and professional roles and responsibilities of early childhood teachers as leaders and managers

Build your capacity to lead and manage by exploring early childhood leadership theory. Investigate management structures, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the ethical and professional roles and responsibilities required

Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings

This subject was previously known as ECHX825 Early Childhood Professional Practice 2.In this subject you will build on the knowledge of early childhood theory and practice that gained from their experiences in ECHX603/ECHX6030. Early Childhood Professional Practice 1 . You will extend your understanding of critical reflection and your personal professional philosophy as a developing teacher. Central to this subject is a 20 day professional experience placement where you will develop your awareness of the professional role and responsibilities of an early childhood teacher working with children from two to five years. This subject therefore combines theory and practice to enable you to construct your practical knowledge of teaching and learning through guided reflection.

Build on the theory, knowledge and practice that you gained in Early Childhood Professional Practice 1 by completing a 20-day placement. Develop an awareness of a teacher’s responsibilities when  working with children from 2-5 years.

Early Childhood Professional Practice 2

This subject was previously known as ECHX824 Early Child Development Research and Practice.
This subject is designed to extend students&#39; knowledge of child development with a particular emphasis on approaches to understanding and measuring child development, considerations for quality in childcare, and evaluation of children&#39;s environments. Recent research studies of child development, especially in relation to prior-to-school settings, will be used as a major resource for examining contemporary theory and research in child development. Students will analyse research to develop their skills in using evidence-based approaches in teaching, to inform policy, and evaluate programs within prior-to-school settings.

Extend your knowledge of child development. Consider the measurement of child development, quality in childcare, and evaluation of children's environments. Analyse research to develop your skills in using evidence-based approaches to teaching

Early Childhood Development Research and Practice

Graduate Diploma Early childhood education Courses & Degrees | Open Universities Australia

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