Diploma in Children's Services
Code and title of qualification - CHC50908 Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
This qualification covers workers in children's services who are responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in early childhood services, in accordance with licensing, accreditation and duty of care requirements. At this level:
- Workers have responsibility for supervision of other staff and volunteers
- In most states, it is the highest qualification required at director or service manager level for children's service centre-based care.
It is noted that whilst this qualification equips workers to work with children from 0-5 years of age, some workplaces and jurisdictions require workers to have skills and knowledge to work with children in both early and middle childhood (i.e. aged 0-12 years).
Where workers are required to work across the span of development from 0-12 years, candidates should receive training and/or assessment across this broader span of development and in addition to the qualification, be awarded a Statement of Attainment for achievement of the Middle childhood development skill set.
Occupational titles may include:
- Authorised supervisor (children's services)
- Children's services coordinator
- Centre manager (children's services)
- Director (children's services)
- Child care worker
- Group/team coordinator/leader (children's services)
- Children's advisor
- Program leader (children's services)
- Children's services director / manager
- Child development worker
Entry Requirements
To gain entry into CHC50908 Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) candidates must demonstrate competence through a recognised training program or recognition process, in the following units of competency or hold a Certificate III in Children's Services:
| CHCCHILD401A | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
| CHCCN301A | Ensure the health and safety of children |
| CHCCN302A | Provide care for children |
| CHCCN303A | Contribute to provision of nutritionally balanced food in a safe and hygienic manner |
| CHCCS400A | Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework |
| CHCFC301A | Support the development of children |
| CHCIC301D | Interact effectively with children |
| CHCPR301A | Provide experiences to support children's play and learning |
| CHCPR303D | Develop understanding of children's interests and developmental needs |
| HLTFA301B | Apply first aid |
| HLTOHS300A | Contribute to OHS processes |
| CHCCN305A | Provide care for babies |
Units of Competency - Diploma in Children's Services
There are 18 units including 13 compulsory units and 5 elective units.
| COMPULSORY UNITS | |
| CHCCN511A | Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children |
| CHCFC502A | Foster physical development in early childhood |
| CHCFC503A | Foster social development in early childhood |
| CHCFC504A | Support emotional and psychological development in early childhood |
| CHCFC505A | Foster cognitive development in early childhood |
| CHCFC506A | Foster children's language and communication development |
| CHCIC501A | Manage children's services workplace practice to address regulations and quality assurance |
| CHCIC510A | Establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour |
| CHCIC512A | Plan and implement inclusion of children with additional needs |
| CHCPR502D | Organise experiences to facilitate and enhance children's development |
| CHCPR509A | Gather, interpret and use information about children |
| CHCPR510A | Design, implement and evaluate programs and care routines for children |
| CHCRF511A | Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate care for children |
| ELECTIVE UNITS | |
| CHCFC507A | Use music to enhance children's experience and development |
| CHCIC511A | Implement and promote inclusive policies and practices in children's services |
| CHCPR614C | Observe children and interpret observations |
| CHCFC508A | Foster children's aesthetic and creative development |
| CHCORG428A | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
Delivery
This program will be delivered at the childcare centre that the candidate is currently working at. The training program is conducted over a maximum period of three years.
- Delivery will involve workbooks, practical assessments, written assignments and training sessions
- On the job training via workplace supervisors
- Assessor/trainer will be available via phone and email
- Regular visits onsite by assessor will occur with mentoring support
- Learning will also be negotiated with the Workplace Supervisor and their role in the training process and assessment defined
Candidate's needs in terms of relevant prior training or employment, learning styles, abilities, language and literacy levels, location, background or any other relevant factors will be considered and discussed with each candidate on enrolment or at first contact.
Enrolment and Fees
All enrolments must be accompanied by the enrolment fee (non refundable). Persons and dependants holding: a pensioner concession card, health care card, persons and dependants in receipt of AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance may be eligible for concession. Proof of eligibility for concession must be shown at the time of enrolment.
Your enrolment fee also includes the resource fee and you will receive your text books once your enrolment has been accepted. The text books are yours to keep and are a valuable resource for reference when working in the childcare industry.
| Category | Monthly Instalment | Upfront | |
| TRAINEESHIP | min. 12 months* | or | if completed within 12 months* |
| TRAINEESHIP with a concession card | min. 12 months* | or | if completed within 12 months* |
| FEE FOR SERVICE | min. 12 months* | or | if completed within 12 months* |
*Contact us for our current fee schedule.
Not sure which category you need to enrol on? Please give us a call and we will explain each category and advise you what your best option would be.
Please note that an agreement would be put in place for monthly fees through Ezidebit.
Training that exceeds the period stated in the fee schedule will incur additional fees at the monthly rate until your course has been fully completed or you choose to withdraw from the course.