CHC50125 · Diploma
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Replaces CHC50121 — same qualification, updated training package.
Step up to Lead Educator, Room Leader or Educational Leader with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) — online, with weekly live classes and assessor visits at your placement centre. Government-funded from $345 through the Queensland Government’s Career Boost program for eligible students who hold a Cert III in ECEC.
- DurationUnder 6 months, self-paced*
- Placement280 hours
- DeliveryOnline
- Next intakeEnrol any time — online
- Where5 locations
Overview
Work that genuinely matters.
This qualification covers workers in early childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. In doing so, they work to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard.
They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other staff. In most states it is the highest qualification required as a director or service manager level for children’s service centre-based care.
What you'll learn
Practical skills, and the judgement to use them well.
- Lead curriculum planning with the EYLFDesign, deliver and evaluate a play-based curriculum using the Early Years Learning Framework — the work that shapes what children experience every day.
- Lead a team of educatorsDelegation, supervision and coaching newer educators — the people side of the Room Leader and Educational Leader role.
- Maintain compliance with the NQFFacilitate compliance with the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard — the regulatory backbone of every approved service.
- Turn observations into learningMove from watching children to interpreting what you see, and use it to plan the next experience for each child.
- Work in partnership with familiesStrong, respectful, culturally safe partnerships with families and the wider community.
- Reflect on and improve your practiceProfessional reflection, continuous improvement and handling grievances — the discipline that separates a lead educator from an assistant.
Course units
15 units of competency.
12 core units plus 3 electives.
Core units 12
- BSBTWK502Manage team effectiveness
- CHCECE041Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE042Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- CHCECE043Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE044Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
- CHCECE045Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE047Analyse information to inform children's learning
- CHCECE048Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
- CHCECE049Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCECE050Work in partnership with children's families
- CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Elective units 3
- CHCECE051Promote equity in access to the service
- CHCECE052Plan service and supports for children and families
- CHCECE053Respond to grievances and complaints about the service
12 core units plus 3 electives. Electives may change as the training package is updated.
Delivery & duration
Day or evening. Built around a life that’s already full.
Self-paced online
Study around shifts, kids or a regional postcode. Log in and work through your units at your own pace, with student support on call by phone, email and message.
Weekly live classes
Every week, join a live online class with your trainer for guided teaching, Q&A and cohort discussion. Self-paced never means alone.
Assessor visits at your placement
Your assessor comes to your centre to watch you lead. You show what you can do — not just what you can write.
Vocational placement
280 hours of hands-on placement.
- 280 hours at an approved early childhood service, meeting the Diploma’s assessment requirements
- Starts within the first 6 weeks of your course — a Sage requirement that keeps you on track to complete
- Placement guaranteed — Sage sources and arranges it; not currently working in ECEC? You can still enrol
- Before you start: a current Queensland Blue Card, immunisations per the host centre, and NQF child safety and child protection training
Where our students go on placement
- Sunkids
- Edge Early Learning
- Goodstart
- Harmony
- Edens
Plus many more. Placement host depends on availability near you.
How long does it take?
Fully online at your own pace, with weekly live classes and assessor visits at your placement centre. Committed students who already hold a Cert III in ECEC typically finish in under 6 months; your enrolment period is 12 months. Meaningful engagement each week is required — extended inactivity puts your enrolment at risk under the Student Handbook. Already working at Diploma level? Ask about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at your info session.
Where can I study?
Day and evening availability varies by centre — ask us for the next intake near you.
Course fees
Most students are surprised by what they don’t pay.
Eligible Queensland residents are subsidised and pay only the student co-contribution; students in other states study fee-for-service or with a payment plan. Everyone else can still study — with a payment plan if that helps.
The Queensland Government covers the rest through the Career Boost subsidy. Already completed Diploma units with another provider? We credit-transfer them at no cost and your fee drops proportionally. Eligible Career Boost students also get access to up to two subsidised skill sets — see our <a href="/skill-sets/">skill sets</a>.
Not included in your course fee
- Blue Card (Working with Children Check)Mandatory before placement in any Queensland early childhood service. Free for students on placement.
- National Police CertificateMay be required by your placement centre. Approximately $50–$60, paid direct to the check provider.
- Child Safety & Child Protection TrainingMandatory under the National Quality Framework. We’ll guide you through what’s required.
- Printed certificate$50 including postage. Your digital certificate is emailed free as standard.
Refunds. Full refund if you withdraw within the 14-day cooling-off period. Government-funded students receive a full refund of the student contribution if enrolment is cancelled before training starts. Fee-for-service students: after the cooling-off period the full course fee is payable, even if you withdraw before completing — your payment plan continues. The full policy is in the Student Handbook.
Funding is subject to individual eligibility under Queensland Government Career Boost rules. Fees shown are the student contribution for 15 units.
Full Career Boost eligibility rules — read the details. Prefer to earn while you study? See Traineeships & Apprenticeships.
Funding eligibility
Don’t assume you’re eligible. Don’t assume you’re not.
Most Queensland residents qualify. One 60-second call confirms your rate — and whether a past qualification affects it.
You may qualify for Career Boost funding if you:
- Are 15 or older and no longer at school
- Live permanently in Queensland
- Are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Aren’t currently enrolled in another Queensland Government-funded qualification (even on hold or deferred)
- Haven’t completed a Certificate IV or higher (including tertiary/university qualifications) in the last 10 years — school qualifications don’t count against you
The $345 concessional rate also needs one of:
- A Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or DVA card — yours, or you’re a named dependent
- You identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- You have a disability
- You’re from a non-English speaking background
- You’re an adult prisoner
Not eligible for funding? The fee-for-service rate is $2,985 ($199 per unit), with payment plans available. Group or employer booking of 4 or more? Ask about fee-for-service discounts.
Career outcomes
The qualification that unlocks the leadership roles.
Diploma-qualified educators are required to meet National Quality Framework staffing ratios, and demand for lead roles keeps growing with Commonwealth and state early learning investment. Our graduates lead rooms at Sunkids, Edge Early Learning, Goodstart, Harmony, Edens and many other services.
- ShortageChild Carers on the national Occupation Shortage List
- RequiredDiploma-qualified educators for NQF ratios
- Stronggrowth projected to 2028
- 280 hrsof placement before you graduate
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Reports and Occupation Shortage List. Labour market figures are indicative — not a guarantee of employment or earnings.
Roles this qualification leads to
- Lead Educator
- Room Leader
- Educational Leader
- Diploma-qualified Educator
- Kindergarten Educator
- Early Childhood Group Leader
- Family Day Care Coordinator
Job titles and requirements vary between employers.
What a day looks like
You start the morning walking the room — checking the environment is set up, greeting families, touching base with your team. Through the day you lead learning experiences, supervise and coach newer educators, document children’s progress, update the room’s curriculum plan and liaise with the Nominated Supervisor on NQF compliance. Afternoons bring family conversations at pick-up and a team debrief. You’re the person the room runs around.
Student story
Placeholder — “I was nervous coming back to study. The trainers made it easy and I had shifts before I even finished.”
Before you enrol
What you need to know.
Entry Requirements
CHC50125 has training package entry requirements. To enrol you must hold one of:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or its successor)
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- An Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- An Australian diploma or Certificate III in Children’s Services
And one of:
- At least 12 months cumulative full-time-equivalent employment in the last 5 years in a regulated Australian education and care service, with verifiable evidence, or
- The CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care skill set
Not currently working in ECEC? You can still start with Sage. We ask for your commitment to a 280-hour vocational placement that meets the Diploma’s assessment requirements, starting within the first 6 weeks — and we help you find a suitable site.
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria for Higher Level Skills, you will be eligible to receive a government subsidy for this course with Sage Education Australia.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
If you’re already employed in the relevant industry, we may be able to use your current and previous work hours as placement hours. However, if you cannot secure a vocational placement, our support team will help you secure a suitable facility. Please note that when we secure placement, you must be flexible regarding the distance and work hours.
Do you guarantee a job?
No. We do not guarantee a job. However, this industry has a massive demand for workers, and you will likely secure employment if you’re committed. We will guide you in building a resume and refer you to some of our employers.
How long does it take to complete this course?
The course duration will depend on your mode of study and previous experience in the relevant industry. We will review your application and generate a suitable training plan when you’re ready to start.
Do I need to be currently employed in childcare to enrol?
No. You need a prior Cert III in ECEC (or an equivalent listed under Entry Requirements) and a commitment to a 280-hour vocational placement that meets the Diploma’s assessment requirements, starting within the first 6 weeks. Sage helps you find a suitable site.
I only hold CHC30113 (the older Cert III) — can I still enrol?
Yes. CHC30113 satisfies the training package entry requirement for CHC50125.
What’s the difference between Career Start and Career Boost?
Career Start funds Certificate III qualifications. Career Boost funds Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and skill sets. Both are Queensland Government subsidy programs — this Diploma sits under Career Boost.
I’ve done some Diploma units with another provider — do I redo them?
No. Bring your Statement of Attainment and we process a credit transfer at no cost. You pay only for the units you study with Sage, and your fee drops proportionally.
How quickly do I need to start placement?
Placement must begin within the first 6 weeks of your course — it’s a Sage requirement. Meaningful engagement and progression are required throughout; extended inactivity puts your enrolment at risk under the Student Handbook.
Will I receive a printed certificate?
Your certificate is issued digitally as standard, at no cost — it’s emailed to you when you complete. A printed copy is available on request for $50 including postage.
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes, for many of our courses. Sage is a Queensland Government Skills Assure Supplier, delivering subsidised training under Career Start (Certificate III) and Career Boost (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and skill sets). Eligible students pay a small co-contribution. Some courses, including First Aid, aren’t subsidised. Talk to our team to find out what you qualify for.
Can I study online?
Yes, we do offer online delivery of some of our courses. However, you may need to attend a workshop to acquire practical skills mandatory for vocational placement.
We assess your situation at the time of enrolment and suggest an appropriate study mode.
Do you guarantee employment?
We do not guarantee employment. However, historically, most of your graduates secure employment as soon as they complete their course.
There is overwhelming employment demand currently, and you are very likely to secure a position if you follow our guidelines.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
We will organise your vocational placement when you’re ready to do so. However, please note that you must meet all requirements and acquire practical skills before your vocational placement is confirmed.
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Enquire
Ten minutes with an adviser. A real one.
We’ll check your funding eligibility, talk through campuses and timetables, and give you the next intake date. No pressure, no jargon.
- 1You send the formTakes 30 seconds. Only the details we need to call you back.
- 2An adviser calls youWithin one business day — a real person from one of our centres.
- 3You get a clear answerYour exact fee, next intake, and the campus that suits you.
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