Early Education (Childcare) Courses in Melbourne & VIC

There are lots of big roles waiting for you right now! In some cases, you can even start work in the early learning and care sector while you study towards a qualification.

Members of the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia offer careers in locations right around the country.

ELACCA members are advertising jobs around Melbourne and VIC right now!

What to expect from an early education course in Melbourne or VIC

Whether you are a recent high school graduate or are currently working full-time and looking for a career change, there are myriad course options to choose from that best suit your learning needs. These include:

Certificate III

A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care takes around 12 months to complete. This is the best option for those keen to learn on the job. Complete a Certificate III as part of a traineeship to work while studying part-time.

Diploma

A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the next step after a Certificate III. Taking around 12 months to complete, the Diploma provides deeper learning around early childhood education and development, and sets educators on a pathway to leadership roles.

A University Degree

Many universities in Melbourne and elsewhere in Victoria offer a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, a three- or four-year degree. If you need to balance any other competing priorities, part-time study or online study provide flexible options. Since 2021, the Australian Government has cut student fees for education degrees by up to 75%, making degrees more accessible for all interested.

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Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Free TAFE:

You can access Free TAFE regardless of your existing qualification and qualification level.
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Certificate III Upskill Support Program:

Up to $7,000 for educators who hold a current Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and wish to upskill to a Diploma of ECEC.
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Early Childhood Aboriginal Pathways Scholarships:

Up to $2,500 towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or up to $9,000 towards a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
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Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and postgraduate courses

Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships:

Up to $40,000 per student for new full-time undergraduate teaching students (up to $10,000 per year for a four-year qualification) and up to $20,000 for new full-time postgraduate teaching students (up to $10,000 per year for a two-year qualification).
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Early Childhood Scholarships Program:

Up to $25,000 per student and up to $34,000 for Aboriginal students.
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Learn more about early childhood educators

You might know them as ‘childcare workers’ but their role is far bigger than that. We know them as early childhood educators and they change lives. Find out how they guide children’s learning and development, to give every child the best chance in life. Discover what an incredible role they play in little lives.

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Take the quiz: Is this career for you?

Could you become an early childhood educator and play a big role in little lives?

Answer eight questions to see if you’re on the right track!

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Latest vacancies from across Australia

Select your state or territory to find the jobs, training options and financial support available to you.

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