The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education (GDECE) at Barton Business School prepares students to work with children from birth to age five across a range of early childhood education settings.
The course integrates a strong foundation in child development and growth with contemporary research and practice in early childhood education. Students develop knowledge and skills in curriculum development, assessment cycles, pedagogical approaches, professional ethics, advocacy, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.
The GDECE includes embedded professional experience placements and is designed to support students in developing capabilities relevant to early childhood education settings.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education |
| Abbreviation | GDECE |
| Qualification Type | Postgraduate |
| AQF Level | Level 8 |
| CRICOS Course Code | 119512K |
| Duration | 1 year full-time |
| Study Periods | 2 semesters |
| Delivery Mode | Face-to-face |
| Campus Location | Level 1, 108–112 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia |
| Professional Experience | 60 days |
| Total Units | 8 units |
| Total Credit Points | 96 credit points |
The GDECE is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to early childhood education for children from birth to age five.
The course combines academic study, professional experience, and contemporary early childhood education practice. Students engage with areas including:
Professional experience is embedded within the course, supporting students to apply their learning within early childhood education settings.
Please note that course structures, unit offerings, professional experience arrangements, delivery schedules, and study sequences may be subject to change.
The GDECE is designed to support students in developing contemporary knowledge, professional capabilities, and reflective practice relevant to early childhood education settings.
The course combines:
Students are encouraged to critically reflect on educational practice, diversity, inclusion, ethical responsibilities, and the role of early childhood education in supporting children, families, and communities.
The GDECE includes embedded professional experience placements across the course, supporting students to apply theoretical knowledge within early childhood education settings while developing professional capability and confidence.
The course also places emphasis on:
As part of the broader nested early childhood education course structure at BBS, eligible students who complete the GDECE may apply for admission into the second year of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (MTeach (ECE)), subject to course and admission requirements.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education will be able to:
| Code | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | Design inclusive curriculum, implement pedagogical practices that embrace children’s curiosity, strengths, priorities and identities, and assess children’s learning, development and wellbeing. |
| CLO2 | Critically analyse, synthesise and apply play-based learning approaches and intentionality, to design and implement learning environments that foster children’s holistic development and engagement. |
| CLO3 | Embed and implement culturally and linguistically responsive practices and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to create equitable, inclusive and supportive learning environments. |
| CLO4 | Apply effective and sensitive communication and collaboration skills to build respectful and reciprocal partnerships with families, colleagues, and communities, supporting positive educational outcomes for all children. |
| CLO5 | Utilise leadership, management, and advocacy skills to promote high-quality professional practice, collaborative teamwork, ethical practice and reflective decision-making. |
| CLO6 | Engage in continuous professional learning and critically reflective practice, drawing on diverse perspectives such as philosophy, theory, ethics, evidence-based research and practice, to inform pedagogical decisions. |
The GDECE is delivered over two semesters of full-time study and consists of eight core units totalling 96 credit points. Each unit is worth 12 credit points.
Professional experience is embedded across the course through supervised placement components completed within designated units. Students complete a total of 60 days of professional experience during the course.
The GDECE aligns with the first year of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (MTeach (ECE)). Eligible students who complete the GDECE may apply for admission into the second year of the MTeach (ECE), subject to course and admission requirements.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Type | Professional Experience | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDE401 | Curriculum Design and Assessment in Early Childhood Education | Core | PX1: Birth to 2 years – 15 days PX2: 3 to 5 years – 15 days | Nil |
| EDE402 | Holistic Approaches to Early Childhood Learning, Development and Wellbeing | Core | Nil | Nil |
| EDE403 | Play-Based Pedagogies in Practice | Core | Nil | Nil |
| EDE404 | Language, Literacy and Communication in Early Childhood Education | Core | Nil | Nil |
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Type | Professional Experience | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDE405 | Ethics, Professional Identity and Leadership in Early Childhood Education | Core | PX3: 3 to 5 years – 15 days PX4: Ready to Teach – 15 days | Nil |
| EDE406 | The Arts in Early Childhood Education | Core | Nil | Nil |
| EDE407 | Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Practices | Core | Nil | Nil |
| EDE408 | Science, Numeracy and Technology in Early Childhood Education | Core | Nil | Nil |
Students are required to obtain a valid Working with Children Check and National Police Check prior to commencing professional experience placements. Failure to obtain the required checks may affect a student’s ability to undertake professional experience and progress in the course.
Please note that unit availability, professional experience arrangements, delivery schedules, and study sequences may be subject to change.
The GDECE includes embedded professional experience placements completed within designated units across the course.
Students complete a total of 60 days of supervised professional experience, including:
Professional experience placements are completed within the following units:
Students are required to obtain a valid Working with Children Check and National Police Check prior to commencing professional experience placements. Failure to obtain the required checks may affect a student’s ability to undertake professional experience and progress in the course.
Please note that professional experience requirements, placement arrangements, and associated compliance requirements may be subject to change.
The GDECE is approved by ACECQA as an early childhood teaching qualification for working with children from birth to five years of age.
Graduates of the GDECE may seek employment opportunities across a range of early childhood education settings, including:
The course is not designed for teacher registration or employment in primary or secondary school settings.
Completion of the GDECE may be used to support an application for early childhood teacher registration where this is required. Registration and employment requirements are determined independently by the relevant teacher regulatory authority and may include additional requirements such as English language proficiency and suitability assessments.
Students intending to work in Victoria should refer to the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for information regarding registration requirements for early childhood teachers. Students intending to work in other Australian states or territories should refer to the relevant teacher regulatory authority and ACECQA for current registration and employment requirements.
Please note that completion of a course at BBS does not guarantee employment, teacher registration, or migration outcomes.
Information regarding admission requirements, English language requirements, credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL), supporting documentation, and application assessment processes is available on the dedicated Admissions Information page.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all admission requirements and supporting documentation requirements before submitting an application to BBS.
Information regarding tuition fees, non-tuition fees, payment arrangements, refund information, and important fee-related policies is available on the dedicated Fees and Payments page.
Students are encouraged to carefully review all relevant fee information and policies before accepting an offer or making any payments to BBS.
Students interested in applying for the GDECE can submit an application through the BBS online application system.
The Apply Now button will direct students to the online application portal, where applicants can:
Students who require assistance during the application process are encouraged to contact BBS for support.
