Where the qualification can lead.
The Graduate Diploma prepares graduates for careers as early childhood teachers, subject to applicable registration and employment requirements.
Early childhood teacher
Plan and lead learning for children from birth to five.
Educational leader
With experience, mentor educators and guide curriculum across a service.
Centre or service leader
With experience, lead a centre’s quality, team and educational program.
Further study
May support an application for a master’s degree. Admission and any credit are decided by the institution you apply to.
A day in early childhood teaching.
Typical activities across a day.
Preparing the environment
Before children arrive, you set up the learning environment: selecting materials and arranging the room for the day’s planned activities.
Intentional teaching through play
Extended periods of play-based learning. You work alongside children, ask questions, extend vocabulary, and observe how each child engages with activities.
Observation and documentation
You record observations of children’s learning and development. These notes inform your planning and your reporting to families.
Routines and care
Meals, rest and transitions are part of the daily program. Supporting children through these routines is a core part of the role.
Working with families
Regular communication with families about their child’s learning, wellbeing and progress, at drop-off, pick-up and through documentation.
Reflection and planning
At the end of the day you review your observations and plan the next day’s learning experiences. This planning cycle is central to what you’ll learn with us.
Illustrative only. Hours and routines vary by service and age group.
Where you could work
Qualified early childhood teachers work across a range of settings, including:
- Kindergartens and preschools
- Long day care and integrated early learning & care services
- Community and not-for-profit early learning services
Teaching first, then leadership
A postgraduate qualification prepares you for teaching roles first, and leadership roles as you gain experience, subject to applicable registration and employment requirements.
Becoming a registered teacher
To work as an early childhood teacher in Victoria, you must be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Registration depends on holding an approved qualification, and the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood is an ACECQA approved early childhood teaching qualification (approved 17 August 2026). You apply to VIT yourself once you finish, and VIT runs its own checks and sets its own fees. VIT’s English requirement for early childhood teachers is met when your approved qualification was completed in English in Australia, as this course is. If you plan to teach in another state or territory, check its rules.
Moving into early childhood.
Your bachelor’s degree is the main academic entry requirement. Apply through our student portal, or talk to us about whether this is the right step.
Apply now ↗ EnquireA career in early childhood.
Apply through our student portal, or send an enquiry and we’ll guide you through it.