Early education is a sector on the rise – and it provides the perfect opportunity for many Australians seeking a gratifying career helping young children to thrive.
If you’re passionate about working with children and considering advancing your career in early childhood education, you’ve likely come across two similar-sounding qualifications: the Diploma of Children’s Services and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or Diploma of ECEC). While these courses may sound like the same thing, there are important differences that can influence your career path, study experience, and job prospects.
In this article, we’ll break down what each Diploma involves, how they compare, and which one is the right choice for your goals in the childcare and early education sector.
Introduction to Childcare Diplomas
Traditionally, there have been two childcare Diplomas in Australia: The Diploma of Children’s Services and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Let’s begin by looking at each of the Diploma courses and their original objectives for students.
Diploma of Children’s Services
The Diploma of Children’s Services was a popular qualification in Australia for many years, designed to help educators prepare for a range of childcare roles. However, this course has largely been replaced by the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which reflects more current educational frameworks and standards.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is now the nationally recognised qualification for those who want to work in leadership roles within early childhood settings. It’s designed to equip educators with both the practical skills and knowledge required to support young children’s learning and development from birth to five years of age.
While some training providers or older documentation still refer to the Diploma of Children’s Services, today’s students will most likely be enrolling in the Early Childhood Education and Care version – which offers up-to-date training in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standard (NQS).
Childcare Diplomas: What Has Changed and Why?
If you’ve been researching childcare study options, you may have noticed that the Diploma of Children’s Services is less visible on current course listings. That’s because this qualification has been formally replaced by the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia, with no more enrolments on the older course from 2025.
The update reflects changes in the early childhood education sector, particularly the introduction of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the growing emphasis on quality education as well as care. The updated Diploma places more focus on:
- Educational outcomes
- Curriculum planning
- Supporting children’s learning and development in line with national standards
The newer qualification not only aligns with current workplace expectations but also supports professional pathways into teaching degrees and early learning leadership roles.
So, if you’re looking at the two and wondering which one to choose, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the current, nationally recognised and accredited qualification for this field.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Diploma of ECEC
Both the old and new Diplomas were designed to prepare students for rewarding roles in early childhood settings – so why do we only need the one?
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care reflects updates in educational frameworks and industry standards, ensuring that educators are equipped with current best practices in early childhood education. This opens up a broader and more clearly defined range of career options for graduates, who leave qualified to take on roles such as:
- Early Childhood Educator – working directly with children to support their learning and development in childcare centres or preschools.
- Room Leader or Lead Educator – taking charge of planning daily programs and managing a room within a childcare service.
- Childcare Centre Supervisor – overseeing daily operations, staff supervision, and compliance with regulations.
- Family Day Care Coordinator – supporting and monitoring educators who run childcare services from their homes.
- Out-of-School Hours (OSHC) Educator – working with school-aged children in before- and after-school care settings.
While the former Diploma of Children’s Services did offer similar career pathways, it lacked the alignment with current national standards that today’s employers expect. Completing the updated Diploma demonstrates that you’re qualified, workplace-ready, and trained to meet the expectations of modern early childhood settings.
Childcare Diploma Work Placement
One of the most valuable parts of an early childhood assistant Diploma is the practical work experience gained through placement, which allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings. It also helps prepare them for the expectations and pace of working in an early childhood environment.
For the Diploma of ECEC, students must complete at least 280 hours of practical placement in an approved early childhood service. During this component of their Diploma, students may assist with:
- Planning and delivering learning activities
- Observing and documenting children’s development
- Supporting children’s daily routines (meals, resting, hygiene)
- Communicating with families and educators
- Applying safe and inclusive practices
The Diploma of Children’s Services also included a work placement, yet the number of hours and structure often varied between providers. Under the newer Diploma of ECEC, the placement requirements have been standardised to ensure all graduates meet a nationally consistent level of readiness ahead of their childcare career.
Further Study Pathways After Completing a Childcare Diploma
Another option after completing the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is to continue with further study. This is especially popular among individuals looking to advance into leadership or teaching roles.
Many graduates use the Diploma as a stepping stone to university study and courses such as:
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
Some universities even offer credit to students who first completed a Diploma, reducing the time or cost of their degree.
In addition, the diploma also supports career advancement through:
- Diploma to degree pathways for registered teaching qualifications
- Specialised short courses or certificates in areas like inclusion support, behaviour guidance, or centre management
- Training and mentoring roles within early learning services
The older Diploma of Children’s Services did offer similar options at the time but it’s worth bearing in mind universities or employers may no longer recognise it in the same way. With the current Diploma aligned more closely with the Australian Qualifications Framework and national education reforms, it’s a more strategic choice for anyone considering further study.
Early Childhood Education Industry Demand and Recognition
If you’re unsure whether you will find work in early childhood education, there is nothing but good news.
The ECEC sector in Australia is experiencing a significant surge in demand for qualified professionals. According to a report by Jobs and Skills Australia, there is an immediate need for over 21,000 additional early childhood educators to meet current staffing requirements – and projections indicate that this number will continue to rise in the coming years.
This growth is fueled by several factors:
- Expanding population and workforce participation: An increasing number of families require childcare services as more parents work full time.
- Government initiatives: Policies aimed at expanding access to early childhood education, such as the introduction of universal preschool programs, have increased the need for qualified educators.
- Recognition of early education as critical to learning: There’s a broader societal acceptance of the role early childhood education plays in a child’s development, leading to increased investment in the sector.
In response to these challenges, the Australian government has implemented measures to attract and retain ECEC professionals, with the Fair Work Ombudsman endorsing a 15% pay increase to over 12,000 childcare workers recently to improve job satisfaction.
Put simply, the early childhood landscape presents a wealth of opportunities. Holding a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care enhances employability and positions graduates to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s future.
Which Diploma in Childcare Services Should You Choose?
After reading our article, we hope it’s clear how the current and nationally accredited course is the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The older Diploma of Children’s Services has been phased out and is no longer offered by registered training organisations. After serving its purpose well for many years, it has been replaced by a more modern, education-focused qualification that better aligns with today’s early learning standards.
So, if you’re:
- Planning to work in a childcare or preschool setting
- Looking to step into a leadership or senior educator role
- Hoping to continue on to a teaching degree
- Wanting to build a career that’s in high demand across Australia
… then the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the ideal pathway.
Ready to Begin Your Diploma?
Do you want a rewarding career supporting young children to learn, develop and thrive? Study the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with Insight Training!
Start by arranging a chat with a Career and Course Advisor who can tell you more about the course, delivery options and how to enrol.
Or, if you’re wanting entry-level skills and knowledge for children’s education, a foundation course like the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a great option – also available from Perth’s leaders in tertiary study, Insight Training!
