Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107921C) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares you for leadership roles in early childhood settings, including centre management, educational program design, and team coordination. Delivered at two locations in Queensland and South Australia, this course is registered on CRICOS – the official Australian Government register – ensuring it meets national quality standards for international students. As a HeadStart Academy free resource, we provide transparent, up-to-date information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) so you can compare courses with confidence.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 107921C) is a Diploma-level qualification in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (field of education code 070101). It is designed for those who want to deepen their expertise in early childhood development and education, moving beyond Certificate III to take on supervisory and management responsibilities. Graduates typically work as early childhood educators, centre directors, or family day care coordinators. The course is delivered by Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 02483D) with over 20 years of experience in early childhood training. ACCCO also offers the CHC50121 Diploma under its VET national code. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is subject to ESOS Act protections, giving international students legal rights including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses – this diploma sits within the growing education sector, with strong demand for qualified early childhood professionals.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care covers advanced topics in child development, curriculum design, family and community partnerships, and workplace leadership. You'll learn to plan and implement educational programs for children from birth to school age, assess individual learning needs, and mentor other educators. The course also addresses regulatory frameworks, health and safety standards, and ethical practice in early childhood settings. While the specific syllabus is determined by ACCCO, typical study areas include fostering children's social and emotional development, creating inclusive environments, and managing a children's service. This qualification aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards, preparing you for employment across Australia's early childhood sector.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 academic year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification – it does not lead to a dual award or include foundation studies. Study mode at ACCCO typically involves a combination of online learning and practical placement, but confirm delivery methods directly with the provider. The course is structured to allow international students to maintain full-time study load while meeting visa conditions.
The indicative course fees for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (107921C) are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Tuition fee: A$12,000. Non-tuition fees: A$750 (e.g., enrolment, materials, or administration). Estimated total cost: A$12,750. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. As a guide, student living costs in Australia are approximately A$21,041 per year (based on Department of Home Affairs 2026 estimates), but actual costs vary by city. For current, accurate fees – including any payment plans or scholarships – contact ACCCO directly via their website: http://www.accco.com.au. Fees are subject to change and you should confirm before enrolling.
Entry into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care typically requires completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency – indicative IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall, or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, etc.). Some providers may also require a valid Working with Children Check or relevant industry experience. For the most current entry criteria, refer to ACCCO's application page. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, inquire about pathway options such as an English language course or foundation program. ACCCO may offer alternative entry arrangements.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student on a Subclass 500 visa, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Practical placement hours required by the CHC50121 qualification may be arranged by ACCCO but are not formally recorded as a 'work component' on CRICOS. Check with the provider for any placement requirements.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two Australian locations: 1. Brunswick Street – Fortitude Valley, QLD (Brisbane area) 2. Smith Field Office – Smithfield, SA (Adelaide area). Fortitude Valley is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Brisbane, home to a large student population with excellent public transport (train, bus, ferry). Brisbane has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering diploma-level courses. Living costs in Brisbane are moderate: indicative weekly rent A$250-350, groceries A$80-120, transport A$40-60. Smithfield is a northern suburb of Adelaide, close to major shopping centres and with bus connections to the city. Adelaide is known for its affordable student living: weekly rent around A$200-300, groceries A$70-110, transport A$30-50. Both campuses provide access to early childhood services for practical experience.
To study this Diploma on a student visa, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) evidence, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependents if applicable, and meeting English language requirements. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but work must not interfere with your study commitment. After completing this qualification, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to work in Australia, depending on your occupation and skills assessment. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (QLD or SA). Compare ACCCO with other providers offering similar courses. All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and ESOS protections.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit ACCCO's website (http://www.accco.com.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and passport. Submit your application online or through their admissions team.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once ACCCO accepts your application, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence, financial documents, and a genuine student statement. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Choosing the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at ACCCO is a practical step if you are passionate about early childhood education and aspire to leadership roles in Australia's growing childcare sector. Consider your learning preferences: ACCCO offers flexible delivery but check the balance of online versus face-to-face classes. Location matters – Fortitude Valley is in a bustling city with diverse student life, while Smithfield in Adelaide offers a quieter, lower-cost environment. Think about long-term goals: this diploma can lead to further study (e.g., Bachelor of Early Childhood) or direct employment. Australia's early childhood industry is projected to grow strongly, with many roles on the skilled occupation list. However, always verify your potential eligibility for post-study work visas with a migration agent. Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to explore similar courses across Australia's 1,556 CRICOS providers.
Ready to apply? Follow the 3-step guide above or visit ACCCO's website to start your enrolment. Explore more Diploma courses in Education on HeadStart Academy – your free, independent resource.
View the full Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.