Study load
Approx. 12-15 hours per week* (see course structure)
Duration
0.5 years full-time (or 1 year part-time) (60 credit points)
Intakes
Enrolments are currently closed
Kickstart your career in early childhood teaching online through Federation University.
Start your Early Childhood study through the foundational Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Develop the skills and theories that support literacy and numeracy learning in the early years, understand learning through play, and investigate science in the early years.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies is a pathway degree into a Bachelor degree qualification in Early Childhood-only Education. Successful completion of this certificate’s four core units will qualify you for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).
5 Reasons Why You Should Study Early Childhood Education
Whether you love working with kids or you want to make a difference in the lives of others, early childhood education is a great career choice. Not only is it a rapidly growing industry, but a degree in early childhood education will provide you with a skillset that can open up a variety of other work opportunities.
Course structure
Course structure
Study load will vary depending on the amount of units you choose to study and the credit point cost of that unit. 12-15 contact hours are estimated for one 15 credit point unit.
Please note: you will only need to complete four core units for this Certificate. EDECE1002 Understanding Early Human Development is to be completed by students who enter with a Diploma of Early Childhood and Care.
Literacy and Numeracy
Code: EDBED1011
Credit Points: 15
You will develop a strategy for these topics and apply this in an educational context. You will explore the components of language (grammar, phonics, spelling, vocabulary), literacy (speaking, listening, writing, reading and viewing), understandings of genre; and ways in which these develop engaging learning experiences. You will also explore the numeracy topics of number sense, fractions, the four operations and measurement as part of your study.
Curriculum Through Play
Code: EDECE1019
Credit Points: 15
Science and Environmental Education In Early Childhood
Code: EDECE2018
Credit Points: 15
Learning and Teaching
Code: EDBED1016
Credit Points: 15
What you will learn
What you will learn
Curriculum development
Devise educational experiences that foreground creative play and fun, and that encourage engagement and learning.
Innovative teaching methods
Inspire young children’s sense of curiosity through nature, open-ended materials and technology, grounded in play both indoors and outdoors. Learn exciting teaching methods for the 21st Century.
Prepare for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Prepare to work confidently and creatively with children in early childhood education settings which may include kindergarten; pre-schools; long day care centres, including those in special needs settings.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (past two years)
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Non-Year 12 with higher education study
- Satisfactory completion of at least one year of tertiary study in a relevant field, or
- Successful completion of the Federation University Foundation Access Studies (FAST) course (or equivalent).
Vocational Education and Training study
- Successful completion of a TAFE qualification at Certificate III or IV in a cognate or appropriate area, such as Community Services, Education Support, Children’s Services, or Nursing; and
- At least one year of experience in a relevant area of education or support service, or
- Successful completion of a recognised TAFE Diploma course in a cognate or an appropriate area.
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Foundation Access Studies (FAST) course.
Career outcomes
Career outcomes
The Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies provides you with an industry-recognised qualification in six months. You’ll develop a foundational skillset for entry level roles and have the opportunity to continue your studies through the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education).
Australian Government insights project very strong growth of 21.6% in early childhood teaching jobs over the next 5 years, including roles as a kindergarten teacher, early childhood teacher and early childhood educational leader.
Childcare Assistant
Provide care and structured learning to children, supervise children as they learn and play, provide comfort and reassurance, plan stimulating activities, and keep children clean and safe, usually in a day care centre.
Nanny
Provide care to children on a casual or live-in basis, provide supervision and comfort and keep children safe. Nannies may also undertake some daily tasks around the home relating to the care of the children.
Support Services
Support Services
Be supported through your studies with services tailored to the online learning environment. Federation University Online personalises support for every student, accessible at every stage of your study journey.
- Student advisors dedicated to answering your questions about anything from enrolment and course management to essay writing and technical support.
- Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) guiding you through your course, bringing industry experience and expertise in online learning to your studies.
- Study and assignment resources to help you get the most out of each unit and submit high quality assessments.
- An online community made up of a diverse network of students, who you’ll study alongside in learning groups and discussion boards.
Flexible study requires flexible support – discover the services available to you so you can go further.
Federation University has been an incredibly supportive environment to study in – even online. And having spoken to friends attending other universities, I believe Federation is the best choice for early childhood and primary education
- Stephanie, Online student, Education
Fees
2024 Indicative Fees
$2,223 student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)
If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band which determines the student contribution amount.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
Meet the people behind your course
Dr Sue Emmett
Senior Lecturer in Education
Dr Sue Emmett is currently working as Senior Lecturer in Education at Federation University where she coordinates and teaches in Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood courses. Dr Emmett has been extensively involved in early childhood education and the translation of research into the practical environment for over thirty years. Her research interests include the well-being of children and educators including trauma informed practice in early childhood contexts.
Dr Kathy Swinkels
Lecturer
Dr Kathy Swinkels moved to Federation University in 2017 and holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons). She has a long history of research and teaching in the field specialising with expertise in Mathematics and Pedagogy. She enjoys the challenge of teaching students to understand the connections between theoretical learning and building an understanding of their own pedagogical practices.
Dr Alison Lord
Senior Lecturer
Dr Alison Lord is a senior lecturer in Education and Early Childhood in the School of Education at Federation University. Dr Lord has taught education at a range of universities and has been involved in many community-based pre-school services and education settings. She is also a member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Early Childhood Learning and Development Advisory Board.
Why study online with Federation University?
Unparalleled Flexibility
Online study is the freedom to fit further study in your life, and to do it on your terms.
Personalised support
You will have full access to support services, with tailored support available across extended hours.
Make it happen online
You will make an impact in whatever you choose to do with practical- and industry- focused courses.