ECU to offer new TAFE pathway to help early childhood educators study

A new agreement between Edith Cowan University (ECU) and North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) will see Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care graduates offered a direct pathway into university.

“Eligible students who graduate from NMTAFE can enrol in ECU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) course with up to 5-unit credits under their belt, which can reduce the duration of their university study by up to 6 months,” ECU School of Education Executive Dean Caroline Mansfield explained. 

“We know there is a need not only for more early childhood educators across the state, but also a desire for educators with a higher level of learning and more advanced experience,” she said. 

Eligible students can enrol in a range of ECS units that will both challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding of quality early childhood teaching and practice.  

From 2025 NMTAFE graduates interested in advancing their studies at ECU will also be able to enrol in ECU’s new study unit Wellbeing for Early Childhood Educators and Children. 

North Metropolitan TAFE’s General Manager Training Services Darren Channell said the agreement aligns with NMTAFE’s offer to its students and graduates to ‘Be More,’ looking beyond course completion and their first job, to career advancement and beyond. 

“Early Childhood Education and Care workers now require an education focus, in addition to the care focus of previous years. We welcome this opportunity to partner with ECU to bring progress and development to the West Australian Early Childhood Education space, and higher education opportunities to our graduates,” he said. 

NMTAFE graduates interested in studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at ECU can register their interest or find more information here.