ECU first university in WA to offer 1 year Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching 

Edith Cowan University (ECU) will become the first West Australian university to offer a one-year Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching from Semester 1, 2025. 

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative one year course providing graduates with a nationally recognised qualification to teach in early learning contexts prior to school, 0-5 years,” ECU Associate Dean (Early Childhood) Associate Professor Gill Kirk said.  

To be eligible to enrol in the course students must have already completed a three year undergraduate degree. On completion of the course graduates will be able to take up opportunities as qualified teachers in pre-compulsory school settings, including early learning centres.

Key Features of the degree include: 

• 60 days of professional experience:  

• 20 days specialised with young children from birth to 35 months, followed by 40 days with children aged 3-5 years. 

“The professional experience has been developed in consultation with leading partners in the early learning sector to ensure quality and continuity for the pre-service teachers and for the centres,” Associate Professor Kirk said. 

“We are certain there is no better preparation for work in the sector than right here at ECU”. 

“The professional experience components of the course are supported by six theoretical units that ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to young children’s education and care, as well as extensive work integrated experiences that are informed by both theory and industry (sic.) needs.” 

The one-year Graduate Diploma responds to calls for increased quality and experience in the early childhood sector through the provision of qualified teachers, especially trained and skilled in working with children from birth to five years. 

“To do this requires a larger early childhood workforce with a teaching qualification – which this course will provide,” Associate Professor Kirk added.

“The Australian Government also recognises the need to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. This course provides a qualification specifically for the 0-5 sector, meaning graduates who complete this qualification are not only highly qualified, but they are also more likely to stay in the sector.” 

For more information on ECU’s Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching contact ECU’s School of Education.