Early Childhood Education and Care Pathway at Stanley College

Start with the practical foundations of early childhood education, then progress toward curriculum planning, service compliance and supervisory responsibility. Stanley College’s pathway brings together the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in Perth.

Across the two qualifications, international students can complete up to 104 weeks of study and 576 hours of Work-Based Training. The pathway is designed to help you move from supporting children’s wellbeing and development to designing learning programs and taking greater responsibility within regulated education and care services.

Why this early childhood pathway stands out

A clear progression route: Build core educator skills in Certificate III before moving toward diploma-level curriculum, compliance and team responsibilities.

Extensive workplace preparation: Complete 288 hours of Work-Based Training in each qualification, with placements organised by Stanley College in consultation with students.

Learning beyond the classroom: Certificate III combines classroom learning, simulated experience in the Stanley College Crèche and real workplace training.

Career growth built in: Prepare for educator roles first, then develop the specialised knowledge needed for positions such as Centre Manager or OSHC Coordinator.

Two qualifications, one focused pathway

Stage 1 — CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Develop the skills to support children’s wellbeing, learning and development within an approved learning framework. You will learn to work safely, nurture children’s holistic development, support positive behaviour, communicate with families and apply professional standards in early childhood settings.

International duration: 52 weeks, including 12 weeks of holidays.

Work-Based Training: 12 weeks at 24 hours per week, totalling 288 hours.

Study delivery: Face-to-face classroom learning, simulated work experience in the Stanley College Crèche and Work-Based Training.

Stage 2 — CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Advance into curriculum design, inclusive practice, service compliance and leadership. Diploma students learn to apply specialised knowledge, analyse theory in diverse workplace situations, maintain safe environments and work in partnership with children’s families.

International duration: 52 weeks, including 12 weeks of holidays.

Work-Based Training: 12 weeks at 24 hours per week, totalling 288 hours.

Study delivery: Face-to-face classroom learning, online distance learning and assessment, structured learning activities and Work-Based Training.

Program at a glance

Location: Perth, Western Australia.

Total pathway duration: Up to 104 weeks, including scheduled holidays, when both qualifications are completed in sequence.

Typical timetable: Classes are rostered across three days per week with a self-study component. Full-time students attend at least 20 scheduled contact hours per week.

Your Diploma start date will depend on successful completion of the required prerequisite qualification, availability and Stanley College’s admission assessment. Asia Pathway will help you plan the sequence before you apply.

Build confidence as an early childhood educator

Certificate III focuses on the practical responsibilities of educators working in long day care, family day care, pre-schools and kindergartens. You will develop skills in child health and safety, respectful relationships, play-based learning, cultural responsiveness, inclusion, communication and professional practice.

The simulated crèche experience gives you a supported environment to practise before applying your learning during placement. This combination is particularly valuable for international students who want to understand Australian workplace expectations and early childhood standards.

Progress into curriculum and leadership

The Diploma develops your ability to plan and implement curriculum, foster holistic learning and wellbeing, support creativity, include all children and embed environmental responsibility in service operations. You will also build skills in team effectiveness, complaints handling, work health and safety and continuous professional improvement.

Graduates may take responsibility for supervising volunteers or other educators and contribute to the quality and compliance of an education and care service.

Gain 576 hours of real workplace learning

Each qualification includes 288 hours of Work-Based Training, giving the complete pathway up to 576 hours of supervised workplace experience. Stanley College’s Employment Liaison Team organises placements with host employers in consultation with students.

Before placement, students must obtain a current Working with Children Check, may need a Western Australian National Police Clearance, and must complete the National Child Safety Training Foundation Training Courses 1 and 2. These checks and training are separate from tuition and their costs are paid by the student.

Entry requirements

Certificate III entry

Academic: Completion of Australian Year 10 or an equivalent qualification.

English: Intermediate English, IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 35–45, PTE Academic 36, Cambridge English 154, OET D, Duolingo 75–80, CEFR or Oxford Test B1, or completion of an Australian Certificate III-level qualification or above.

Prerequisite: No prerequisite qualification is required.

Diploma progression

Academic: Completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.

English: Upper-intermediate English, IELTS Academic or General Training 5.5, TOEFL iBT 51–66, PTE Academic 39, Cambridge English 162, OET C, Duolingo 95–100, CEFR or Oxford Test B2, CELPIP General 6, LANGUAGECERT Academic 54, Michigan English Test 49, or an eligible Australian qualification.

Because the Certificate III course code offered by Stanley College is now CHC30125, Asia Pathway will confirm your Diploma progression eligibility directly with the college before finalising your study plan.

Career opportunities

After Certificate III

Family Day Care Educator: Support children’s development and wellbeing in a home-based education and care setting.

Kindergarten Assistant: Assist educators and children within early learning programs.

Long Day Care Educator: Provide daily education and care in a regulated long day care service.

OSHC Educator: Support school-age children in outside school hours care.

After the Diploma

Centre Manager: Contribute to the leadership, operations and quality of an early childhood service.

OSHC Coordinator: Plan and coordinate education and care for school-age children.

Continue toward a bachelor’s degree

After completing the Diploma, students may pursue a bachelor’s degree at Stanley College or selected bachelor programs at other universities. Admission and any recognition of prior learning are assessed by the receiving institution.

2026–2027 tuition in USD

Tuition fee: Approximately USD 7,024 per qualification, based on the listed international tuition of AUD 9,800.

Complete two-stage pathway tuition: Approximately USD 14,047 for both qualifications, based on total listed tuition of AUD 19,600.

Who this pathway is for

Future early childhood educators: Students who want structured preparation for work with young children in Australian education and care settings.

International students seeking practical learning: Learners who value simulated experience, organised placement and substantial workplace training.

Career-focused students: Applicants who want to begin with an entry-level qualification and build toward curriculum, coordination and leadership responsibilities.

Apply with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway will help you compare the two stages, confirm your academic and English eligibility, check the Diploma prerequisite route, organise your application and plan the most suitable intake sequence.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised eligibility review and application plan for the Early Childhood Education and Care Pathway at Stanley College.