CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – RPL
Meerilinga offers applicants this qualification as an assessment only pathway.
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia.
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Educators at this level are responsible for designing, implementing and managing curriculum in early childhood services that meets the requirements of an approved learning framework and for maintaining compliance in other areas of service operations, in accordance with licensing, the National Quality Standards and duty of care requirements,
and the management staff and volunteers.
They use specialised knowledge and analyse and apply theoretical concepts to diverse work situations. They may have responsibility for supervision other educators and volunteers.
The Diploma can progress your career as a qualified educator towards a leadership or managerial role in early education and care or university entry.
Course Overview
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification
- Nationally recognised course and ACECQA approved
- Duration: 12 – 48 months
- Potential for credit transfers
- Gap training and Assessment if unsuccessful with RPL process
Students enrolling in the course must demonstrate that they:
- Hold a current CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification or higher
- Have worked in early education and care for a minimum of 2 years prior to application date, with evidence of performing the activities outlined in the current performance criteria of units.
- Can dedicate the time and effort required to successfully complete the Diploma qualification whilst undertaking employment within the childcare industry
Qualified educators are in high demand. Meerilinga Training College graduates have a high reputation in the Perth early years community.
Choose Meerilinga to access:
- Qualified professional staff and facilitators with many years of industry experience
- Industry expertise and currency in the areas of early childhood education and care, primary education, diversity and inclusion, health and nutrition
- Responsive and flexibility in meeting student needs including course payments, course structure, delivery and support
- Valuable experiences that will offer you the skills employers are looking for to step confidently into employment.
Find the next available course near you, go to Meerilinga Training Locations.
Contact us today to register your interest or call our friendly enrolments team direct on 08 9489 4022.
Meerilinga Children and Community Foundation Inc. trading as Meerilinga Training College. Registered Training Organisation NTIS code: 6000
- About the Course
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To enrol in the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care course, applicants must already hold:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a practical course where you provide education and care to children during their most influential years and gain several skills including:
- Design, analyse and implement curriculum
- Promote children’s agency and their benefits
- Nuture children’s creativity
- Establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour
- Sustainability practices
- How to estabilsh and maintain a safe and healthy environment
- Facilitate compliance
- Lead the work team
- Learn strategies for inclusion
Completing the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will enable Educators to work at a senior level and provide the core skills and experience they need to pursue a large range of roles in the early childhood education and care sector such as:
- Child Care Centre Manager / Director
- Family Day Care Provider
- Early Childhood Team Leader
- Family Day Care Coordinator
- Playgroup Coordinator
- Early Childhood Educator
- Assistant Director in an Early Learning Centre
- Preschool Assistant
- Nanny
Assessment
Meerilinga recognises that learning and competency occurs through a variety of learning experiences including:
- Life experiences
- Formal and informal training
- Work experience
- Education opportunities
You will need to provide evidence of your achievements and experience. Assessments are undertaken through self-assessment, evidence gathering, third party, competency conversation, interview and direct observation in work environments.
The evidence is systematically assessed for recognition purposes to align with the requirements of the rules of evidence as determined by the Vocational Education Training (VET) industry regulatory body, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for this qualification.
Meerilinga Training College offers this course through traineeship to students who are employed and work a minimum of 15 hours per week with a regulated child care provider, where the Employer agrees to traineeship. Refer to our CHC50121 Diploma of Early Education and Care – Traineeship.
What will you need to study this course?
This qualification has essential job requirements for working in early childhood education and care. In accordance with legislative and industry requirements, you will be required to provide the following at the time of enrolment:
- Working with Children Check(over 18yrs).
If you are under the age of 18, an alternative criminal history check is required and includes obtaining a written reference. - Certificate of Healthat your own expense.
Stating you are mentally and physically fit for the provision of early education and care.
MTC Administration Services will provide you with the relevant forms on application
Refer to the Learner Guide, Learner Resources and Policies for more information on this course and studying with Meerilinga.
- Course Units
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This Diploma consists of 15 units. This course is open to students who have a current CHC30121 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, therefore you may be eligible for Credit Transfer for some units.
This will be determined for individual applicants upon receipt of their verified academic statement provided at enrolment.
Unit Code Units CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in an education and care service CHCPOL002 Develop and implement policy CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness CHCDIV003 Manage and Promote Diversity CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform learning CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum HTLAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
- Pre-Enrolment
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Pre-enrolment at Meerilinga may occur face to face or virtually. Meerilinga will always provide written information along with marketing materials and website before enrolling or entering into an agreement with an applicant. We will cover:
- How assessment will be conducted for RPL
- Enrolment application and the required supporting documentation, including essential certificates and clearances required for working in early childhood education and care
- What equipment learners need to complete the course
- Course costs, including any possible additional fees, and payment due dates
- Refund and cancellation policies
- Complaint processes
- Barriers to learning and support services for students
During the pre-enrolment process, our Student Administration Officers are able to gather information from the potential applicant and analyse whether the training is the applicants desired outcome or solution. A successful applicant becomes a student.
- Support Services
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Meerilinga Training College offers a range of support services to our students, including:
- Training Needs Analysis
- Career Advice, Resume Writing and Work Readiness
- Commendations and Complaints
- Cultural Inclusion, Access and Support
- Direct Debit and Payment Plans
- Language Literacy and Numeracy
- Library
- Mentoring
- Referral to External Agencies and Services
- Study and Assessment Guidance
- Childcare (Terms and Conditions Apply)
Students can access these services during business hours 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays and Meerilinga closure) by appointment for the duration of their enrolment with Meerilinga. If you are unsure which service you need, please contact MTC Administration Services.
General Enquiries, Work Placement, Referral and Student Services
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.auCultural Engagement and Liaison Advisor
9489 4010
mihi.betham@meerilinga.org.auStudent Mentor
9489 4022
celia.riordan@meerilinga.org.auTraineeships
9489 4008
caroline.heeris@merilinga.org.auPolicy
9489 4005
rhonda.hagan@meerilinga.org.auFees and Payment Plans
9489 4007
sherryl.bowra@meerilinga.org.auAssessments
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au
- Am I Eligible
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All applications will be assessed by the Meerilinga based on the following criteria:
- To enrol in this course, applicants must hold a CHC30121 Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Applicant being employed and work in a regulated early education and care service workplace for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- Have worked in early education and care for a minimum of 2 years prior to application date, with evidence of performing the activities outlined in the current performance criteria of units.
- Completed Application Form and provided all supporting documentation
- Proficiency in language, literacy and numeracy
- Essential job requirements to engage in child-related work, ability to obtain a compliant:
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- Criminal History Check
- Certificate of Health
You are eligible for the course if your primary place of residence is in Western Australia and you are:
- An Australian citizen; or
- A permanent visa holder; or
- A holder of visa subclass 309, 444, 785, 790, 820
- A secondary holder of a temporary visa of sub-class 457 or 482 visa; or
- A Bridging Visa E holder (subclasses 050 and 051) where the visa holder has made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790;
- A Ukraine citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449 or 786;
- An Afghan citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449; and
- A holder of a bridging visa who are eligible to work, and who have made a valid application for a subclass 866.
Contact Meerilinga for more information on specific visa’s details.
Credit Transfer
Meerilinga provides credit transfer free of charge. Credit Transfer is only awarded to units of competency that have been deemed by the Training Package as having ‘equivalent competency outcomes’.
Meerilinga does not require a student to repeat any unit in which they have previously been assessed as competent, unless a regulatory requirement or license condition requires this. Where a student provides suitable evidence such as a statement of attainment of having successfully completed a unit at another Registered Training Organisation, Meerilinga will verify authenticity via the USI online portal or by contacting the issuing training provider before awarding a credit transfer.
- Course Fees
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CHC50121 Diploma of Early Education and Care RPL assessment only pathway is offered by Meerilinga as a fee for service.
Recognition of Prior Learning Fee
Where units are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning a charge of $100 per unit will apply.
Credit Transfer
Units eligible for Credit Transfer are free of charge.
Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
For more details on Meerilinga fees and charges please refer to MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy.
Refer to the Learner Guide and Policies for more information on RPL and Credit Transfer at Meerilinga.
Fee Collection
Where fees apply, Course Fees for each Calendar year will be invoiced on commencement of the Students first unit and payment will be determined by the students option they elected on their enrolment form.
Meerilinga provides students with a ‘pay as you study’ fortnightly payment plan, using an automatic payment system linked to a nominated debit or credit card. This allows students to pay course fees over the agreed time frame.
During the enrolment process, if the student elects to pay by instalments a personalised Pay Fee By Instalment and Direct Debit Request and Agreement is establish outlining a fortnightly payment schedule, based on the student’s training plan. The Pay Fee By Instalment Application form is signed by the student over 18 years of age, or by their parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years of age.
Where a direct debit fails Meerilinga administration will contact the student to arrange immediate payment and/or update correct payment details.
Please refer to the MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy. for Payment Plan terms and conditions.
Payment Options
On enrolment, students will take up one of the following payment options:
- Pay a maximum of $1500 in nominated instalments;
- Present a signed authority from an employer to invoice that employer for the student’s fees and charge;
- Pay the fee by instalment;
- Make application on the grounds of severe financial hardship for fees and charges to be waived for courses below diploma level or concession-eligible Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses
Students who fail to take up one of the above options will not be enrolled.
Pre-paid Fee Protection
In accordance Standard 7, clause 7.3 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) 2015, ‘Prepaid fees’ refers to ‘fees collected in advance’ and relates to the fees collected before the relevant services have been provided. These include payments made at any time before, during or after the student enrols. All student fees paid in advance are protected until the training and/or assessment has commenced.
To comply with this clause, Meerilinga will not:
- Accept more than $1000 prior to the commencement of a qualification; or
- Collect more than $1500 in advance from a student, following commencement of enrolment
Where a unit or cluster of units exceed $1000 or $1500 above, the ‘pay as you study’ monthly payment plan will apply or alternative payment arrangements can be made through the Executive Manager Finance.
Additional Costs
It is a condition of enrolment that students obtain the following at your own expense:
- Certificate of Health, stating physically and mentally fit for the provision of childcare
- A Working with Children Check (if 18+ yrs)
This documentation must be provided prior to the Cluster 1 census date advised at induction. Failure to do so will result in your enrolment being cancelled.
Resource Fees
Course/Tuition Fees do not include the cost of recommended reading materials for your course. These can be purchased separately by the student through an external provider. Please note if purchased externally, they must be the correct edition and be purchased before the commencement of your studies. See below for resource information.
Recommended Reading Resource
The Early Childhood Educator for Diploma, Third Edition Revised
By: Lorraine Walker
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Australia
Print IBSN: 9781760423377This resource is available to purchase online. You can purchase the resource directly from retailers such as Booktopia or Zookal. For those that prefer digital media, an eBook version is also available.
Student Resources
Free training resources are available to download from the Meerilinga website to support student’s learning. All students need access to a personal computer or digital device to view and download additional Learner Resources.
Re-Issue of Record Fee
Where request is made to re-issue a record, a charge of $50.00 for each document will apply eg: certification documentation such as Qualifications and Statements of Attainment.
Deferring and Withdrawing from Course or Unit
Students that are studying a Unit, Certificate or Diploma, can withdraw from a Meerilinga training course:
- If approached and signed up on the spot, students automatically have a 10 day cooling-off period by law; or
- Prior to the census date, as stated on the student invoice; and
- Must do so in writing, using the approved Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form
This ensures that Meerilinga can appropriately close off the student’s enrolment and maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
Students are able to view their Census Date on all unit invoices or you can calculate your Census Date using the Census Day Calculator here. Students are made aware that if the Census date has passed, they will be liable to pay any fees and charges for units that have been commenced and other costs applicable. Please contact mtc@meerilinga.org.au or phone 08 9489 4021 if you need additional support finding your Census Dates.
Students withdrawing from a unit or course prior to the cooling off period or census date can apply for a refund. Any request for a refund will be assessed in accordance with the MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy.
Students must read the accompanying Deferment, Assessment Extension and Withdrawal Policy for all options and complete and submit the Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form with supporting evidence.
A student may lodge a complaint with their local consumer protection agency.
- Appeals, Complaints, Concerns and Grievances
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Meerilinga Training College ensures that students and clients have access to a fair and equitable process of dealing with appeals, concerns and grievances and provides an avenue for students to appeal decisions which may affect the student’s progress. This includes the student’s right to appeal assessment outcomes, fees and payments and general concern. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.
All concerns, complaints, grievances, and appeals and subsequent actions, outcomes and improvements will be recorded and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer without delay, stored centrally (a copy can be retained where it was lodged). The central records will be used to identify any opportunities to improve our systems and identify appropriate corrective and preventative actions. All complaints and requests for an appeal will be acknowledged in writing and finalised as soon as practicable.
All documentation and records relating to a concern, complaint, grievance or appeal are to be held confidentially. All formal complaints will be attended to within 10 working days of being received.
No costs are associated with lodging a Complaint that is resolved internally by Meerilinga staff. Where a complaint is forwarded on to an external body for review, the costs will be shared by the student and Meerilinga. Students are encouraged to contact the Meerilinga Office for more information in this regard.
Meerilinga is a member of a Mediation Scheme which will handle all complaints and grievances that cannot be resolved internally by Meerilinga. Please contact the Meerilinga office if you require contact details. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.
Please refer to our Appeals and Complaints, Grievances and Concerns Policies
- Privacy Note
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Under the Data Provision Requirements 2012, Meerilinga Training College is required to collect personal information about you and to disclose that personal information to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd (NCVER).
Your personal information (including the personal information contained on this enrolment form), may be used or disclosed by Meerilinga Training College for statistical, administrative, regulatory and research purposes. Meerilinga Training College may disclose your personal information for these purposes to:
- Commonwealth and State or Territory government departments and authorised agencies; and
- NCVER
Personal information that has been disclosed to NCVER may be used or disclosed by NCVER for the following purposes:
- Populating authenticated VET transcripts;
- Facilitating statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage;
- Pre-populating RTO student enrolment forms;
- Understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information; and
- Administering VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation.
You may receive a student survey which may be administered by a government department or NCVER employee, agent or third party contractor or other authorised agencies. Please note you may opt out of the survey at the time of being contacted. If you are concerned about a survey please contact MTC for guidance.
NCVER will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the National VET Data Policy and all NCVER policies and protocols (including those published on NCVER’s website at www.ncver.edu.au).
All personal and sensitive information is held in Meerilinga archives for a reasonable period of time as per Australian Law dictates. Once this information is no longer required Meerilinga will take reasonable steps to destroy the information or to ensure it is de-identified. Meerilinga also uses an external provider, CTI Records Management, for secure and confidential off-site storage.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy.