The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies) provides a teaching qualification for persons who have obtained a Bachelor Degree from a university or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and who seek employment as early childhood educators in settings from Kindergarten to Year Three. Because of its responsibility for the education, safety and well being of young children, the teaching profession demands the highest of professional and personal standards of early childhood practitioners. Edith Cowan University seeks to produce graduates who are excellent practitioners and have a sound grounding in theory, curriculum and practical experience.

The course is offered on Mount Lawley campus via two pathways: the on-campus pathway and a new residency pathway, which is predominantly based in schools.

The on-campus pathway is available in full-time and part-time mode. This pathway includes lectures and tutorials together with a coordinated program of Professional Practice in each semester of study.

The residency pathway is available only in full-time mode. This pathway includes both university and school based study, with residents immersed in a school context, working alongside experienced professionals throughout the year. Residents may complete units or parts of units in their residency schools.

Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in schools/centres  which culminates in the Final Teaching Practice in the final semester of the course. All Pre-service Teachers are required to adhere to the School of Education's Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers which can be accessed at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/. All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and Pre-service Teachers are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is available at http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac, and to give a full-time commitment to the school/centre during the scheduled days.

Note: All workplace learning units have been designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Board of Examiners.

Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree (UG1) or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution may apply for a place in the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies).  Application may be made prior to the release of results indicating completion of the first degree course.

For the on-campus pathway, applications are made through TISC. Selection is on the basis of academic qualifications, resume, and a one page personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher.  An interview may be required.

For the residency pathway, applications are made directly to the University.  Selection is on the basis of academic qualifications, resume, a one page personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher, interview, and school based problem solving and teaching activity

Applicants seeking registration as a teacher with the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT) must be proficient in the English language, both written and oral and obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) equivalent of 8.0. Applicants who have not studied in an exempt country (as defined in the WACOT Policy), are therefore required to obtain and IELTS equivalent of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in any component for entry into the course.

NOTE: Pre-service Teachers considering possible employment in Western Australia after graduation from this award, should refer to the following website for information regarding teacher registration requirements: www.wacot.wa.edu.au

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is recognised by the Western Australian College of Teaching. Whilst graduates of the course are strongly sought after both nationally and internationally, students should be aware that registration requirements may differ between states and countries.

All Pre-service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to submit a DET National Criminal History Record Check (CRC) before commencing their first placement in a school/centre. These clearances are valid for three years while enrolled in the course.  Application forms and further information can be found at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/newapplicant.htm

All Pre-service Teachers 18 years of age and over will also be required to apply for a Working with Children Check in order to comply with Section 6 of the Working with children Act 2004, in order to complete their school/centre placement. Further information can be foutnd at: http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Special English Entry Requirements 

Applicants must provide evidence of successful study in an English language environment in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Ireland or Canada, for at least two years full-time in the last five years prior to lodging an application.

or

Applicants must provide evidence of being a native English speaker. Suitable evidence of this is that the applicant was born in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Ireland or Canada and that secondary education was undertaken in English.

or

Applicants must provide a satisfactory English language result such as an IELTS at an overall band score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7) or a TOEFL minimum score of 650 including TWE of 5.

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a 120 credit point course.  All Pre-service Teachers are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy. Pre-service Teachers' assignments and examinations must be of an appropriate academic standard.

Part-time mode is possible in the on-campus pathway, but the course would be undertaken over 4 semesters in this mode.

All units are compulsory regardless of the mode of study or pathway. There are no electives. The sequence of units in the part-time mode for the on-campus pathway has some degree of flexibility.