How flexible is your online self-paced childcare course?
Our online childcare courses are designed to be genuinely flexible, allowing you to study at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
With our self-paced delivery model, you control how quickly or gradually you progress through the course. Once you complete a unit of competency, the next unit is released, allowing you to move forward step by step without pressure or fixed deadlines.
You can study when it suits you, fit learning around work and family commitments, and access ongoing trainer support as you progress. This approach ensures you receive the guidance you need while maintaining the flexibility to complete your qualification in a way that works for you.
How does the Self-Paced Online diploma in childcare work?
Our self-paced online course is designed to give you maximum flexibility while still providing ongoing trainer interaction and support. This delivery mode includes:
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Access to pre-recorded Zoom classes, which you can watch at a time that suits you
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Completion of learning and assessment activities at your own pace
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Email and telephone support from your allocated trainer, whenever required
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Optional Zoom support sessions with your trainer, if and when needed
With our self-paced delivery model, you control the speed at which you complete this child care qualification. There is no minimum or maximum course duration, allowing you to progress in a way that fits around your work, family, and other commitments.
Am I eligible for Government Funded Training?
To be eligible for Government Subsidised Training in 2026, you must:
- Be either an Australian, New Zealand Citizen or a Permanent Resident
- Live or work in South Australia
Contact one of our consultants to see if you qualify for Government Funded Training in 2026.
Do I need any additional equipment to study the Diploma in childcare online?
Importantly, you won’t need any additional equipment other than your home computer/laptop and of course access to the internet (earphones are optional).
Are there any additional course requirements and/or charges?
Prior to commencing practical placement (and employment in a child care service), anyone studying early childhood MUST hold the following:
- Working with Children Check (approx $68.75)
- Foundations of Child Safety (GECCKO) – Free online course
- Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect Training (RRHAN) – Free online course but ONLY required in South Australia.
Do I need to complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood before I enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood?
There are new entry requirements for the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This course is now open to Individuals who hold one of the following:
- CHC30121 /CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Alternatively, individuals who hold an Australian Certificate III in Children’s Services can also enrol if they have either:
- At least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence OR;
- The Skill Set CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The required Skill Set CHCSS00147 – Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is now available at Suzan Johnston Australia.
Will I need to buy textbooks during my diploma of childcare course?
No. All learning materials and online resources are provided and included in your course fees.
Will I need to arrange my own Practical Placement during my diploma in childcare course?
Practical Placement is an important and mandatory component of all childcare courses. Accordingly, we will assist you in finding and coordinating your practical placement. Over the past 32 years Suzan Johnston Australia has forged strong relationships within the children’s services industry and we have a network of childcare centres who regularly (and very happily) host our students’ practical placements.
I’m currently working in an early childhood service, how does practical placement work? Can I do all 280 hours of placement in my current centre/room?
This ECEC training package requires that your Practical Placement be completed within approved child care centres that are regulated by the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Regulated child care services can include:
- long day care
- family day care
- preschool/kindergarten
- and outside school hours care services.
So yes, if you are already employed as an educator (within a regulated child care service) your paid hours of employment can be used towards meeting all the practical placement requirements of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification – making things nice and easy!
Can I gain employment whilst I’m completing the Diploma of Early Childhood Course?
Our reputation and our success in producing quality and well-trained diploma educators is second to none. As a result, the majority of our childcare students are able to gain ongoing part-time or casual employment as a result of their practical placement (whilst they are still completing their studies). Any paid hours of employment can be contributed towards meeting the practical placement requirements of the childcare diploma.
Does the diploma of childcare course include exams?
Our childcare courses do not include any scary or stressful exams. Assessments generally involve completing a range of relevant and interesting exercises/activities. You will also be observed and assessed performing your duties within the workplace (during your practical placement).
What are the career opportunities for students who graduate with a Suzan Johnston diploma in childcare?
Based on our industry feedback, it is anticipated that the childcare industry will continue to experience enormous and unprecedented growth and expansion in 2026 and beyond. Accordingly, industry demand for quality educators (who hold a Diploma of Early Childhood qualification) will continue to exceed supply.
Our CH50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care has been designed to empower learners with the highest calibre of skills and knowledge. With our highly respected qualification, our diploma graduates can gain employment in a wide variety of roles including Childcare Educator (within either a childcare centre or kindergarten) through to roles as a Centre Manager/Director/Owner.
Am I eligible to enrol in a government-funded childcare course?
Our CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is approved for government funding in South Australia only, subject to eligibility criteria.
To find out if you are eligible for a government-subsidised childcare course, speak to one of our course consultants. They will be able to clarify this with you over the phone – it will only take a minute!
What study pathways are available to me after I finish the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?
Should you decide to further your studies after completing the Diploma of Early Childhood, you may transition to a higher-level childcare qualification with credits into a Bachelor’s degree at university.
How do I enrol in the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?
If you would like to proceed with your enrolment in our CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, please contact us on 9654 0999 so the relevant Online Enrolment Package can be forwarded to you.
Why choose Suzan Johnston Australia?
Trusted. Supportive. Proven.
✔ Established in 1959
One of Australia’s most respected training organisations, with decades of experience delivering quality education.
✔ Nationally Recognised Childcare Qualifications
Delivering accredited early childhood education and care training since 1994.
✔ Flexible, Self-Paced Online Learning
Study from home, at a time and pace that suits you – no fixed class times.
✔ Ongoing Trainer Support
Dedicated, experienced trainers support you from enrolment through to completion – every step of the way.
✔ Personalised, Student-Centred Approach
Your individual learning needs are respected and supported throughout your course.
✔ Highly Regarded by Employers
Our childcare graduates are known as confident, capable professionals and are actively sought after across Australia.
✔ Strong Employment Outcomes
In 2024 & 2025, 100% of our Diploma of Early Childhood course graduates were successful in finding employment during their course (before their graduation)!