Frequently Asked Questions

What courses do you offer?


We offer online and class based courses for early childhood educators. When you study with us you can choose from either of the following courses:

How long does a course take to complete?


Course completion times can vary from person to person, but please see below for estimated study times:

When do the in-person classes run?

In person classes have temporarily moved online due to COVID-19.

  • Wednesday - Day time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

  • Evenings - Tuesday + Thursday: 6:00pm - 9:00pm both nights.

Where do the in-person classes take place?


Classes will now take place live online until it is safe to return to in-person group sessions.

When we do return to in-person classes, they will be run at our state of the art training facility at 600 Collins street in Melbourne’s CBD.  Access to both course books and computers will be available on-site to all enrolled students.  

What are the classes like?   


Classes are a dynamic learning environment where students will learn about real life work scenarios. You will partner with trainers who have exceptional experience working in early childhood and care deeply about training the new wave of educators. This will be a personal, hands on experience where each class will be filled with new, exciting content. 

Are practical placements required for the class based training ?

Yes, There is a requirement of 240 hours of practical placement in an Early Childcare Service throughout the duration of the course. ECT can assist in sourcing potential placements for students however ultimate responsibility rests with the student. 

What skills and qualifications will students take away from the online and class based training?

  • A qualification. 

  • Build amazing confidence in running a team.

  • Understand how best to manage a centre room. 

  • Perfect your leadership skills

  • Learn about children’s development

  • Gain useful insights on how to support children in all aspects of behaviors.

What is an RTO?


An RTO or Registered Training Organisation is a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) – or, in some cases, a state regulator –  to deliver vocational education and training (VET) services.

RTOs are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.


What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?


RPL is when a training provider gives recognition to a person for part of a course, or the whole course, without them having to do the study for that course.

RPL may be granted if you can show you have already completed learning through previous experience or have developed the skills in the workplace.

RPL will allow you to:

  • complete the course at a faster rate

  • only do new work (you won’t need to repeat work you’ve already completed)

  • have your knowledge and skill level recognised

How do I get RPL?

RPL suitability will be assessed during your enrolment. If you’d like to know more about your RPL opportunities, please call us on 1300 139 778.

How do I start learning?

When you’re ready to enrol in one of our training courses, we’ll meet you to complete your enrolment paperwork. Once you pay the enrolment fee, we’ll organise your commencement day and you can start studying.

For Online courses, you can work at your own pace within the course guidelines. And you’ll have access to your trainer to ask questions or get support any time. Your trainer will arrange regular visits to see you at your workplace (or at home if you’re not working). They’ll discuss your study and assess each unit as you complete them.

For Class based courses, we’ll schedule in a commencement date and then you can start your hands-on training. You’ll have constant access to trainers with incredible industry experience

Are there flexible study options?

We understand that life gets busy and studying can be a juggling act. We’re very flexible in helping you achieve your training goals.

You’ll have regular contact with your course trainer, which means there’s constant support available whenever you need it.

Are there flexible payment options?

ECT offers a variety of payment options, students may qualify for Government funding to help pay for the tuition fees for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Do you support students with a disability?

At ECT, we acknowledge that people with disabilities have a right to access and participate in education and training. We will discuss your needs during your enrolment so tailored support can be put in place for you.

We will make every reasonable adjustment to the course. You can trust us to support you if you identify as having a disability, including physical or learning disabilities, chronic medical conditions or mental illness.  


How soon can I start?

As soon as you’re ready! You might be able to enrol today. If you’re not ready, but you have some questions about the training – we can help. Give us a call on 1300 139 778 – we’ll answer your questions without any obligation to enrol.

Speak to one of our friendly, experienced, early childhood trainers today and get all your questions answered.