With increasing demand for qualified early childhood professionals and continued strong government support for the sector, there has never been a better time to take the first step into a rewarding, stable and meaningful career. The best way to start is with the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which Chelsea College offers as one of Melbourne's credible providers.
So, whether you are a school leaver, changing careers, an international student or returning to the workforce, below is a quick overview on how to begin your childcare journey in 2026 with a Diploma.
1. Understand Why Childcare is Growing in Melbourne.
As Melbourne's population continues to grow rapidly, demand for trained educators who can assist with children's learning and development has increased dramatically. As a result, positions such as Lead Educator, Early Childhood Educator, Room Leader and Kindergarten Assistant are expected to remain highly sought after in 2026. Now is an ideal time to earn a nationally recognised qualification, such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which provides access to leadership positions and opportunities for ongoing career advancement.
2. Gain Your CHC50121 Diploma at Chelsea College
You can begin your career in childcare by undergoing quality training, which is what Chelsea College offers. Chelsea College's CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will equip you with not only knowledge but also practical skills and the confidence to work within the Early Childhood Care & Education sector.
At Chelsea College, you will learn about:
- Child Development and Behaviour
- The Design and Evaluation of Educational Programs
- Leadership and Team Support
- Inclusive, Play-Based Learning Approaches
- Safe and Healthy Learning Environments
- Effective Communication with Families and Communities
Chelsea College provides flexible options for completing your CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, including online, in-person and hybrid options. This flexibility means that there is less of an impact on your ability to complete your diploma while continuing to work, support your family, or fulfil any other personal commitments. A major reason why many students choose to study with Chelsea College is that they provide government-funded training options (eligibility dependent) and trainers who have extensive industry experience.
3. Complete your Mandatory Work Placement
Having a real-world experience when studying for your diploma in Early Childhood Education will be beneficial for your career. While studying for your diploma, you will complete a number of hours of work placement at a Melbourne or regional childcare centre or another early learning service. This work placement experience will assist you in the following ways:
- Build your confidence to work with children
- Put the concepts you learnt in the classroom into practice
- Improve your communication and teamwork skills
- Enhance your understanding of the daily routine for children
- Build upon your resume by gaining practical skills
4. Apply for your Working with Children Check
Before your employment or placement begins, you will need to obtain your Working with Children Check (Victoria), as it is a requirement when working with or volunteering with children in early childhood environments. The Chelsea College team will assist the student with this process during the onboard stage of the program, ensuring you can commence your education without any confusion.
5. Start Applying for Childcare Job Opportunities in Melbourne
After completion of your Diploma and hours of placement, you will be ready for entry into the Melbourne Childcare Workforce. With your Chelsea College qualification, you will be able to apply for multiple childcare roles, such as:
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Lead Educator/Room Leader
- Kindergarten Assistant
- Outside School Hours Care Educator
- Team Leader/Supervisor (with experience)
The Melbourne Childcare Workforce places tremendous value on graduates of Chelsea College because our students gain a great deal of practical experience, nurture personality traits, and receive the current knowledge base through training at Chelsea College.
6. Develop a Long-Term Career Pathway in Childcare
As a sector, Children’s Services is an ever-growing field. Once you obtain your Diploma, you may wish to pursue Centre Leadership positions or pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education so you can become a Certified Kindergarten Teacher. Many graduates of Chelsea College continue their studies after having established gainful employment in the industry.
To Sum Up
For those interested in entering childcare in 2026, it is definitely a good time since Melbourne continues to show an increase in the number of educator candidates seeking employment. With a combination of a qualification and work experience, candidates will have the opportunity to create a long-term, meaningful and secure career in the early childhood field.
In order to begin this process, Chelsea College offers an excellent program that will provide you with the training you need to become a successful early childhood educator. The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offers flexibility in studying, trained professionals as mentors, skills that can be used on the job and financial support available to assist you while you are completing this program.
