Charles Darwin University
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Become an early childhood teacher with this nationally-accredited 4-year degree combining theory and practical experience. Study flexibly online or on campus while gaining hands-on classroom experience through placements near your home.
Applicants must meet one of the following: successful completion of NT Certificate of Education and Training with ATAR of at least 60, a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher, at least 0.5 year of full-time higher education study, overseas qualifications equivalent to Australian standards, STAT Multiple Choice score of 140, completion of a tertiary preparation course, or acceptable personal competencies statement. A Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance are required before undertaking practical placements. Standard English language proficiency requirements apply.
Core curriculum includes: Human Development and Play Pedagogies, Safe and Healthy Environments for Children, Legislative and Regulatory Compliance, Mathematics in Early Years, Language and Literacy, Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Science and Humanities in Early Childhood, Indigenous Australia studies, Professional Experience units (80 days minimum), Early Years Language and Literacy, Arts Music and Movement, Teaching English as an Additional Language, Equity Inclusion and Diversity, Health Environment and Wellbeing, Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood, Curriculum and Programming, Assessment for Learning, Cultural Capabilities, Group Work Dynamics, First Nations Languages and Literacies, Teacher Professional Identities, and Researching Professional Practices. Students also select 30 credit points of general electives.
Charles Darwin University offers flexible early childhood teacher education with unique opportunities for regional and remote placements. CDU's program is nationally accredited through ACECQA and provides practical experience close to students' homes. The university combines theory-based learning with extensive supervised practice teaching, preparing graduates to work confidently in diverse early childhood settings across Australia. CDU's commitment to Indigenous education and cultural competency ensures graduates understand the needs of diverse learners and communities.
Graduates are qualified to work as Early Childhood Teachers in prior-to-school settings including early learning centres, long day care services, family day care, and preschools. Upon completion, graduates receive recognition as Early Childhood Teachers from ACECQA and are eligible for Provisional Teacher Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory. Career opportunities extend across Australia in various early childhood education and care settings, with potential for leadership roles in educational institutions.