Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support

Extend your understanding of early childhood disability support and education

This program covers the constructs of holistic child development by focusing on young children's development in the context of their family/carers and early childhood settings.

Study anytime, anywhere with our flexible learning options to study at a time and pace that works for you. This course is a pathway to the Master of Special and Inclusive Education.

Learn about evidence-based communication skills and strategies to promote language and communication systems within the context of early childhood education and care. Increase your knowledge of children's social and emotional development and positive behaviour support. Explore ways to collaborate with families and other disciplines in early intervention. This is all within the context of early childhood education and care.

what you will study

The four core courses will support your skill development across a range of disability support areas. These include:

• Supporting communication skills
• Contemporary issues in early childhood intervention
• Social-emotional learning and positive behaviour support for children 0-5 years
• Collaborative and inter-disciplinary approaches in early childhood intervention.

Should you choose to continue your studies, completion of this program articulates as half of the Master of Special and Inclusive Education, with an Early Childhood specialisation.

Find out when applications close for available intakes

Review the information below and submit your application now.

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open. Review the information below and submit your application now.

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

To ensure a smooth application process, please complete the following steps before applying:

Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle’s English Language Proficiency requirements.

Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.

In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.

Your learning journey will empower you to apply research-based strategies to your curriculum or professional context.

Upon completion, qualified educators will be equipped with skills and knowledge to assess student needs, abilities, and address identified learning difficulties or challenge-specific areas. Career pathways include inclusive and/or specialist education settings, disability support, and early childhood intervention services.

For graduates with a prior degree in an allied health related field – you can be part of a brighter future in community or disability service provision.

Please note the program does not provide a pre-service teaching qualification.

Education Administration, Leadership and Teaching roles (for professional accredited educators) include:

• Special and inclusive education teachers
• School-based executive positions – i.e. Assistant Principal
• Special Education, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support.

Non teaching roles include:

• Educational administrator
• Disability support worker.

Career pathways for those with an allied health degree include:

• Special care worker
• Therapeutic support staff.