The Diploma of Education Support is the highest level of accredited training for education support workers within the education support suite of products.

It is a nationally accredited qualification which allows participants to broaden their skills and knowledge in the field of education support work. It facilitates articulation into teaching degrees at university.

To undertake the Diploma of Education Support the applicant must demonstrate significant experience in a direct learning support role as an education support worker, teacher aide, child care worker, home/volunteer tutor or similar role or successful completion of a Certificate IV in Education Support.

Participants will learn to provide a high level of classroom support to teachers, tutor students with high level needs, prepare learning materials, supervise learning activities and groups of students and make substantial contributions to the school environment.

The Diploma of Education Support - Online is a VET FEE-HELP approved course.  For more information go to VET FEE-HELP or contact the Customer Service Unit on (07) 5581 8300. 

CRICOS provider code 03037G

Application mode Enrol Direct with GCIT

Functional Area General Education

Skill area Education support

Career Education Aides   Language/Literacy Worker   Teachers' Aide  

Areas of study include literacy and numeracy, policies and procedures, behaviour guidance, supporting students with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, developmental needs and facilitating group and individual based learning.

• Successful completion of Certificate IV Education Support OR  
• Evidence of significant experience in direct learning support roles.  Any student who has previously completed vocational placement for the Certificate III in Education Support may include this as part of their employment experience. Evidence will need to be validated prior to enrolment. Evidence of experience may include, but is not limited to, a Principal’s endorsement letter, payslips or a statement of service. To confirm eligibility please email educationsupport.gcit@gcit.edu.au
• Have access to the internet and have an email account.
• Have Microsoft Word or Office for Mac on your computer.
• Be able to undertake vocational placement throughout the program.
• Be eligible for a Working with Children check or state equivalent (commonly known in Qld as a Blue Card) 1800 113 611 or www.bluecard.qld.gov.au.

This course is offered full-time or part-time online and is Austudy approved. To find out more about your eligibility for Austudy contact Centrelink on 13 2490 or www.centrelink.gov.au  

All theoretical components of this program are presented online on the my.TAFE platform (http://my.tafe.qld.gov.au).  Participants will be provided with a login and password at time of enrolment. You will be able to study at a time and place that suits your needs and you are not required to attend the campus. Assessments consist of assignments that are submitted online.  There are no exams.

Participation in the course is supported by qualified and experienced teachers in this field who are available via email, phone, chat rooms, forums or by appointment where applicable.

This online program is scheduled over a 12 month full-time intensive period or 24 months part-time. Enrolments are by semester only. Students are required to re-enrol prior to the start of each semester.  To complete the course in this time it would be expected that the participant would study for approximately 6 hours per week per module. The number of modules can vary from 2-3 per week for full-time students or 1-2 modules for part-time students.

Vocational Placement
It is mandatory for participants who are not currently employed in the industry to undertake 200 hours of vocational placement throughout the duration of the course, as assessment needs to occur in the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL provides students an opportunity to have their current skills and competencies recognised. This process requires students to gather evidence confirming their competency. A content specialist will advise you in this task. If you are deemed competent, through the RPL process, you will be exempt from studying the identified units.  Please contact the teaching team on (07) 5581 8643.  GCIT Student Financial Loans apply to RPL. 

Career prospects nationally may include:

• Education support worker
• Teacher aide
• Teacher assistant
• Support worker (children with disabilities)
• Education assistant
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education officer/worker
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander language and culture teaching assistant
• Homeland teaching assistant
• Inclusion supports facilitator

Articulation
Students completing this Diploma may gain entry and obtain advanced standing in university degree programs.  The amount of credits will depend on the course and university.  Contact the university of your choice for more information prior to enrolling at GCIT.

This TAFE course can articulate to (but is not limited to) the following university programs:
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Primary School) - James Cook University
Bachelor of Education (Middle School, Secondary School) - James Cook University
Bachelor of Education (Primary Special Needs, Secondary Physical Education, Secondary Vocational Education) - James Cook University
Bachelor of Education (Primary Physical Education) - James Cook University
Bachelor of Education - University of Southern Queensland
Bachelor of Social Science - Southern Cross University

Relevant documents

• Diploma of Education Support - Online Full-time January 2013 VET FEE-HELP Schedule (55859 Kb)
• Diploma of Education Support - Online Part-time January 2013 VET FEE-HELP Schedule (56949 Kb)

Prices shown are for Semester 1, 2013 as a guide - for future start dates, please check the price with us before enrolling.
(Course content, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice.)