Foundation Education
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CHC30121 / CHC50121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Prepare to launch your career in a fast-growing industry by gaining the necessary skills and training to work in early childhood education.

New Year, New CareerNew Year, New Career

Establish a new career in early childhood education with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care 

If you are a kind, highly motivated person with a passion for educating preschool-aged children, a career in early childhood education might be for you!

The combined CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated long day care centres, family day care, preschools or kindergartens in Australia. 

With Australia's population growth predicted to continue, careers in early childhood education are becoming more widely available across Australia. Passionate, qualified workers are in high demand.  

Upon completing this combined course, you will be qualified to apply for a variety of roles, including Childcare Assistant, Long Day Care Educator, Group Leader, and Childcare Director. You will engage the skills you developed during your training to use discretion and judgement when carrying out your work in the context of established policies and procedures. Taking a holistic approach, early childhood educators focus on basic counting and literacy skills and promote development in art and music. Your role will also be to ensure the basic health and wellbeing of the children in your care. From developing and implementing a curriculum to providing enriching activities for your charges, you will play a crucial role in supporting the early education needs of young children.  

Delivered online with practical requirements of a combined 440 hours in a childcare facility, The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will ensure you are job-ready in 3 years from commencing your studies. 

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a Nationally Recognised course.

Course Outcomes

The skills and knowledge gained from the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are nationally recognised, enabling you to apply for skilled leadership positions in early childhood education. Your job prospects include but are certainly not limited to the following highly in-demand roles.

Long_Day_Care_Worker

Long Day Care Educator

Working in a Long Day Care Centre, you’ll be in an environment that supports working parents, as these centres provide education and care for children from babies to the age of 12. They usually operate at least 10 hours a day, Monday to Friday, for at least 48 weeks a year and provide full or part-time care. Children may be grouped together according to their age and developmental stage and an approved kindergarten program may also be offered. 

Kindergarten_Assistant

Kindergarten Assistant

As a Kindergarten Assistant, you’ll be working in a childhood education environment that is tailored to helping prepare children for prep. You’ll support children with play-based learning and help them to expand their physical abilities, build their confidence and enhance their social skills. Kindergartens usually operate during school hours each school term, and many offer programs for 6 hours a day, 5 days a fortnight during each school term.  

Childcare_Assistant

Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant provides care and structured learning to children, usually in a day care centre. As a Childcare Assistant, you’ll provide a caring, non-judgemental and supportive environment for all children and their families. You’ll supervise children as they learn and play, provide comfort and reassurance, plan stimulating activities, and keep children clean and safe.  

Early_Childhood_Educator

Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator, also referred to as a Childcare Worker, is responsible for the care and early education of babies and young children. They work in a range of settings, including kindergartens, childcare centres, community centres or schools. As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children's wellbeing, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or on their own within a team. 

Lead_Educator

Lead Educator

The role of Lead Educator will vary depending on the educational environment, but in general, you will be developing and delivering a quality education program and practice and supporting children to participate in the program. You’ll work closely with the Childcare Director or Childcare Manager, and establish positive relationships with children and families. You’ll also coach and supervise other Educators.  

Childcare_Director

Childcare Director

As Childcare Director, you’ll occupy the most senior position at a childcare centre and be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations. You’ll ensure a safe and educational environment for young children, manage childcare educators, develop learning programs in coordination with your team and communicate with parents. Your key duties will include the overall planning, administration, marketing and resourcing of the centre. 

Educational_Leader

Educational Leader

The role of Educational Leader within an early childhood learning environment is primarily about guiding and developing educators’ and families’ understandings about play and leisure-based learning, and the significance of the early years in the education continuum for children. 

Assistant_Director

Assistant Director

In the role of Assistant Director to the Childcare Director, you’ll support in the running of operations and the overall leadership of the Centre. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with the Centre Director and hone your leadership skills, as you manage and mentor a team of educators in their work with children and families. 

Group_Leader

Group Leader

A Child Care Group Leader takes responsibility for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the daily education program. As Group Leader, you will lead the preparation of materials and equipment to support children’s learning, play and development. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring, assessing and documenting the children's individual progress. You’ll ensure the health and safety of children, support the inclusion of all children and develop positive and respectful relationships with the children in your care. 

Course snapshot
Qualification

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Delivery structure

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Theoretical Elements:

Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform. 

Practical Elements:

For mandatory work placement (160 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care service provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent). 

Diploma of Early Childhood Education

Theoretical Elements:

Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Practical Elements:

For mandatory work placement (280 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent). 

Duration

Up to 36 months

Study load

This bundle qualification must be completed in the following order.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care:

  • Up to 18 months to complete CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
  • 17 course units to complete.
  • Submit 1 course unit every month to graduate in 18 months.
  • 160 hours of mandatory work placement.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care:

  • Up to 18 months to complete CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
  • 15 course units to complete.
  • Submit 1 course unit every month to graduate in 18 months.
  • 280 hours of mandatory work placement.
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Delivery Structure

Starting with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and then moving into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care the entire course can be broken down into four parts:

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1. Theoretical

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care - Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Components

Award Icon
17 course units to complete.
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Completed online, at your own pace.
Practical Icon

2. Work Placement

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – for mandatory work placement (160 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care service provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent).

Components

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Students must apply for their Working with Children Check at course commencement.
Work Placement Icon
Where required, we may assist you in identifying work placement options.
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3. Theoretical

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Components

Award Icon
15 course units to complete.
Computer Icon
Completed online, at your own pace.

Resources Required

For the online part of the course, you’ll need regular access to:

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points.

Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended).

Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above.

MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later.

Internet Browser: Google Chrome, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.

Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).

Office Equipment:  Printer and scanner to print and upload some of your assessments.

Mobile Phone with Video Capability or Video Camera: Some assessments in your course may require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment.

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4. Work Placement

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - for mandatory work placement (280 hours), students must have access to a regulated education and care provider in Australia, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, AND access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent).

Components

Check Icon
Students must apply for their Working with Children Check at course commencement.
Work Placement Icon
Where required, we may assist you in identifying work placement options.
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Units

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency:

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Cost & Payment

You can pay for your course upfront via VISA/MasterCard or a bank deposit. Alternatively, we offer instalment plans that can be paid over several weeks or fortnights.

Your course fee includes

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Delivery and assessment of your qualification

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Study materials (including all resources)

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Ongoing support from our Education Team

We offer two payment methods

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Full fee upfront

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Instalment plans

For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 197.

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