Program Overview

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognized qualification that opens the door to a rewarding career in childcare. This certificate is modelled around the role of educators in early childhood education and care in Australia, providing students with the skills to properly support children's wellbeing and development.

Course Overview

Upon completion of this certificate, students will have the ability and confidence to work in a long day care centre, family day care, preschools, or kindergartens. The course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills, making them job-ready.

Why Choose This Course?

• Get job-ready with hands-on experience and practical skills
• Study your way with a mix of online learning and work-based delivery
• In-demand qualification with strong employment prospects
• Supportive trainers who know the sector inside out
• Government funding may be available

Course Details

• Course ID: CHC30121
• Study Option: Full or Part-Time
• How You'll Learn: Blended: Online & Workplace
• How Long:
  • Full-time: 52 weeks - 8 study hrs/week + 2 practical days/week
  • Part-time: 104 weeks - 4 study hrs/week + 1 practical day/week
• Practical Hours: Complete 160 hours in a regulated early childhood service in Australia

What You'll Learn

Students will graduate with strengths in:

• Child Development: Understand how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to age five, and how to support them at each stage.
• Program Planning: Learn how to design engaging, age-appropriate activities aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
• Health & Safety: Promote a safe, healthy, and hygienic environment for children in your care.
• Communication & Relationships: Build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues in early learning settings.
• Legal & Ethical Practice: Understand your responsibilities when working in regulated care environments, including child protection and privacy.
• Work Placement Experience: Apply your knowledge in a real-world setting with hands-on experience in an approved childcare service.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is CHC30121 ideal for?
  • People starting their career in early childhood education
  • School leavers or career changers
  • Those already working in a centre who need formal qualification
  • Anyone wanting a nationally recognised Certificate III to meet ACECQA requirements
• What topics are covered in CHC30121?
  • Supporting behaviour and wellbeing
  • Providing care routines and safe environments
  • Child development and learning
  • Cultural diversity and inclusion
  • Workplace safety and legal obligations
  • Child health and first aid (HLTAID012)
  • Documentation, observation, and planning
  • Effective communication and teamwork
• What will I learn from CHC30121?
  • Support children's health, safety, and wellbeing
  • Foster and guide children's play and learning
  • Develop positive and respectful relationships with children and families
  • Promote and support cultural competence and inclusion
  • Implement approved learning frameworks
  • Observe, document, and plan for children's development
  • Participate in workplace health and safety and legal compliance
• What will I get from studying CHC30121?
  • Qualified trainer support with regular workplace visits
  • Nationally recognised certificate
  • Access to learning management system
  • Practical experience through workplace hours (minimum 160 hours)
• What are the prerequisites for CHC30121?
  • No formal prior study needed
  • Basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills are required
  • Access to a regulated education and care service to complete placement
  • Access to computer and internet connection is essential for learning materials, assessments, and submissions
• How many units need to be completed in CHC30121?
  • 17 units
• What units make up CHC30121?
  • CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
  • CHCECE031 Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
  • CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
  • CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
  • CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
  • CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
  • CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
  • CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
  • CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
  • CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
  • CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
  • CHCECE056 Work effectively in children's education and care
  • CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
  • HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
  • HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
  • HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices
• How is learning assessed for CHC30121? Are there exams?
  • Skills are checked through quizzes, written tasks, projects, role plays, workplace observations, and feedback from supervisors or mentors. There are no exams.
• How can CHC30121 be paid for?
  • Depending on the location, state government programs may help cover training costs. Flexible payment options are also available, including credit card, direct debit, and payment plans.
• What are the career opportunities for CHC30121?
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Family Day Care Educator
  • Nanny
  • Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Assistant
  • Playgroup Supervisor
  • Childcare Assistant / Childcare Worker
• What are the pathways from CHC30121?
  • Finishing this course opens the door to starting the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.