Program Overview

CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Overview

The CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is suited to the role of workers in a range of Early Childhood Educational settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 880 Hours
• AQF Level: 3
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): 160 Hours

Accreditation

• State Government Funding

Course Overview

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides individuals with the foundational skills to support the development and well-being of children in early learning environments. This course covers essential topics such as childhood development, health and safety, and supporting play-based learning.

Why Study Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Monthly Intakes: New batches starting bi-monthly.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

• 17 units of competency are required for this qualification.
  • 15 core units
  • 2 elective units

Core Units

• CHCECE056 | Work Effectively in Children’s Education & Care
• CHCECE055 | Meet Legal and Ethical Obligations in Children’s Education & Care
• CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children
• CHCECE034 | Use an approved Learning Framework to guide practice
• CHCPRT001 | Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk
• CHCECE032 | Nurture Babies and Toddlers
• CHCECE033 | Develop Positive and Respectful Relationships with Children
• CHCECE038 | Observe Children to Inform Practice
• CHCECE031 | Support Children’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• CHCECE036 | Provide Experiences to Support Children’s Play and Learning
• CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment
• CHCECE030 | Support Inclusion & Diversity
• CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures
• HLTWHS001 | Participate in Workplace Health and Safety
• HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

Elective Units

• CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2026

Pathways

• Pathways from this Course:
  • CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Associate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
  • Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood or Primary School Teaching

Possible Career Outcomes

• Early Childhood Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• Kindergarten Assistant
• Long Day Care Educator

Fees & Funding

• Was: $3,499
• Now: $2,499

State Government Funding

• Victoria: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• Western Australia: If the student is eligible for Government funding, student pays: $0*

Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

• Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is an essential component of most of the units of this course.
• Students will commence the PEP upon the completion of theory assessments and SBA.
• During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this course.
• They are to complete 160 hours of PEP in a regulated childcare centre (long day care) that provides three different age groups (infant, toddlers and pre-schoolers).
• Students will have to undertake the PEP at the end of the course.

Entry Requirements

• There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however applicants should demonstrate ability to perform task as required by the industry.
• IHNA Admission Requirements:
  • Applicants are required to be 17 years and 03 months old and above
  • Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 or equivalent*
  • Successful completion of the language, literary and numeracy (LLN) test and demonstration of competence level as exit level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
  • Mature age students (22+) will also be considered without the minimum education requirements. Each case will be reviewed individually to ascertain the capacity of the student to meet course requirements

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

• All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course.
• IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

Professional Experience Placement Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation is required prior to undertaking ‘Professional Experience Placement’(PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Please declare in your application if you have a disability, disorder, or if you’re on any medication that’ll require reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements.
• Working with Children Check: Student may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. However, before Student can be allowed contact with these minors Student needs to obtain a Working with Children (WWC) Check

How is the Course Assessed?

• The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.
  • Questions
  • Projects
  • Simulations

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
• Credit Transfer(CT)
  • We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course.
  • We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment.
  • Assessing a CT is free.

Ready to Apply?

• Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
• Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
• Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
• Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course.
• Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long it will take to complete this course?
  • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care courses is 52 weeks long. But you can fast-track the study.
• How many days I must visit campus for SBA?
  • One to two weeks
• Is there any flexibility in attending SBA?
  • It is preferable to attend SBA in a childcare simulated environment.
• How long it will take to complete the professional placement?
  • 3 to 4 weeks (160 hours)
• Are the SBA and PEP (Professional Experience Placement) mandatory?
  • Yes, student must finish both SBA and PEP component of the course.