Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia, supporting children's wellbeing and development within an approved learning framework. This qualification is the minimum requirement to work in early childhood settings.

Across its 17 units of competency (15 core, 2 elective), students cover supporting inclusion and diversity, children's health, safety and wellbeing, nurturing babies and toddlers, using an approved learning framework, supporting holistic learning, observing children to inform practice, and meeting legal and ethical obligations.

Students attend 14 hours/week of face-to-face classes and 6 hours/week of online self-study, plus 160 hours of practical work placement, at the Sydney CBD campus. The course also includes a weekly 2-hour facilitated playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, giving students hands-on teaching practice under trainer supervision. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Early Childhood Educator, family day care educator, preschool assistant, nanny, or Outside School Hours Care educator, with a pathway into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.