Course Overview

About This Course

Start your journey in early childhood education. Learn how to create safe, caring and inclusive experiences for children in fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate settings.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Albury Campus, Albury NSWArmidale Campus, Armidale NSWBathurst Campus, Bathurst NSWBroken Hill Campus, Broken Hill NSWCampbelltown Campus, Campbelltown NSWCessnock Campus, Cessnock NSWCoffs Harbour Education Campus, Coffs Harbour NSWCoomealla Campus, Coomealla NSWDubbo, Myall Street Campus, Dubbo NSWGlendale Campus, Glendale NSWGrafton Campus, Grafton NSWGriffith Campus, Griffith NSWGunnedah Campus, Gunnedah NSWHornsby Campus, Hornsby NSWKempsey Campus, Kempsey NSWKingscliff Campus, Kingscliff NSWMeadowbank Campus, Meadowbank NSWMenindee Campus, Menindee NSWMiller Campus, Miller NSWMoree Campus, Moree NSWNepean, Kingswood Campus, Kingswood NSWNirimba Campus, Nirimba NSWNowra Campus, Nowra NSWOrange, March Street Campus, Orange NSWOurimbah Campus, Ourimbah NSWPadstow Campus, Padstow NSWPetersham Campus, Petersham NSWPort Macquarie Campus, Port Macquarie NSWRandwick Campus, Randwick NSWShellharbour Campus, Shellharbour NSWSt. Leonards Campus, St. Leonards NSWTamworth Campus, Tamworth NSWTaree Campus, Taree NSWWagga Wagga Campus, Wagga Wagga NSWWilcannia Campus, Wilcannia NSWWollongbar Campus, Wollongbar NSWWollongong Campus, Wollongong NSWYoung Campus, Young NSWAny location via Virtual ClassroomAlbury CampusArmidale CampusBathurst CampusBroken Hill CampusCampbelltown CampusCessnock CampusCoffs Harbour Education CampusCoomealla CampusDubbo, Myall Street CampusGlendale CampusGrafton CampusGriffith CampusGunnedah CampusHornsby CampusKempsey CampusKingscliff CampusMeadowbank CampusMenindee CampusMiller CampusMoree CampusNepean, Kingswood CampusNirimba CampusNowra CampusOrange, March Street CampusOurimbah CampusPadstow CampusPetersham CampusPort Macquarie CampusRandwick CampusShellharbour CampusSt. Leonards CampusTamworth CampusTaree CampusARMIDALEBANKSTOWNBATHURSTCAMPBELTOWNCOFFS HARBOURCARDIFFGriffithKINGSCLIFFLOFTUSMEADOWBANKMILLERQUAKERS HILLBOMADERRYOrangeOURIMBAHPadstowPETERSHAMPORT MACQUARIERANDWICKOAK FLATSST LEONARDSULTIMOTurvey ParkWOLLONGBARWOLLONGONG

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification — you can enrol today.
A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required if you are 18 or older.
Any other evidence required by your work placement provider, such as vaccinations or a police check.
Recommended: ability to problem solve and work with people in challenging situations.
Recommended: empathy, patience and the ability to empower others.
Recommended: strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond to change.
Recommended: physical ability to perform CPR while kneeling on the floor.
Recommended: ability to read, write and speak English at a Year 10 level or equivalent.
Recommended: access to a computer with a stable internet connection.
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
Some campuses may have extra entry requirements — check your preferred location for details.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates may go on to roles including early childhood educator, family day care educator, and early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher. Early childhood teachers teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature to pre-primary students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. The field has an employment size of approximately 21,500 workers, with strong future growth projected. Median weekly pay for full-time workers is $1,160. The course also provides strong pathways to further study including the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5), Certificate III in School Based Education Support, and Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) / AITSL

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / ACECQA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

CHCECE030

Support inclusion and diversity

Core unit

CHCECE031

Support children's health, safety and wellbeing

Core unit

CHCECE032

Nurture babies and toddlers

Core unit

CHCECE033

Develop positive and respectful relationships with children

Core unit

CHCECE034

Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

Core unit

CHCECE035

Support the holistic learning and development of children

Core unit

CHCECE036

Provide experiences to support children's play and learning

Core unit

CHCECE037

Support children to connect with the natural environment

Core unit

CHCECE038

Observe children to inform practice

Core unit

CHCECE054

Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures

Core unit

CHCECE055

Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care

Core unit

CHCECE056

Work effectively in children's education and care

Core unit

CHCPRT025

Identify and report children and young people at risk

Core unit

HLTAID012

Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

Core unit

HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

Core unit

BSBSTR401

Promote innovation in team environments

Specialty unit

BSBSUS411

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Specialty unit

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

Specialty unit

CHCECE039

Comply with family day care administration requirements

Specialty unit

CHCECE040

Attend to daily functions in home-based child care

Specialty unit

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Specialty unit

CHCSAC009

Support the holistic development of children in school age care

Specialty unit

HLTFSE001

Follow basic food safety practices

Specialty unit

BSBPEF401

Manage personal health and wellbeing

Specialty unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units do I need to complete to finish this qualification?

You need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 15 core units and 2 specialty units. Not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location, so it is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units available there.

Can I complete this course as a traineeship?

Yes, this course can be completed as part of a traineeship. You should enquire directly with TAFE NSW to check the specific eligibility requirements for the traineeship pathway.

What support services are available to students undertaking this course?

TAFE NSW provides a range of support services including the Disability Support Service, Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support, Aboriginal Support and Learner support, Careers Counselling and Pathways Service, Libraries, scholarship programs, free Read&Write literacy and study support software, LinkedIn Learning, and student associations.

Can I get credit for previous study or work experience?

Yes, TAFE NSW recognises previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of their courses. If successful, you may complete your qualification faster.

What are the fees for this course and are there any reduced-fee options?

Course fees range from $0 to $11,550 depending on your circumstances. Reduced fee options are available, including a Fee-free option. You should check the specific study option and location for detailed fee information and to determine your eligibility for reduced fees.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $75,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Career Paths

Assistant Educator (Long Day Care)Early Childhood EducatorChildcare WorkerTrainee EducatorFamily Day Care Educator

Key Skills

Supporting children's physical, cognitive, social and emotional developmentPlanning and implementing play-based educational activities aligned to the EYLFProviding appropriate care for babies, toddlers and preschoolersApplying workplace health and safety practices in childcare environmentsIdentifying and responding to indicators of child abuse or neglect

Full Course Overview

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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students