Course Overview

About This Course

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for those who are passionate about the development of young children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments. The qualification can lead to entry-level job opportunities in home, childcare centre or school-based settings, and many graduates go on to study higher-level courses while working in the field.

International students complete the course over a maximum duration of 52 weeks (40 tuition weeks plus up to 12 weeks of breaks), delivered face-to-face on campus at Southbank with 20 hours of delivery per week. Training is practical and engaging, involving projects, simulations, research, case studies and direct observation of practical skills, alongside a minimum of 160 hours of vocational placement with an approved education and care service provider.

Placement hours are supervised by professional staff, with assessments facilitated by Stirling trainers and assessors. Graduates may progress to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

99 Queensbridge Street, Level G, SOUTHBANK, VIC 3006

Open in Maps ↗

Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative $5,407.04 (Victorian Government-subsidised course fee for eligible students under Skills First; eligibility criteria apply). Full fee schedule at sia.edu.au/course-fees.

Duration

35 tuition weeks (excluding holidays)

Study Mode

Face-to-face classroom-based, with some sessions delivered virtually via Zoom, plus 160 hours work placement

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

Pre-training review to confirm the appropriate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy (test result must be within the last 12 months, where supplied)
Basic computer skills
At least 16 years old (enrolment form must be signed by a parent or guardian if under 18)
A satisfactory National Police Check (NPC), and a Statutory Declaration if the student has resided in another country from age 16 as a permanent resident or citizen
A satisfactory Working with Children Check
Completion of mandatory national child safety training

International Students

Pre-training review to confirm the appropriate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy (test result must be within the last 12 months, where supplied)
IELTS test with an average score of 6.0 (no individual band below 5.5) or equivalent
Basic computer skills
At least 18 years old
A satisfactory National Police Check (NPC), and a Statutory Declaration if the student has resided in another country from age 16 as a permanent resident or citizen
A satisfactory Working with Children Check
Immunisation records may be requested to start vocational placement
Completion of mandatory national child safety training

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Family day care carer
Early childhood educator
Kindergarten assistant
Nanny

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 Units17 units

HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

Core unit

CHCECE031

Support children's health, safety and wellbeing

Core unit

CHCPRT025

Identify and report children and young people at risk

Core unit

CHCECE034

Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

Core unit

CHCECE055

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

Core unit

HLTAID012

Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

Core unit

CHCECE030

Support inclusion and diversity

Core unit

CHCECE054

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

Core unit

CHCECE032

Provide care for babies and toddlers

Core unit

CHCECE033

Develop positive and respectful relationships with children

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

CHCECE056

Work effectively in children's education and care

Core unit

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

Elective unit

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Stirling Institute of Australia?

The estimated total course cost is $AU 12,150, which includes a tuition fee of $AU 11,750 and a non-tuition fee of $AU 400.

How long does the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care take to complete?

The course duration is 52 weeks.

What is the CRICOS course code for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Stirling Institute of Australia?

The CRICOS course code is 108679M and the VET National Code is CHC30121.

Where is Stirling Institute of Australia located?

Stirling Institute of Australia is located at Ground Floor, 99 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006.

Who should I contact for more information about enrolling in this course?

You can contact Hinna Khan, Data and Finance Manager, by phone at 1300790265 or by email at hinna.khan@sia.edu.au.

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

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students