Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Swinburne University of Technology

CRICOS Institution Code 00111D

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

On Campus

Study Load

Full-time · Approximately 24 hours of on-campus attendance per week (classes timetabled across 4 days, 8:30am–3:30pm), plus approximately 20–40 hours of self-managed study outside scheduled classes over the duration of the course.

Intakes

VET Feb Intake: 01-February-2027 (Hawthorn)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Overview

About This Course

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care offers practical skills to work in a range of early childhood settings. This course teaches essential skills in areas such as how to communicate with children, support play and learning/basic development needs, provide food and basic health services including first aid and work health and safety processes. With national accreditation, this course enables you to apply for work across most of Australia upon graduation. Choose between full-time on-campus classes or traineeship models, each providing sufficient hours of practical experience to grow your confidence and skills. The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies. To discuss your study options, please get in touch with us today. The July 2026 intake at the Wantirna campus has been cancelled. The next available intakes are July 2026 at the Hawthorn campus and February 2027 at Wantirna. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today. Along the way you'll build skills in areas like Child-centred practice, Ethical and legal responsibility, Workplace readiness, Reflective practice, Teamwork and communication. Graduates typically move into roles such as Early childhood educator (assistant) educational programs, Family day care educator, Outside school hours care (OSHC) assistant, Playgroup advisor, Nanny. 91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

13700

Duration

52 weeks

Intakes

VET Feb Intake: 01-February-2027 (Hawthorn)

Study Mode

Full-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Able to get up and down off the floor easily
Able to lift/ carry young children safely
Able to perform the physical activities required to pass the unit called "Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting" (Unit Code HLTAID012) ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Use email effectively
Create files and folders
Upload and download files
Log in using a username and password
Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
Students will need to supply their own device and internet service to access the learning management system. Mandatory documentation: Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.

International students:

Able to get up and down off the floor easily
Able to lift/ carry young children safely
Able to perform the physical activities required to pass the unit called "Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting" (Unit Code HLTAID012) ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Use email effectively
Create files and folders
Upload and download files
Log in using a username and password
Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
Students will need to supply their own device and internet service to access the learning management system. Mandatory documentation: Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5
Equivalent measures available at English language requirements

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Early childhood educator (assistant) educational programs
Family day care educator
Outside school hours care (OSHC) assistant
Playgroup advisor
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

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

CHCPRT001

Identify and respond to 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

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

Elective unit

BSBPEF403

Lead personal development

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Working with Children Check to enrol in this course?

Yes. All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) and must hold it for the duration of the program.

Are there any physical requirements for this course?

Yes. Students must be physically capable of responding effectively to an emergency situation, including being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously (simulated with a mannequin in unit HLTAID012 – Provide emergency first aid in an education and care setting). Students must also be able to get up and down off the floor easily and lift/carry young children safely.

Is this course available for free under the Free TAFE scheme?

Yes. The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) is listed as a Free TAFE course for domestic students.

Can I get credit for previous study or work experience?

Yes. Credit transfer is available for academic credits gained through formal study completed at another institute or in another qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is also available, which is an assessment process that allows you to provide evidence of skills and knowledge acquired over your lifetime against the requirements of specific units.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

International students must demonstrate satisfactory completion of an English language requirement, including an IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5, or equivalent measures. The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can also be taken at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$55,000 – $65,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$65,000 – $75,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$75,000 – $90,000/yr

Career Paths

Assistant Educator (Long Day Care)
Early Childhood Educator
Childcare Worker
Trainee Educator
Family Day Care Educator

Key Skills

Supporting children's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development
Planning and implementing play-based educational activities aligned to the EYLF
Providing appropriate care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Applying workplace health and safety practices in childcare environments
Identifying and responding to indicators of child abuse or neglect

Full course overview

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India

Master of Nursing · Griffith University

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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