Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Thames International College teaches you how to support children's health, safety, learning and development in early childhood services. It is a practical, entry-level qualification for people starting a career working with young children, and it includes 160 hours of work placement in an approved childcare centre where students gain real-world experience.

The qualification is made up of 17 units — 15 core and 2 electives — covering inclusion and diversity, children's health, safety and wellbeing, nurturing babies and toddlers, developing positive and respectful relationships with children, using an approved learning framework to guide practice, supporting holistic learning and development, providing experiences to support play and learning, connecting children with the natural environment, observing children to inform practice, understanding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures, legal and ethical obligations, working effectively in children's education and care, identifying and responding to children and young people at risk, first aid in an education and care setting, work health and safety, promoting innovation in team environments, and working with diverse people.

The course runs for 52 weeks in total (40 study weeks plus 12 weeks of holidays) at the College's North Sydney campus. Delivery combines classroom lessons with supervised online learning — 20 hours per week made up of 14 hours of face-to-face classes and 6 hours of supervised online study — with about 5 hours of self-study per week on top.

The course is targeted at international students seeking to pursue a career in early childhood education and care, enter a new industry sector, or gain a pathway to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.