Get your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care today.
Turn your passion for working with children into a rewarding career with the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Practical Outcomes.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care covers the fundamentals of early childhood development, education and care and is the minimum legal requirement for every child care worker in Australia. Graduates of this CHC30121 program will have the skills, knowledge and experience to work in early-childhood education and child care centres. Throughout the course, you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of early childhood development.
- Develop the skills needed to support and nurture babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
- Gain the expertise to plan and provide enriching educational experiences for children in play-through environments.
These experiences will enable children to develop into confident and competent learners during their time spent at their Early Learning Centre. Whichever delivery mode suits your lifestyle, our experienced and supportive trainers will be with you every step of the way.
For more information on this exciting industry, submit the form below and get ‘The Ultimate Guide to a Career in Early Childhood Education and Care’’!
Call us at 1300 799 610 to talk to us about our child care courses and how to begin your Certificate III in Early Childhood and Care within the rewarding child care industry!
Course code
CHC30121
Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Course units
17 units (15 core and 2 electives)
Duration
12 months
Delivery modes
Workplace or distance (online)
Placement hours
180 hours (2 days per week, 7.5 hour days) in a long day care environment that we can help you organise. For workplace learners, practical placement hours can be scheduled during usual working hours.
Government funding & fees
VIC
Make an enquiry
Interested in a fulfilling career working with children? Our consultants are here to help you get started. Fill out the form to learn more about entry requirements, fees, learning options, and how to enrol.
Testimonials
“I recently graduated from Practical Outcomes, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience. The program has equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills I need to excel in my chosen field. The hands-on approach of the course truly set me up for success, allowing me to apply what I learned in real-world settings.”
“My trainer, Angela, was fantastic. She brought a wealth of knowledge, patience, and genuine support throughout the entire course. Angela’s teaching style was engaging, and she made sure I fully understood the material before moving on to more advanced topics. Her constructive feedback and encouragement helped me stay motivated and focused, and I always felt confident asking questions or seeking clarification when needed.”
“I feel well-prepared to continue into my career now that I’ve graduated, and I couldn’t have asked for a better learning experience. I highly recommend Practical Outcomes to anyone looking to develop their skills and pursue a career with the confidence and competence that comes from quality education.”
“Thank you to Angela and the entire team at Practical Outcomes for helping me achieve my goals.”
Course Units
To obtain the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, candidates must complete a total of 17 units, consisting of 15 core units and 2 elective units, covering skills and knowledge that include:
Core Units
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
CHCECE054 Promote understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultures
CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning & development of children
CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
Elective Units
BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
Course entry requirements
To qualify for this CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, students must meet the following course requirements:
- To commence this program, your Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills must meet the required standards for ACSF LEVEL 2
- Must have access to a computer and internet
- You need to either provide a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or provide evidence that you have applied for a WWCC.
- If you are unable to obtain a WWCC you will not be able to complete the requirements of the course.
- Evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations may be required by a service to undertake your practical placement.*
*While not a Government public health mandate, individual services have the choice to require evidence of vaccination against COVID-19 and other illnesses. Depending on the service you attend and their vaccination policy, this may affect your ability to undertake practical placement. Practical Outcomes has no authority over the decisions made by individual services and cannot warrant you will be able to be placed elsewhere if you are unable to attend an early childhood service because of your vaccination status and will not be responsible for any impact which this may cause on your ability to complete your course requirements.
Program delivery and assessment
Offered in the workplace by distance you can study to suit your life commitments. With either delivery mode, you can study via our interactive online portal.
Assessment methods include: Readings, research and reflection tasks, knowledge questions, projects, workplace/placement assessments and observations
Course placement hours
This CHC30121 program requires a minimum of 180 hours to be logged in an education and care service. If you are not already in the workplace we can help you organise practical placement in a centre that is suitable for you. Learn more about our practical placement.
Your dedicated trainer and assessor
You will be provided with a qualified trainer and workplace/placement coach who will support you throughout your entire Certificate III early childhood learning journey. Your trainer will provide you with individualised feedback on all your assessments and support you every step of the way. As well as face-to-face visits, for extra support, your trainer is available to help via phone or email.
Fees and funding
For information on fees, government funding and payment options please click here.
Career outcomes
Early childhood careers are thriving in Victoria, driven by the rollout of early childcare programs. This expansion has led to a surge in demand for early childhood professionals, a CHC30121 certificate III in early childhood education and care could advance you to roles that include:
- Early childhood educator
- Kindergarten assistant
- Recreation assistant
- Family day care educator
- Nanny/in-home carer
- Outside school hours care educator
Further education pathways
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC50221 Diploma of School Age Education and Care
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
FAQs
What is the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?
This nationally accredited qualification is the minimum legal requirement to work in Early Childhood Education in Australia. It provides the foundational knowledge and skills in early childhood development, education and care preparing you for a fulfilling career working with children from birth to 5 years old.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is ideal for anyone passionate about working with young children and supporting their growth and development. Whether you’re starting a new career or seeking to upskill within the early childhood education sector, this qualification offers a strong foundation in the early childhood education sector.
What are the entry requirements?
- Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) skills at ACSF Level 2
- Access to a computer and internet
- A current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or proof of application
- Some placement services may require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination
How long does the course take to complete?
The course duration is approximately 12 months.
What are the delivery modes?
You can choose to study online (distance) or if you’re already working in the early childhood education sector you can complete workplace training . Both options include support from dedicated and experienced trainers and access to an interactive online portal.
How many units are in the course?
There are 17 units in total: 15 core units and 2 elective units.
Is practical placement required?
Yes, a minimum of 180 hours of practical placement in a long day care environment is required. Practical Outcomes believes in your independence, finding your own placement is a great way to build confidence however your dedicated Trainer will also support and provide guidance in securing practical placement.
What kind of support will I receive?
You’ll have a dedicated, qualified trainer who will provide individualised feedback, face-to-face visits, and ongoing support via phone or email. You’ll also have access to LLN (Language, Literacy, and Numeracy) support and our Learner Experience Leads to help guide and support you throughout your learning journey.
What are the assessment methods?
Assessment includes research, reflection tasks, knowledge questions, projects, workplace assessments, and observations.
Are there government funding options available?
Yes, government funding and payment options may be available for eligible students in Victoria. Click here for more information on fees and funding.
What career outcomes can I expect?
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Early childhood educatorM
- Kindergarten assistant
- Family day care educator
- Nanny/in-home carer
- Outside school hours care educator
- Recreation assistant
What further study pathways are available with Practical Outcomes?
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC50221 Diploma of School Age Education and Care
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
How do I enrol or get more information?
You can enquire online, submit the form on the course page, or call 1300 799 610 to speak with one of our consultants.
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