CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.
Participants may include:
- People wanting to enter a new industry
- People returning to the workforce
- Current Early Childhood Educators who wish to upgrade their qualifications
Course code | CHC30121 |
Start date | View Intake Dates |
Delivery mode |
***Please note that the assessment methods for this course includes Theory component and mandatory practical placement component of 160 hours. You must complete placement hours to be able to achieve the competency in the units and successfully complete the course. |
Duration | Domestic: 52 weeks
International: 52 weeks (All the courses for International students are run over 2.5 days for a minimum of 20 hours per weeks)
** Please note: Duration in weeks may vary depending upon the amount of contact days per week. Duration may vary depending on the cohort and industry requirements. |
![image Nationally Recognised Training](https://www.etea.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/image-75x75.png)
RTO Requirements
International Students
The entry requirements for International Students are:
Must be 18 years old or over
Must have completed year 12 or equivalent
Must have a minimum IELTS score of 6 or
Must have a minimum TOEFL score of 64 or
Must have a minimum PTE Academic score of 50 or
Must have a minimum Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) score of 169 or
Must have a minimum OET score of B for each component
Domestic Students
Training and assessments are conducted in English. Applicants must possess sound written and oral English skills. You will be required to complete a Pre-training and Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment.
All assessment tasks are completed using a computer and internet, and it is recommended that students have these available before or at enrolment. Student must possess digital literacy skills to be successful.
A current Police Check and Working with Children Check are required before the commencement of practical placements for those specific courses which include practical placement component.
For inquiries regarding additional requirements, international and domestic students are encouraged to reach out to us either by phone at 13 13 89 or +61 3 9450 0500, or by visiting contact page.
TRAINING PACKAGE
There are no pre-requisite or any other training package entry requirements to enrol in this course.
Visit our funding and fees page for more information.
Pathways from the qualification
Successful completion of this program may assist students to gain entry into further study programs and/or may contribute towards study credits.
ETEA advises relevant progression that may be attained by upskilling
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood and Education Care
Employment or occupational pathway
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Common positions that may be suited with this qualification are:
- Assistant Early Childhood Educator in Long Day Care
- Kindergarten
- Preschool
- Family Day Care Provider
- Outside School Hours Care Assistant Educator
- Occasional Care Educator or employment as a Nanny
ETEA utilises a range of assessment methods to assess student skills and competencies. These are as outlined below:
- Question and answer/written assessment tasks
- Role play/practical demonstration and observation of skills (as applicable)
- Practical demonstration and observation of skills in a simulated environment (as applicable)
- Practical demonstration and observation of skills in a workplace environment (as applicable)
Assessment will be either a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway or a Training and Assessment pathway. For a Training and Assessment pathway, participants are advised of the assessment requirements at the start of each training session. Students not achieving competency in any of the assessments will be required to undertake another assessment under the terms and conditions of ETEA’s reassessment policy.
You can apply for recognition of prior learning, academic credit and work experience towards this qualification. During the course of your life you will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge. Through work, volunteer roles, family commitments and various tasks undertaken in everyday life, you are building up a bank of knowledge. The evidence of these skills and knowledge accumulated can be used to help you gain a qualification.
Click below for further details:
Please note: dates are subject to change due to holidays and availability.
If the dates provided do not suit, please contact us at 13 13 89 or +61 3 9450 0500 via phone, or through our contact page, as we will accommodate dates to suit student’s needs.
Intake Dates For 2024 | ||||||||||||
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
International Students | 8th | 15th | 15th | 7th | ||||||||
Domestic Students | Please call us on 131389 or +61 03 94500500 for the intake Dates |
Intake Dates For 2025 | ||||||||||||
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
International Students | 6th | 21st | 14th | 6th | ||||||||
Domestic Students | Please call us on 131389 or +61 03 94500500 for the intake Dates |
Intake Dates For 2026 | ||||||||||||
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
International Students | 5th | 20th | 13th | 5th | ||||||||
Domestic Students | Please call us on 131389 or +61 03 94500500 for the intake Dates |
To be awarded this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 17 units,
consisting of 15 core and 2 elective units
(NB: Elective units may vary by state and are subject to change to meet client and industry requirements)
Unit Code | Unit Name |
Core | |
CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care |
CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity |
CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures |
CHCECE031 | Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing |
CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children’s education and care |
CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers |
CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children |
CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice |
CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children |
CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning |
CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in work health and safety |
HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting |
CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice |
Electives | |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
BSBHRM413 | Support the learning and development of teams and individuals |
** Please note: electives may vary by state and are subject to change to meet client and industry requirements.