Foundation Education
Childcare working with children in childcare centre

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Gain the skills and experience you need to begin a fulfilling career as an Early Childhood Educator and take advantage of the growing demand in this field.

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Start your career as an early childhood educator with the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Would you like to build a meaningful career working with children? If you’d like to equip yourself with the qualifications required to work in a range of childhood education settings, this new course will provide the framework you need.  

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a foundation course and is an ideal entry point to begin a career as a childhood educator. Your studies will help you develop essential skills such as: 

  • Caring  and nurturing for babies, toddlers and children

  • Panning, implementing and evaluating educational programs

  • Fostering individual development 

  • Supporting childhood health, safety and wellbeing

  • Developing positive and respectful relationships with children.  

In just 18 months, you have the opportunity to become qualified for a variety of roles. These include Long Day Care Educator, Kindergarten Assistant, Childcare Assistant and Early Childhood Educator. With Childcare and Early Childhood Education facilities experiencing a skills shortage, there is currently a high demand for qualified workers across kindergartens, pre-schools, long day care centres and family day care. 

If you’d like to continue your education and complete the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a mandatory minimum requirement.   

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered online, and includes 160 hours of practical assessment work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.  

If you’d like to make a real difference to the lives of children and their families, and begin a pathway that will give you the opportunity to work with children every day, our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the foundation you need. 

Interested in Family Day Care? Check out our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) course!

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a Nationally Recognised course.

Course Outcomes

The skills and experience you gain as part of the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will equip you for a number of fulfilling roles in early childhood education. The below course outcomes are by no means exhaustive—these are just a few examples of the types of roles you’ll be qualified for once you complete your course.

Long_Day_Care_Worker

Long Day Care Educator

Working in a Long Day Care Centre, you’ll be in an environment that supports working parents, as these centres provide education and care for children from babies to the age of 12. They usually operate at least 10 hours a day, Monday to Friday, for at least 48 weeks a year and provide full or part-time care. Children may be grouped together according to their age and developmental stage and an approved kindergarten program may also be offered.

Kindergarten_Assistant

Kindergarten Assistant

As a Kindergarten Assistant, you’ll be working in a childhood education environment that is tailored to helping prepare children for prep. You’ll support children with play-based learning and help them to expand their physical abilities, build their confidence and enhance their social skills. Kindergartens usually operate during school hours each school term, and many offer programs for 6 hours a day, 5 days a fortnight during each school term.

Childcare_Assistant

Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant provides care and structured learning to children, usually in a day care centre. As a Childcare Assistant, you’ll provide a caring, non-judgemental and supportive environment for all children and their families. You’ll supervise children as they learn and play, provide comfort and reassurance, plan stimulating activities, and keep children clean and safe.

Early_Childhood_Educator

Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator, also referred to as a Childcare Worker, is responsible for the care and early education of babies and young children. They work in a range of settings, including kindergartens, childcare centres, community centres or schools. As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children's wellbeing, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or on their own within a team.

There are no formal entry requirements in this qualification.

Education
No specific educational prerequisites are required to enrol in this course. 

Parental permission
If the prospective student is under 18, a parent or guardian will need to sign their enrolment form.

External requirements
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting is an external requirement and must be completed with an external provider.

Residency status
To enrol, the prospective student must either be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent) or have the right to study in Australia other than on a student Visa.

Physical capability
Reasonable physical capability is required to complete this course. Physical activities required for the practical components of this course include (but are not limited to):

  • Supervising, interacting with and providing care services to children aged 0-6, including babies and toddlers.

Work placement

Students must complete 160 hours of work placement under the supervision of a suitably qualified person in an early childhood education and care workplace. The following units carry an attendance requirement of 160 hours; CHCECE033, CHCECE036, CHCECE035, CHCECE031, and CHCECE032. The 160 placement hours for these five units may be completed concurrently, making the overall work placement duration 160 hours. 

Workplace supervisor requirements
The supervisor must provide evidence of one of the below options:

  • Hold a Certificate III in an Early Childhood Education and Care or
  • Hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Students who are enrolled in this qualification must hold and provide a copy of their valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement of any placement activities. Note that the placement provider may have additional requirements. The student should confirm this with their hosting employer before commencement.

Students will need to complete a range of assessment activities such as:

Knowledge questions

Short-answer questions relevant to the information students have learnt within the unit and the Learner Guide.

Quiz

Quizzes may include multiple choice or matching questions and responses to test the students’ knowledge.

Case Study

Realistic scenario/s requiring students to apply knowledge learnt.

Workplace Project Task

In completing this assessment, the student may use a real workplace supervisor, or this role can be role-played by a friend, family member or another person. Instructions are provided in the assessment.

Workplace Observation Assessment

Students are required to complete set tasks with their nominated workplace supervisor. This also includes the completion of task documents, templates, and client feedback which the student must complete in conjunction with observation tasks.

Video Observation Assessment

Students are required to video record themselves performing tasks for Foundation Education assessors to directly observe and assess.

Structured Work Placement Logbook

Record of service periods/shifts completed by students performing real and simulated tasks in workplace environments. This assessment must be completed in a pre-approved real workplace setting under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified, pre-approved workplace supervisor or supervisors.

Given that some students may already be able to demonstrate their competence in some units, a recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment process may be available to students to recognise skills and knowledge that may have been gained through formal and informal training and/or learning, work experience and life experience.

Foundation Education offers a range of government subsidy schemes that may make your education journey more affordable. Explore the government funding programs on offer and discover whether you’re eligible here.

Course snapshot
Qualification

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Delivery structure

Theoretical Elements: 

Study the theoretical elements of this course, anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform. 

Practical Elements: 

Students must complete 160 hours of work placement under the supervision of a suitably qualified person (refer to the workplace supervisor requirements for more details).

Duration

Up to 18 months

Study load
  • 160 hours of practical work assessment.
  • 17 course units to complete. 
  • Complete 1 course unit every 4.5 weeks to graduate in 18 months.
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Delivery Structure

Studying the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Foundation Education is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. The course is broken down into two parts:

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1. Theoretical

Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Components

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17 course units to complete.
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Completed online, at your own pace.

Resources required

To successfully complete this course, it’s essential that your placement provider has the necessary equipment, resources and/or documentation. For detailed information on these requirements, please reach out to our friendly Career Advisors to obtain a copy of the complete list.

For the online part of the course, you’ll need regular access to:

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points.

Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended).

Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above.

MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later.

Internet browser: Google Chrome, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.

Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).

Office equipment:  Printer and scanner to print and upload some of your assessments.

Mobile phone with video capability or video camera: Some assessments in your course may require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment.

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2. Work Placement

Students must complete 160 hours of work placement under the supervision of a suitably qualified person (refer to the workplace supervisor requirements section for more details).

Components

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Students must apply for their Working with Children Check at course commencement.
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Where required, we may assist you in identifying work placement options.

Units

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency:

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to reflect on and understand the impact of own values and biases, demonstrate respect for inclusion and diversity, and support children’s understanding of inclusive principles and behaviours. This unit applies to all educators who work according to established policies and procedures in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to support and promote children’s health, safety and wellbeing in relation to physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, rest and relaxation and individual medical requirements. This unit applies to educators who work according to established policies and procedures and under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop relationships with babies and toddlers and their families and attend to the specific physical and emotional needs of babies and toddlers from birth to 23 months. It requires the ability to follow individualised care routines for sleep, feeding and toileting. This unit applies to educators who work according to established policies and procedures and under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate and interact respectfully with children and to guide their behaviours in ways that support their agency, positive sense of self and self-regulation. This unit applies to educators who work according to established policies and procedures and under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source and use an approved childhood learning framework. This unit applies to educators who support children’s learning according to established curriculum under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to recognise and support the interrelationship between the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication development of children. This unit applies to educators who support children’s learning and development according to established curriculum under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to set up, support and review experiences for children’s play and learning. This unit applies to educators who support children’s learning according to established curriculum under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support and encourage children’s connection with the natural environment. This unit applies to educators who contribute to the curriculum planning process under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and gather information about children from observation and other sources as part of a collaborative process and as a basis for curriculum planning. This unit applies to educators who contribute to the curriculum planning process under the guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify different perspectives on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, develop an understanding of the local and broader cultural contexts, and use the identified information to embed culturally appropriate experiences, interactions, behaviours and physical environments into daily practice with children. This unit applies to educators who work in regulated children’s education and care services or schools in Australia, including those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and educators from other cultural backgrounds. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and meet legal and ethical obligations. This includes the ability to recognise potential and actual examples of non-compliance with regulatory requirements and contribute to the continuous improvement of practice. This unit applies to educators who work according to established policies and procedures in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a children’s education and care context using effective communication and knowledge of job roles, responsibilities and service procedures to complete daily work activities. This unit applies to individuals who work according to established policies and procedures and under the supervision and guidance of others in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support and protect children and young people who are at risk of harm. This work occurs within legislative and policy frameworks and carries a duty of care responsibility. This unit applies to workers in a range of job roles providing services to children and young people including in community services and health contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to infants and children in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. This unit applies to a range of workers within an education and care setting who are required to respond to a first aid emergency, including asthma and anaphylactic emergencies. This includes early childhood workers and educators who work with school-age children in outside school hours care and vacation programs. This unit of competency may contribute towards approved first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training under the Education and Care Services National Law, and the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011). Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities

*This course contains the unit, HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting, which must be completed through an external RTO. Foundation Education has an agreement in place with Red Cross Australia (RTOID 3605) which allows students to receive training for this unit at a reduced price. Please note that the cost of this external training is not included in any of your course fees. Upon completion, you will need to submit a copy of your first aid certificate in order for us to process a Credit Transfer against this unit on your student record. If you have chosen your own third-party provider, you must submit a certified copy of your certificate. If you have undertaken training with Red Cross Australia, you must forward Foundation Education the email you receive which contains the electronic copy of your certificate.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others.

The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and implement ways of promoting innovation within team environments in the workplace. The unit applies to individuals who are team participants or team leaders responsible for playing a proactive role in demonstrating innovation in a formal or informal team environment. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with personal hygiene, maintain food safety, contribute to cleanliness of food handling areas and dispose of food. This unit applies to food services workers who work under supervision and within defined guidelines. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

Cost and payment

You can pay for your course upfront via VISA/MasterCard or a bank deposit. Alternatively, we offer instalment plans that can be paid over several weeks or fortnights.

Your course fee includes

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Delivery and assessment of your qualification

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Study materials (including all resources)

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Ongoing support from our Education Team

We offer two payment methods

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Full fee upfront

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Instalment plans

For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 197.

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