Early Childhood Education and Care courses

Study Early Childhood Education and Care

Shape the future of young minds with an early childhood education course.

When you study an early childhood education course with Foundation Education, you’ll learn industry-leading practical skills and knowledge to give young children the best possible start.

From learning how to develop positive relationships with children to supporting their holistic learning and development, you’ll graduate with a nationally recognised qualification that ensures you’re thoroughly prepared for a thriving career in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Foundation Education's Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications are delivered via our interactive learning platform, My eCampus, which you can access anywhere and anytime. Our Education Team will help you with your assignments and find work placement opportunities where needed.

Why study an Early Childhood Education and Care course?

Studying an Early Childhood Education and Care course with Foundation Education is the best way to create the career you've always dreamed of.

In these early childhood education courses, you’ll have the opportunity to help young children build their learning foundations and guide them through the development of vital social, emotional and cognitive skills. Given the consistently high demand for professionals in this industry, there is incredible potential for professional growth.

What qualifications do I need to be a childcare worker in Australia?

Your career in childcare starts with getting qualified. 

To start, you’ll need a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, where you’ll learn everything you need to follow a meaningful pathway such as Childcare Assistant, Early Childhood Educator or Kindergarten Assistant. If you’re interested in family day care, we also have a specialised online early childhood education course focused on this setting. 

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care opens doors to leadership roles, with advanced skills in curriculum design and centre operations.

Study them individually or fast-track your training with a qualification bundle. 

What qualifications do you need to be an early childhood teacher in Australia?

Begin with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to master the fundamentals of early years education. The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care develops your expertise in curriculum planning and leadership.

For those interested in supporting school-aged children, the CHC30221 Certificate III in Education Support and CHC40221 Certificate IV in Education Support create pathways to meaningful careers in classroom settings.

How long is the early childhood education course in Australia?

Our flexible online early childhood education and care courses let you balance your studies with work commitments, family life and other responsibilities. Here’s how long you’ll study with us:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care: 9-12 months full-time or 12-18 months part-time. This includes 160 hours of work placement.

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care): 9-12 months full-time or 12-18 months part-time. This includes 160 hours of work placement.

• CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care: 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time. This includes 280 hours of work placement.

• CHC30121 / CHC50121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care: 24-30 months full-time or 30-36 months part-time. This includes 440 hours of work placement.

• CHC30121 / CHC50121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care: 24-30 months full-time or 30-36 months part-time. This includes 440 hours of work placement.

Can I work in childcare without a qualification?

No. If you want to work in childcare, you’ll need a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or be actively working towards getting one. Your qualification becomes the foundation for a secure career with genuine growth potential in childcare and early childhood education.

Careers in Early Childhood Education and Care

Careers in Early Childhood Education and Care

Studying an Early Childhood Education and Care course opens doors to opportunities in early learning environments, spanning from childcare centres to daycares and kindergartens.

So, what are you waiting for? In an industry currently experiencing high demand throughout Australia, there are exciting opportunities waiting for you to start a thriving career in Early Childhood Education and Care.

For more information about pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care, visit our career pathways hub.

Popular Career Outcomes

Early Childhood Educator

Long Day Care Educator

Lead Educator

Family Day Care Educator

Childcare Director