
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- This is NOT a FREE TAFE course, government funding is NOT available. Payment plan options are available.
- Only Australian Citizens and Residents can apply for this course. Limited visa holders can be accepted pending a VEVO check. This provider is not CRICOS registered and cannot accept Subclass 500 visa holders.
Hear from Foundation Education on what its like to study
Course Information
Secure a support role, helping to care for children, babies and toddlers
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development. This course equips you to work across a range of age groups by providing care for babies, toddlers and children and depending on the setting, you may work under direct supervision or autonomously.
As a graduate in Early Childhood Education and Care, you can work as a Child Care Assistant, Family Day Care Assistant, Education Assistant, Outside School Hours Aide or Pre-School Assistant. Many early childcare positions offer flexibility in shifts and hours, allowing you to find a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. If you are enthusiastic, motivated and committed to quality education, there is great career development potential for you. You can work your way up into a teaching position, or pursue further study and gain the qualification needed to work in a leadership position.
Duration – 18 months
Study Load –Â 18 months to complete 18 units of theory online, with 120 hours of practical work placement
Payment Option
Career Pathway
- Child Care Assistant
- Education Assistant
- Outside School Hours Aide
- Preschool Assistant
Professional Recognition

Eligibility
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.
Work Placement
- 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)
Curriculum
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.
Course Flyer
- For detailed course information, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a course flyer and speak with a friendly Careers Advisor
Resources and Equipment
Resources and equipment
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 submit an enquiry form to obtain a copy of the complete list from a friendly Foundation Education Careers Advisor.
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- Pricing and payment options
- Start dates
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- Study method
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- Everything you need to know before enrolling!
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