Monarch Institute
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only)
Course Information
The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification required to work in regulated early childhood education and care settings across Australia. Whether you're looking to work in a long day care centre, family day care service, preschool, kindergarten or outside school hours care setting, this course provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing.
Designed specifically for new entrants to the sector, the course is delivered through a flexible, self-paced online learning model that allows you to study around your existing commitments. Students are introduced to the Little.ly Early Learning Centre, a simulated early childhood education environment that helps bring learning to life before entering the workplace.
This course is only delivered in Victoria.
This course is designed to be completed in up to 18 months. The course is delivered across two study blocks:
- Study Block 1: Approximately 5 months
- Study Block 2: Approximately 13 months
The course includes approximately 1,070 scheduled hours of learning, including 200 hours of work placement. Students are expected to submit assessments by the due dates within each block to maintain progress. Students with extensive industry experience or prior knowledge of the sector may be able to complete the qualification in less than 18 months.
This course is delivered predominantly online. Learning and assessment resources are accessed via an online portal, available anywhere and anytime. Students receive:
- Easy-to-follow course materials
- Videos and webinars
- Support from course trainers (email, Zoom)
- A dedicated admin team
- Online assessments
- Access to a student Facebook group
Students are also introduced to the Little.ly Early Learning Centre — a simulated ECEC setting complete with organisational documents, policies, procedures and templates — to practise skills in a supported context before entering the workplace.
- Legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
- Child health, safety, wellbeing and first aid
- Supporting children's play, learning and holistic development
- Inclusion, diversity and cultural understanding
- Nurturing babies and toddlers
- Environmental sustainability in the workplace
- Workplace health and safety and food safety
- Work Placement in regulated early childhood education and care settings
This course is designed specifically for new entrants to the early childhood education and care sector. It is suitable for anyone looking to begin a career working in long day care centres, family day care services, preschools, kindergartens or outside school hours care settings. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities.
Subjects
This course consists of 17 nationally recognised units of competency (15 core units and 2 elective units), delivered across two structured study blocks:
- Study Block 1 (5 months): Introduction to the ECEC sector, foundational educator skills, child development, and health and safety practices.
- Study Block 2 (13 months): Advanced learning, workplace application, and completion of Work Placement requirements.
Payment Option
About Monarch Institute
Monarch Institute is one of Australia’s leading providers of professional services training. We believe education should be an experience, not a transaction.
Our award-winning, innovative approach to course content and design means that you get relevant, accredited courses with loads of support from experienced trainers who give you the time to ensure you’ve got the skills that the industry needs. Study online today with Monarch and change the way you think about studying.
Study online with Monarch Institute and experience education, reimagined.
Career Pathway
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Day Care Educator
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator
Upon completion of this qualification, students may continue their studies with the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, supporting progression into leadership and management roles within the sector.
Course Features
- Flexible, self-paced online delivery — study anywhere, anytime
- Access to the Little.ly Early Learning Centre, a simulated ECEC learning environment
- 200 hours of mandatory Work Placement in a regulated ECEC service
- Dedicated trainer support via email and Zoom
- Online assessments with fast turnaround and comprehensive feedback
- Placement Matching Service available for students who need help finding a placement
- Courses developed with leading academics and industry associations
- Flexible payment options available
Professional Recognition
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia
Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) — Certificate III level.
The course aligns with:
- Education and Care Services National Law (2011)
- National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS)
- ACECQA qualification requirements
This is the minimum qualification required to work as an educator in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service in Australia.
Eligibility
There are no formal entry requirements for the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. However, the following conditions apply:
- Students must be at least 17 years of age.
- Before enrolment, all students must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy (LLN) and Digital Literacy (DL) assessment.
- Students should have access to the internet and a device capable of recording video.
- A reasonable level of physical fitness is required to undertake practical workplace tasks within an early childhood education and care setting (e.g. sitting on the floor, engaging with children at their level, moving safely within indoor and outdoor environments).
Work Placement
This qualification includes 200 hours of mandatory Work Placement in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service:
- Block 1: 30 hours of work placement
- Block 2: 170 hours of work placement (several units are linked to 160 hours of mandatory placement)
Prior to commencing placement, students must obtain and maintain, at their own expense:
- A valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent state-based clearance)
- Any required vaccinations and immunisations
- Relevant workplace or regulatory clearances
- Completion of national child safety training (Geccko)
Students may be required to complete placement across more than one service to ensure they can demonstrate the full range of required skills, knowledge and interactions with different age groups.
Most students find a placement themselves through their current workplace, a local centre, or word of mouth. A Placement Matching Service is also available for students who are unable to secure a placement themselves, for a $250 administrative fee.
Curriculum
Assessments are completed online through the student portal. Students are expected to submit assessments by the due dates within each study block to maintain progress. Trainers provide comprehensive feedback with fast assessment turnaround times.
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting must be completed through an external provider and submitted as a Credit Transfer towards the qualification. A current First Aid certificate is required to achieve the qualification. HLTAID012 is valid for three (3) years from completion, while the CPR component must be renewed annually.
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