- 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.
Course Overview
Build a fulfilling career working with children.
If you delight in seeing young children explore their world, learn and grow, and would like to make childhood education your career, this is an ideal place to start. With the new Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll learn how to support children’s wellbeing and development in the context of an approved learning framework.
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the skills, training and expertise needed to work as an early childhood educator across regulated children’s education and care services in Australia.
This qualification will enable you to support children’s wellbeing and development in the context of an approved learning framework. From nurturing babies and children to identifying children at risk, educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge and apply discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures
Who's It For?
Already working in childcare without any formal training?
This course will provide you with qualifications to increase your responsibilities and help you turn your passion into a career filled with opportunities.
Ready to contribute more?
With a nationally recognised qualification in just 18 months, you’ll be able to put your creativity into practice and take your career to the next level.
Looking to change careers?
Get certified through a flexible, online course that boasts strong employment opportunities upon graduating.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Long Day Care Educator
- Kindergarten Assistant
- Childcare Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator
What You'll Learn
- Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
- Support the holistic learning and development of children
- Nurture babies and toddlers
- Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
And much more!
Recognition

Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration and Study Load
- Up to 18 months to complete 17 units of theory online.
Entry Requirements
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.
Course Features
Flexible Online Study
Our courses are delivered online, so you can study whenever and wherever suits you.
Dedicated Student Support
Our Support Officers, Assessors and experienced education advisors will support you from enrolment through to graduation.
Industry-relevant Courses
Course material is developed in consultation with education experts to equip you with the job-ready skills and up-to-date knowledge required to support your career goals.
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)
Assessment
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.
Testimonials
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"I wanted a course that would aid my career progression...I feel as though it helped me get my current job."Kelly Locke
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.
Subjects
About Foundation Education
Foundation Education provides students with access to quality vocational education alongside their sister brand, the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT), and a robust network of industry partners all around Australia.
With courses designed by industry experts, students gain the knowledge and experience to graduate with job-ready skills that employers seek. Plus, students can learn at their own pace and place through flexible online study.
Offering a wide range of Certificate and Diploma-level courses across Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Support, Allied Health, Dental Assisting, Health Services and more, Foundation Education has a vocational study option to take you where you want to go.
The Foundation Education difference means:
- Flexible Online Study – Students can complete the theoretical component of courses online at their own pace.
- Industry Relevant Courses – Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to provide students with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required to graduate job-ready.
- Dedicated Student Support – Our industry-experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers can support students from enrolment through to graduation.
- National Recognised Training – Every Certificate and Diploma offered is nationally recognised and accredited, meeting established industry needs and national quality assurance requirements.
Foundation Education is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #22557)