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National code: CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

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Overview About this course

Take your first step into the world of early childhood as a childcare educator. Learn to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care for children in a fun and playful setting.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Care for babies and children and ensure their health and safety

  • Promote good nutrition and positive meal experiences

  • Use an approved learning framework

  • Support holistic development through play and learning

  • Identify and respond to children at risk

  • Perform emergency first aid

  • Promote cultural competence

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • 160 hours of work placement with an industry employer

  • Gain the industry recognised minimum qualification you’ll need to begin your career in early childhood education

  • A First Aid certificate

  • A study pathway to advance your career

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)

  • Vaccination and health screenings

  • Be physically able to undertake first aid responses, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while kneeling on the floor

  • Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires

  • If you are unable to meet the physical requirements, you will not be able to successfully complete this course.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to read, write and speak English

  • The ability to work with people in difficult situations and circumstances

  • Empathy, patience, and the capacity to empower others

  • Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid change

  • Adequate fitness and mobility to deliver First Aid, like performing CPR while kneeling on the floor respond to emergency situations

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: childcare worker, early childhood educator, family day care educator, afterschool carer, long daycare centre educator and nanny

Licensing

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority ACECQA publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 Units of competency, including 15 core and 2 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Support inclusion and diversity CHCECE030

  • Support children's health, safety and wellbeing CHCECE031

  • Nurture babies and toddlers CHCECE032

  • Develop positive and respectful relationships with children CHCECE033

  • ... 4

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.