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    OverviewAbout this course

    The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for students who want to make a difference in the lives of children aged 0 to 5 years. This course teaches you the skills to support children in a critical time in their development and to have a positive impact on their future.

    When you study at TAFE NSW you'll benefit from our excellent industry partnerships, practise your skills in a real workplace and learn from experienced professionals. You will learn how to provide safe, meaningful and inclusive education in a fun and playful setting, honouring children’s voices, cultures and rights.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Provide healthy and safe environments for babies and children
    • Promote good nutrition and positive meal experiences
    • Apply and use an approved learning framework
    • Support holistic development through play and learning
    • Identify and respond to children at risk
    • Perform emergency first aid
    • Work effectively cross-culturally and to promote cultural competence

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in: 

    • Caring for the wellbeing and growth development of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers measured by their health, safety and nutrition
    • Developing respectful relationships with children, their families and the wider community
    • Identifying signs and symptoms of children and young people at risk of abuse or neglect
    • Working with learning frameworks to guide your practice as an educator
    • Designing and developing children’s leisure and play to achieve learning and development milestones
    • Observing and documenting children’s learning and development outcomes

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • A commitment to children's wellbeing and education
    • High energy, professionalism and commitment to a career in education and care
    • Well developed communication and interpersonal skills
    • A professional attitude
    • Patience and empathy
    • An enjoyment of practical tasks

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Early Childhood Educator
    • Preschool Assistant
    • Family Day Care Educator
    • Outside School Hours Educator
    • Long Daycare Centre Educator
    • Nanny

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    15 core units 2 elective units, consisting of:1 unit from the list below 1 unit from the electives listed below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Support inclusion and diversityCHCECE030

    • Support children’s health, safety and wellbeingCHCECE031

    • Nurture babies and toddlersCHCECE032

    • Develop positive and respectful relationships with childrenCHCECE033

    • Use an approved learning framework to guide practiceCHCECE034

    • Support the holistic learning and development of childrenCHCECE035

    • Provide experiences to support children’s play and learningCHCECE036

    • Support children to connect with the natural environmentCHCECE037

    • Observe children to inform practiceCHCECE038

    • Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culturesCHCECE054

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International