CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
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 here: www.acecqa.gov.au.
Participants may include:
- People wanting to enter a new industry
- People returning to the workforce
- Current Early Childhood Educators who wish to upgrade their qualifications
Course code | CHC30121 |
Start date | View Intake Dates |
Delivery mode |
***Please note that the assessment methods for this course includes Theory component and mandatory practical placement component of 120 hours. You must complete placement hours to be able to achieve the competency in the units and successfully complete the course. |
Duration | Domestic: 52 weeks including 7 weeks break
International: 52 weeks including 7 weeks break |

RTO requirements
Training and assessments are conducted in English. Applicants must possess sound written and oral English skills. You will be required to complete a Pre-training and Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment. There are no pre-requisite or any other training package entry requirements to enrol in this course.
A current Police Check and Working with Children Check are required before the commencement of practical placement.
The average course duration for Domestic students is 52 weeks. This may vary due to the amount of hours required for practical placement, mode of study and public holidays which may fall on usual days of delivery.
Learner will be required to undertake 120 hours minimum of work placement at an approved Child Care Provider under the supervision of Diploma Qualified Supervisor.
The program delivery will be 2 days a week in class and one to two days minimum per week work placement in an accredited childcare facility plus self managed study.
For International students is 52 weeks.
N.B: ETEA will provide assistance in searching industry placement.
** Duration in weeks may vary dependent upon the amount of contact days per week
Pathways from the qualification
Successful completion of this program may assist students to gain entry into further study programs and/or may contribute towards study credits.
Employment or occupational pathway
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Common positions that may be suited with this qualification are:
- Assistant Early Childhood Educator in Long Day Care
- Kindergarten
- Preschool
- Family Day Care Provider
- Outside School Hours Care Assistant Educator
- Occasional Care Educator or employment as a Nanny
Students will need to complete 17 Units of Competency, consisting of 15 Core and 2 Elective.
CORE UNITS | |
CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care |
CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity |
CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures |
CHCECE031 | Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing |
CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children’s education and care |
CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers |
CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children |
CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice |
CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children |
CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning |
CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in work health and safety |
HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting |
CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice |
ELECTIVES UNITS | |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
CHCECE039 | Comply with family day care administration requirements |
ETEA uses a range of assessment methods which may include:
- Written assessment (open book)
- Projects
- Case study
- Observation
Visit our funding and fees page for more information.
You can apply for recognition of prior learning, academic credit and work experience towards this qualification. During the course of your life you will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge. Through work, volunteer roles, family commitments and various tasks undertaken in everyday life, you are building up a bank of knowledge. The evidence of these skills and knowledge accumulated can be used to help you gain a qualification.
Click below for further details:
Please note: dates are subject to change due to holidays and availability.
If the dates provided do not suit, please contact us at 13 13 89 or +61 3 9450 0500 via phone, or through our contact page, as we will accommodate dates to suit student’s needs.
Intake Dates For 2023 | ||||||||||||
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
Offshore International Students | 9th | 24th | 17th | 9th | ||||||||
Domestic Students | Please Call us on 131389 or +61 03 94500500 for the intake Dates |
South Australia intake Date for 2023(Domestic Students) | |
Intake Dates | Due Dates to enrol |
30th Jan 2023 | 20th Jan 2023 |
*Subject to the minimum number of participants