QUALIFICATION

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care


National Code: CHC30121
TAFE SA Code: TP01330


Description

Launch your career as an early childhood educator with this nationally recognised qualification. Learn to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing through play-based experiences in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Build skills in child development, safety and hygiene, positive behaviour guidance, cultural competence, and professional ethics. Complete a minimum of 160 hours of work placement in a regulated early childhood service to gain hands-on experience. This course meets the minimum qualification required to work in childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens, and out-of-school-hours care settings.
Key Competencies
• Communicating with staff, students, and service personnel
• Maintaining professionalism
• Attending placement reliably
• Working within structured frameworks
• Solving problems effectively
• Managing physical demands
• Being punctual and dependable


The certificate III is the minimum requirement for employment in the early childhood industry.

Duration
Example Career Profile
Print Course Page
12 months 
Child Care Educator
Campus
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Application












Course Admission Requirements

  • You must have a Contract of Training with an employer to undertake this course

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 12 month course
Subsidised
$2,181
$4,362
Concession
$1,320
$2,640
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LLN).
Full Fee
$3,042
$6,084

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

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    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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  • Employment Outcomes

    The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the minimum requirement for employment in the early childhood industry.

    Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has set minimum training standards for all educators who are directly working with children in Birth to Preschool age Long Day Care centres. Educators must hold or be working towards an approved Certificate III level education and care qualification (or higher). The list of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements can be found here: www.acecqa.gov.au

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
    This course provides the skills needed by educators in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 15 core units and 2 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings
  • Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Develop positive and respectful relationships with children 100
    Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures 55
    Identify and report children and young people at risk 40
    Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care 60
    Nurture babies and toddlers 108
    Observe children to inform practice 40
    Participate in workplace health and safety 20
    Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning 75
    Provide First Aid in an education and care setting 22
    Support children to connect with the natural environment 50
    Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing 160
    Support inclusion and diversity 63
    Support the holistic learning and development of children 100
    Use an approved learning framework to guide practice 80
    Work effectively in children’s education and care 65

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Follow basic food safety practices 30
    Organise personal work priorities 30
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