Back to

    National code: CHC30121

    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout 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.

    Is early childhood education and care right for you?

    Early childhood courses teach you to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care to children to support their development in the early years. That's a really rewarding job.

    Your experience and career goals will help determine the best pathway for you. Watch our video to learn more.

    OutcomesWhat 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

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

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

    • Please complete our survey to find out if the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course is suitable for you.

    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.

    PathwaysFuture 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 study0 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 study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

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

    Related study0 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.

    UnitsUnits 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 diversityCHCECE030

    • Support children's health, safety and wellbeingCHCECE031

    • Nurture babies and toddlersCHCECE032

    • Develop positive and respectful relationships with childrenCHCECE033

    • ... 4

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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

    Info sessionsWant to know more?

    There are a total of 14 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

    You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol