For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: CHC30121 | CRICOS Code: 108535E
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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.
- Year 10 or equivalent
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Work placement builds on the knowledge and skills you gain in your course and helps prepare you for success in the work place.
During your course you'll undertake 160 hours of mandatory work placement in an approved children’s education and care service in Australia.
TAFE NSW will arrange your work placement with a suitable industry employer.
Before you start work placement:
- You must complete a valid Australian Working With Children Check
- Meet vaccination requirements
- Provide any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- The ability to problem solve and 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
- The ability to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) while kneeling on the floor
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
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.
To understand Australian licensing requirements, please visit: ACECQA
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.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Glendale | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Loftus | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Meadowbank | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Ourimbah | Feb | $11,610 AUD |
| Petersham | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| St Leonards | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Ultimo | Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Wollongong | Feb, Jul | $11,610 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Glendale | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Loftus | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Meadowbank | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Ourimbah | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Petersham | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| St Leonards | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
| Wollongong | Feb, Jul | $12,080 AUD |
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
Grow your expertise with a TAFE NSW early childhood study pathway:
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