Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only)
- Location
- Online
- Study Mode
- Online, Workplace
- Awarded by
- Swinburne Open Education (RTO: 3059)
- Qualification
- Certificate III
- Course Fee
- Price may vary
- Duration
- 12-18 months (self-paced)
- Start Date
- Enquire now for upcoming start dates
- Payment Options
- Fee For Service
About the Course
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification offered by Swinburne Open Education, awarded by Swinburne University of Technology. Designed for those looking to build a meaningful career working with young children, this course is delivered entirely online with flexible, self-paced study options, typically completed within 12 to 18 months. It is available exclusively to students based in Victoria, Australia, and represents the minimum qualification required to work in the early childhood education and care sector. The course covers a broad range of learning areas essential to working effectively with children from birth through to early school age. Students develop skills in supporting children’s health, safety and wellbeing, nurturing babies and toddlers, fostering positive and respectful relationships, and guiding children’s play and learning experiences. The curriculum also addresses inclusive practice, understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, child protection obligations, workplace health and safety, first aid in an education and care setting, and basic food safety. Alongside online study, students are required to complete 200 hours of Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) in an approved early childhood setting, giving them practical, real-world experience in environments such as long day care centres, family day care services, pre-schools and kindergartens. Swinburne Open Education’s experienced trainer and assessor team brings extensive industry backgrounds across a range of early childhood settings, supporting students throughout their studies via an accessible online learning platform compatible with desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Assessment methods are varied and practical, encompassing projects, case studies, reflective journals, portfolios and direct observation in the workplace. Graduates of the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are well positioned to enter the workforce in a range of early childhood roles, and may also choose to continue their studies at a higher level within the sector. Enquire to learn more.
What can I do after?
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care from Swinburne Open Education. The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the minimum qualification required to work in the early childhood sector in Australia. Graduates may pursue roles such as early childhood educator, family day care educator, or out of school hours care educator, working in settings including long day care centres, family day care services, preschools, and kindergartens. According to Jobs and Skills Australia (2024), skilled child care workers are identified as a priority occupation across every Australian state and territory, with above-average future demand expected to continue. This qualification also provides a foundation for further study. Graduates may choose to go on to complete a higher-level qualification, such as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, while working in the field. The course is nationally recognised, meaning the qualification is valued across Australia, though it is currently only available to students based in Victoria.
What are the fees?
Please enquire for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you’ll need
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or over and/or, A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as students must be able to perform practical workplace tasks such as sitting on the floor, engaging with children at their level, and moving safely within an early childhood setting and/or, This course is only available to students based in Victoria, Australia. It is not available to international students.
Subject summary
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care includes 15 core units and 2 elective units of competency: Core Units CHCECE030 – Support inclusion and diversity CHCECE031 – Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing 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 CHCECE038 – Observe children to inform practice CHCECE054 – Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures CHCECE055 – Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care CHCECE056 – Work effectively in children’s education and care CHCPRT001 – Identify and respond to children and young people at risk HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting HLTWHS001 – Participate in workplace health and safety Elective Units BSBSUS411 – Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices HLTFSE001 – Follow basic food safety practices
Why Swinburne Open Education?
Swinburne Open Education is an online education provider offering vocational qualifications across a range of in-demand industries. Their courses cover business, accounting and bookkeeping, HR management, project management, marketing, early childhood education, community services, animal care, graphic design, and technology. Qualifications are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, giving students a credential backed by a recognised Australian university. All courses are delivered fully online and are designed to be studied on any device, including mobile phones and tablets. Swinburne Open Education builds their courses in partnership with Australian industry, so the content is shaped around real workforce needs. Students get access to an interactive learning platform with online forums, direct messaging with trainers, and prompt feedback on assignments. Support is a clear focus for Swinburne Open Education. Dedicated enrolment consultants help students plan their study path, and trainers are available to answer questions and provide feedback throughout each course. This makes their offering well suited to people at any stage — whether balancing study with work and family, or starting fresh in a new direction. Qualifications are delivered under Swinburne University of Technology’s Registered Training Organisation registration (RTO 3059).
