CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Quality early childhood education and care supports healthy early childhood development and prepares children for primary school. 
This course is designed to prepare you to work effectively in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. You’ll learn how support children’s wellbeing and development using an approved learning framework to guide your practice. 
Much of your time during this course will be spent on placements within children’s services. You’ll watch and learn from other professionals. You’ll practice using your discretion and judgment when carrying out your work in the context of established policies and procedures. 
We’ll equip you to create to social, physical, personal, creative and cognitive learning opportunities.

Learn skills such as:
•    supporting the holistic learning and development of children
•    working effectively in children’s education and care
•    developing experiences to support children’s play and learning
•    providing first aid in an education and care setting
•    identifying and responding to children and young people at risk
•    following basic food safety practices.

This course will prepare you for roles such as early childhood educator, education assistant and outside school hours care worker. You may work independently or under the guidance of others, although in some contexts that guidance may not be onsite.
On successful completion of this qualification, you may choose to continue your studies with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Our Mt Helen and Wimmera campuses offer modern classrooms and learning areas. In addition, we have a fully equipped and operating Children’s Centres at our Mt Helen and SMB campuses, which offers quality programs for children aged six weeks to five years. Students are able to observe educators and participate in other learning opportunities at these centres.

Please note that this course is currently in a transition period (superseded due to Government-mandated updates), with updates due for release shortly. Rest assured, your enrolment journey will allow for you to be transitioned into the current course version for completion. This will occur before the 22nd December, 2026. If you have any questions, please submit an enquiry.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

Got questions?

Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.

Student support

The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.

The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Federation TAFE