Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Overview
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care offers practical skills to work in a range of early childhood settings. This course teaches essential skills in areas such as how to communicate with children, support play and learning/basic development needs, provide food and basic health services including first aid and work health and safety processes. With national accreditation, this course enables you to apply for work across most of Australia upon graduation.
Choose between full-time on-campus classes or traineeship models, each providing sufficient hours of practical experience to grow your confidence and skills.
Intake cancelled
The Traineeship intakes for this course has been cancelled. This course will run full time at our Hawthorn and Wantirna campus. The next available intake is in February 2026 at the Hawthorn campus. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want to check if this course is right for you?
Chat with academics at our Study Expo and get clear guidance tailored to your goals – Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Your industry experience
The training package requires a minimum of 180 hours placement. Swinburne’s model provides 294 hours to strengthen confidence and skills, balance immersion in the workplace and assessment load and the opportunity to undertake paid work during the final placement when the 2 x 2 model is implemented.
Placements include experience across a range of age groups:
The placement hours are as follows:
- Placement 1: 12 days with 3-5 year olds
- Placement 2: 12 days with 0-2 year olds
- Placement 3: 18 days with 2-3 year olds
Swinburne is responsible for sourcing placements for students throughout the course.
Topics you'll cover
- Workplace health and safety
- Child development
- Working with parents and colleagues
- Legal and ethical responsibilities inclusion and diversity
- Providing developmentally appropriate experiences for children
Skills you’ll learn
- Child-centred practice
- Ethical and legal responsibility
- Workplace readiness
- Reflective practice
- Teamwork and communication
Your career opportunities
- Early childhood educator (assistant) educational programs
- Family day care educator
- Outside school hours care (OSHC) assistant
- Playgroup advisor
- Nanny
Location options
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study
87.1% of students are satisfied with their training
80.9% of students are likely to recommend Swinburne
Become a Kinder Teacher
[Knocking at door]
DAD: Timmy, you awake?
Come on, buddy. You ready for today mate?
TIMMY: This will be the winner.
DAD: Righto Timmy, let's go.
TEACHER: Here is the sky. Here is the land.
We pay our respects to elders, past, present, and emerging.
Well done Timmy.
Another one here.
See, you twist it. And then these ones.
Here you go Timmy.
[Children playing]
TEACHER: Come on, come on
Did you see a dinosaur at the Zoo? So what's this one here?
Who knows what this is?
Rawr, rawr.
TIMMY: Here you go.
Do you want to have this one?
[Children playing]
TEACHER: Okay, Timmy, I'll see you tomorrow.
MUM: Hey, sweetie!
Did you have a good day?
NARRATOR: The best learning happens when children play. Make their everyday a new adventure.
Authorised by the Victorian government Melbourne.
[END OF TRANSCRIPT]
Admissions
*Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee).
Social/behavioural capability
Students must have the social and language skills be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, Eg:
- Able to get up and down off the floor easily
- Able to lift/ carry young children safely
- Able to perform the physical activities required to pass the unit called "Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting" (Unit Code HLTAID012) ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Immunisation
Immunisation may be a requirement of the organisation students attend for placement. It is recommended that students follow the immunisation guidelines for working with children in early childhood and school settings.
Digital Technologies
Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.
Capability to:
- use email effectively
- create files and folders
- upload and download files
- log in using a username and password
- engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
*Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee).
Social/behavioural capability
Students must have the social and language skills be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, Eg:
- Able to get up and down off the floor easily
- Able to lift/ carry young children safely
- Able to perform the physical activities required to pass the unit called "Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting" (Unit Code HLTAID012) ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Immunisation
Immunisation may be a requirement of the organisation students attend for placement. It is recommended that students follow the immunisation guidelines for working with children in early childhood and school settings.
Digital Technologies
Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.
Capability to:
- use email effectively
- create files and folders
- upload and download files
- log in using a username and password
- engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Other requirements
Students will need to supply their own device and internet service to access the learning management system.
Mandatory documentation:
Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
Students will need to supply their own device and internet service to access the learning management system.
Mandatory documentation:
Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5
- Equivalent measures available at English language requirements
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in early childhood education and care.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
Students must be physically capable to respond effectively to an emergency situation such as being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously (simulated with a mannequin in unit HLTAID012 – Provide emergency first aid in an education and care setting).
Students are required to meet minimum LLN levels, assessed via BKSB. A minimum ACSF working level of 2 for English and Maths is required.
Alternatively, VCE results for Units 1 & 2 in both literacy and numeracy will validate appropriate levels. Students complete a Pre-Training Review upon application to determine course suitability and identify any learning support needs.
Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.
Students must demonstrate social/behavioural capability to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
-
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
-
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Course structure
To successfully complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 17 units (15 core and 2 elective units).
Course delivery
Phased delivery
This program is delivered in 2 stages each around six months in duration. Placement in embedded at intervals throughout each stage. Delivery is via a blended learning model with resources provided primarily in a face-to-face classroom delivery supplimented with online resources in the learning management system.
Phase 1
Developing an understanding of the early childhood sector, regulartory and safety considerations for all stakeholders in preparation for first placement.
Phase 2
Expanding on the skills and knowledge required to support play and development in an inclusive environment, whilst working effectively with families and colleagues.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Support inclusion and diversity
Core unit |
CHCECE030 |
|
Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCECE031 |
|
Nurture babies and toddlers
Core unit |
CHCECE032 |
|
Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
Core unit |
CHCECE033 |
|
Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
Core unit |
CHCECE034 |
|
Support the holistic learning and development of children
Core unit |
CHCECE035 |
|
Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
Core unit |
CHCECE036 |
|
Support children to connect with the natural environment
core unit |
CHCECE037 |
|
Observe children to inform practice
Core unit |
CHCECE038 |
|
Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
Core unit |
CHCECE054 |
|
Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
Core unit |
CHCECE055 |
|
Work effectively in children's education and care
Core unit |
CHCECE056 |
|
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit |
CHCPRT001 |
|
Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
Core unit |
HLTAID012 |
|
Participate in workplace health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Work with diverse people
Elective unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Lead personal development
Elective unit |
BSBPEF403 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes are timetables across 4 days per week between 8.30am and 3.30pm, with approximately 24 hours of on-campus attendance required.
- Scheduled days depend on the group and campus allocation.
- Semester and term breaks are identified within the timetable.
- Placement blocks are embedded within the scheduled delivery where practical skills will be consolidated and assessed.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 20-40 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes over the duration of the course.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations and tests.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,700
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,330
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$20,760.00
A uniform: polo shirt is required to be purchased for this course that will cost approxmiately $50.00.
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
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Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.