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. You will learn to professionally care for and communicate with children, support play, learning, and basic developmental needs. With national accreditation, this course enables you to apply for work across most of Australia upon graduation.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training -
TAFE Victoria
Put Swinburne to the test
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.
Skills you’ll learn
- Practical skills
- Working with children
Your career opportunities
- Long Day Care
- Family Day Care
- Kindergartens
- Out of School Hours Care
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.
Admissions
Applicants require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
Non-school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
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.
Admissions
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or overseas equivalent. Minimum GPA score required, check your specific requirements via the link below.
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 are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.
Social/behavioural capability:
Students must 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 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). An example would be that students must be able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) and a current Police Check prior to course commencement.
For placement purposes, immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella, and, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is required. Immunity to COVID-19 may be required. Immunity to influenza is recommended.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
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Certificate IV in Youth Work
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).
Full -time standard delivery (domestic and international students). On-campus classes combined with work placement.
Students may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
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Support inclusion and diversity
Core unit |
CHCECE030 |
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Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCECE031 |
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Nurture babies and toddlers
Core unit |
CHCECE032 |
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Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
Core unit |
CHCECE033 |
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Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
Core unit |
CHCECE034 |
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Support the holistic learning and development of children
Core unit |
CHCECE035 |
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Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
Core unit |
CHCECE036 |
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Support children to connect with the natural environment
core unit |
CHCECE037 |
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Observe children to inform practice
Core unit |
CHCECE038 |
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Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
Core unit |
CHCECE054 |
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Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
Core unit |
CHCECE055 |
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Work effectively in children’s education and care
Core unit |
CHCECE056 |
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Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit |
CHCPRT001 |
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Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
Core unit |
HLTAID012 |
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Participate in workplace health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS001 |
| Elective units | |
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Work with diverse people
Elective unit |
CHCDIV001 |
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Lead personal development
Elective unit |
BSBPEF403 |
2023 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,170
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$4,730
Concession rate* ($AUD)
$946
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$18,100
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 2023 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
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 2023
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses 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 2023 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.