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.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Skills you’ll learn
- Practical skills
- Working with children
- Communication
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.
Become a Kinder Teacher
Admissions
*Students must be 17 years of age
Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions, and workplace learning/placement.
Students must be physically and mentally capable of engaging professionally with children, families, and colleagues for a maximum 7.5 hours per day, up to 4 days per week.
Applicants require a completion of Australian Year 12 equivalent or other equivalent study and be at least 17 years of age
Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and workplace learning/placement.
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
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 anemergency,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.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) and a current Police Check prior to course commencement.
Immunisation
Immunisations may be a requirement of the organisation you attend for your placement.
For more information about the potential immunisation requirements please go to:
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/vaccination-for-people-working-with-children
Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your placement.
Further information will be provided at the commencement of the course.
To protect your personal health and wellbeing it is recommended that you follow the guidelines for immunisation when 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
Trainees must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. They must have an active contact of employment and be registered with Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority. Participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and workplace tasks and assessments.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
- 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.
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.
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Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
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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).
Full -time standard delivery (domestic and international students). On-campus classes combined with work placement. The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne offers practical instruction and workplace experiences that will give you a true understanding of how to contribute in a work environment. It aims to ensure you learn the critical skills and develop the confidence employers will recognise and value.
This qualification reflects the role of educators in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. Educators holding a Certificate III qualification work under the supervision of Team Leaders and/or Educational Leaders in Long Day Care environments, or Assistants in Pre-school settings. Desirable qualities for this work are patience, understanding, imagination, cheerfulness, energy, adaptability, physical fitness and a willingness to take responsibility.
On-campus
Traineeship
Course delivery
On-Campus classes
Stage one of the Certificate III is conducted through classes on campus 4 days per week combined with two block placements to practice skills with children aged 3-5 and 0-2 respectively. In stage 2 classes are run two days per week and students spend 2 days in the workplace where they can be employed whilst continuing to develop their knowledge and skills. In this model work placement is 336 hours over the course duration, with varied age groups, to provide deep immersion in the workplace learning environment. This increased immersion in the workplace has shown to lead to confident capable graduates. It also provides opportunities for students to work whilst on placement and be earning whilst studying.
Traineeship model
The Traineeship for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne combines paid employment with on-the-job training. Swinburne’s model ensures students are trained, coached and mentored to our usual high standard whilst they are immersed in the workplace as a trainee or workplace learner.
This model aims to ensure you learn the critical skills and develop the confidence employers will recognise and value. It embeds your learning in the workplace where you become a member of the team. You will attend on-campus classes one day per week combined with a minimum of two full days (15 hours) of employment in a specific centre. Trainees must be employed in a Centre for a minimum of 15 hours per week. A National Training contract between the employer and trainee is required prior to enrolment to frame the training plan.
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 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,170
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,120
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$19,960
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$19,960
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 2025 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 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 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 2025 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.