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.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

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.

Admissions

Applicants require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent and be at least 17 years of age.

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

All students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions, and workplace learning/placement.

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 influenza is recommended.

Students will need a PC 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 contract of employment and be registered with Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

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.

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

Full-time standard delivery is on-campus classes combined with work placement. Students may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.

15
Core units
+
2
Elective units
+
180
hours
Placement
=
Certificate III

Traineeship

Students completeing a traineeship course must attend on-campus face-to-face classes one day per week. A minimum of two full days (15 hours)  workplace experience per week must be completed over the duration of the course.

15
Core Units
+
2
Elective units
+
15
hours
Workplace Experience per week
=
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1118

Course delivery

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 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.

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, 63.0 credit points
CHCECE030
Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
Core unit, 160.0 credit points
CHCECE031
Nurture babies and toddlers
Core unit, 108.0 credit points
CHCECE032
Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
Core unit, 100.0 credit points
CHCECE033
Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
Core unit, 80.0 credit points
CHCECE034
Support the holistic learning and development of children
Core unit, 100.0 credit points
CHCECE035
Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
Core unit, 75.0 credit points
CHCECE036
Support children to connect with the natural environment
core unit, 50.0 credit points
CHCECE037
Observe children to inform practice
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCECE038
Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
Core unit, 55.0 credit points
CHCECE054
Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
CHCECE055
Work effectively in children's education and care
Core unit, 65.0 credit points
CHCECE056
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCPRT001
Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
Core unit, 22.0 credit points
HLTAID012
Participate in workplace health and safety
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
HLTWHS001
Elective units
Work with diverse people
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCDIV001
Lead personal development
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBPEF403

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$12,660

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$4,920

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$18,990.00

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$18,990.00

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 2024 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. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    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 2024 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.

Representatives and agents
CHC30121
Search for agents

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.

Course code
CHC30121
Apply directly
Course code
CHC30121
CRICOS code
110206D
Apply directly
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
06-November-2024
Start dates
11-November-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
16-July-2025
Start dates
21-July-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
16-July-2025
Start dates
21-July-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
11-November-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-February-2025
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
21-July-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
21-July-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024