Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Play a vital role in building children’s social skills as well as supporting learning and play.
You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with children and how to professionally care for infants, toddlers and children, including providing food and basic healthcare to promote well-being.
This course includes 180 hours of practical work placement to consolidate your learning throughout the duration of your course.
Upon completion of this course, you could seek entry level job opportunities such as an early childcare educator, childcare worker or nanny. Or you may wish to continue your studies with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
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Duration
12 months
Intakes
Croydon (February, July)
Hawthorn (February, July)
Wantirna (February, July) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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 if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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. You will learn to professionally care for and communicate with children, support play and learning and basic developmental needs, and about providing food and basic health services.
Current work placement is 180 hours over the course duration.
This qualification reflects the role of workers 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. These support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children's well-being. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.
Course structure
- On-campus classes combined with work placement.
- Current work placement is 180 hours over the course duration.
- Students may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
Graduate skills
Professional recognition
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees for 2022
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and CareEstimated course fees for 2022* |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate | Is this a Free TAFE course? |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $11,640 | $4,520 | $904 | Yes |
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,118.
Fees for 2023
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and CareEstimated course fees for 2023* |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate | Is this a Free TAFE course? |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $12,170 | $4,730 | $946 | Yes |
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,118.
Entry 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.