CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Hands-on training for nationally recognised qualification
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Launch your career in early childhood

Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to inspire children’s learning and development while making a real difference in their everyday experiences.

The nationally recognised qualification prepares you to work as an early childhood educator in long day care, family day care, preschools, or kindergartens, applying professional skills and judgement to support children’s growth.

The course is delivered externally, so you’ll complete your study guides and assessments in your own time with regular visits from your trainer. Assessment takes place throughout the course and includes a mix of methods such as workbooks, practical tasks, observations, projects, portfolios, and third-party reports.

If you are not currently employed in the industry, you will need to complete a minimum of 160 hours of workplace practicum in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. This can include an approved Family Day Care setting, if you are working towards becoming a family day care educator.

Trainer & educator chatting together

CHC30121 Course Overview

Course duration

Typically 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

Number of units

 Total of 17 units, consisting of 15 core units & 2 electives

Fees & funding

Full fee-for-service $3,435;
Career Start funding available

Location

External delivery with trainers throughout Queensland

 

Application date

No need to wait – apply and start at any time!

Course Details

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Why should I do this course?

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is your first step toward a rewarding career in early childhood education. You’ll gain the practical skills and confidence to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and development, while earning a nationally recognised qualification. Completing it opens doors to work in long day care, family day care, preschools, or kindergartens, providing you with a strong foundation for growth in the sector.

What will I study?
To achieve the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you will need to complete:

  • 15 core units as outlined in the qualification framework.
  • 2 elective units, which can be selected in consultation with your workplace and trainer.

If you are not currently employed in the industry, you will need to complete a minimum of 160 hours of workplace practicum in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia, as specified in the Assessment Requirements of each unit. Some units require practical work placement hours to be completed before the unit can be deemed competent. Kath Dickson Institute staff can provide additional guidance on these requirements.

Core units:

  • CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
  • CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
  • CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
  • CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
  • CHCECE034 Use and approved learning framework to guide practice
  • CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
  • CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
  • CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
  • CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
  • CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
  • CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
  • CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
  • CXHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
  • HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
  • HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

Elective units:

  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
  • CHCECE039 Comply with family day care administration requirements
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

All course materials are provided.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal prerequisites for this qualification. However, applicants should have sound language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills. A valid Working with Children Blue Card or National Police Clearance Check is also required.

 

Where can I study?

We have Trainers throughout Queensland that provide face-to-face training in the following locations:

Brisbane | Cairns | Central Queensland | Darling Downs | Ipswich | Gold Coast | Logan -Beaudesert | Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday | Maranoa | Moreton Bay | Outback Queensland | Sunshine Coast | Toowoomba | Townsville | Wide Bay.

What will it cost?
The course fee for the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care varies based on your particular situation. The full fee-for-service is $3,435. However, you may be eligible to access Queensland Government funding under Career Start General Training or Traineeship.

Eligibility requirements for Career Start:

  • aged 15 years or older;
  • not be a school student;
  • permanently reside in Queensland;
  • Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
  • not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills do not count).

Eligibility requirements for Traineeship:

  • Minimum 15 hours per week permanent employment is required.
  • School based Trainees’/Apprentices’ employment arrangement have a minimum requirement of 100 days (750 hours).
  • Employer must agree to enter into a Contract between the DTET, the Employer and the Apprentice/Trainee.
  • Apprentices and Trainees are placed on a monthly visit schedule (visit schedule may be negotiated upon enrolment).
  • After registration, Apprentices and Trainees are issued with a specific start and end date that need to be adhered to.

Find out more about Fees & Funding or contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

How do I find out more?

There is more detailed information in the Student Handbook. Or you can speak with one of our friendly team who will be happy to answer any questions. Please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page or call us on 1300 336 345.

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Contact us

Want to know more?

We know starting study can feel like a big decision, and you might have lots of questions — our friendly team is here to help!

Call us on 1300 336 345 or complete the contact form.

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Kath Dickson Institute operates in accordance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, Standards for RTOs 2015 and is a Skills Assure Supplier for the User Choice and Vet Investment programs for Queensland Government. National Provider Code 5394.

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