Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care:
Launch Your Career in Childcare
Shape the future of young minds with early childhood education with our CHC30121 Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. With a growing demand for more childcare centres and the need for more staffing, this certificate can help open up a lot of opportunities — from opening your own centre to advancing your career. Our hands-on approach prepares you to support children's well-being, learning and development.
Start your rewarding career in early childhood education and get your certificate in only six months, including 160 hours of work placement in a childcare centre.
Our hands-on approach for your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Our trainers have many years of experience working in the childcare industry, bringing real-world knowledge to the classroom.
Unlike students from other schools, who only do Zoom classes or self-paced study and often struggle in real workplaces, our students learn from our trainers in classrooms designed to stimulate a childcare centre environment, build practical skills and workplace familiarity and become job-ready upon graduation.
Course overview: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Also called Cert 3 in Childcare, this course prepares educators for roles in long day care centres, family day care, preschools, kindergartens and after-school care programs. You will learn strategies and frameworks to foster children's learning, development and wellbeing in a fun and playful environment.
Classroom and workplace training
Government subsidies and payment plans available
Approximately* 6 months course
*Dependent on school holidays
Course structure: what you’ll learn
Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care combines classroom training with hands-on practical placement at a child care centre. Gain the knowledge and skills to provide education and care for babies, toddlers and children up to six years old by learning to:
Nurture children in a safe, healthy and inclusive setting
Use approved learning frameworks
Support development through play, learning and connection
Promote positive and respectful relationships with children
Identify and respond to children at risk
Provide first aid and emergency response
Practical placement: gaining real-world experience
To achieve competency in the Cert III in Childcare, students must complete 160 hours of supervised practical placement in a regulated childcare service for children aged 0-6 years. Unlike other schools where students must find and organise their own work placements on top of their studies, we provide comprehensive support through our dedicated Practical Placement Team. Our team will help you secure a suitable placement in a childcare centre of your choice and handle all logistics between you and the centre. This allows you to focus entirely on learning and developing your skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for your career in early childhood education. You’ll be able to:
Apply knowledge and skills in real-world childcare settings
Gain practical experience and confidence to get a job
Opportunities to network with potential employers
Course outcomes: Career opportunities
Graduates of the Cert 3 in Childcare will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to support children's wellbeing, learning and development in various early childhood settings. This qualification prepares you for roles such as:
Early Childhood Educator in a centre-based service
Assistant Educator in a Preschool or Kindergarten and
Nanny or Babysitter
Family Day Care Educator
The operator of a Family Day Care service
Upon completing Cert III in Childcare, you can progress to study CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, opening doors to further career opportunities and leadership roles in Early Childhood Learning Centres, such as:
Room leader
Assistant manager/team leader
Educational program coordinator
Entry requirements: How to get into the program
To complete Cert 3 in Childcare, you must pass the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN) to determine if you have the foundational skills for the course.
Additionally, obtaining a Working with Children Check is mandatory for practical placement to ensure child safety. This check is not required for course enrollment, but it is essential for completing your placement. Our team will assist you in applying for the check during the course before you start your placement. If you have any concerns that might affect your ability to obtain this check, please let us know as soon as possible.
Fees and financial assistance
The NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program provides government-subsidised training in industry priority areas through their NSW Fee Free ($0) initiative.
Eligible students can take advantage of NSW Fee Free ($0) to access high-quality training in the Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification without financial burden.
You are qualified for the Smart and Skilled program if you are:
15 years old or over
No longer at school
Living or working in NSW
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen
For those not eligible for NSW fee-free ($0) training, the course fee for the Cert 3 in Childcare is $1,930.
Units of competency
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 an 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 cultures
CHCECE055 - Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
CHCECE056 - Work effectively in children’s education and care
CHCPRT001 - Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
HLTAID012 - Provide first aid in an education and care setting
HLTWHS001 - Participate in work health and safety
Elective units
CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve your own professional practice
Sign up for Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care today
Embark on a rewarding career in early childhood education with our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Access numerous opportunities with this qualification and gain vital skills and knowledge to nurture and support young children's development and well-being.
Our hands-on practical placement and experienced educators ensure you are job-ready and equipped for real-world challenges. Enrol at First Base Training today and begin making a significant impact in the lives of children!
FAQs
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Proof of identity: Valid photo ID (e.g. driver’s licence, NSW photo card or passport)
Proof of living address in NSW: driver’s licence or NSW photo card
Citizenship/Residency status: birth certificate, passport, Medicare card or Australian visa
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Yes, training sessions are delivered face-to-face in our classrooms at Parramatta Westfield.
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We are on Level 6 in the Office Tower of Parramatta Westfield, connected to Parramatta station via the Level 1 tunnel and across from the Parramatta bus interchange.
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Yes, successful completion results in a nationally recognised vocational qualification.
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Yes, we arrange practical placement for all students. You will practise skills in a simulated classroom environment before starting.
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The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care takes approximately 6 months to complete, including 160 hours of work placement.
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Eligible students can enrol at no cost from July to December 2024 under the NSW Fee Free program.
The Cert 3 in Childcare costs $1,930 for those not eligible for fee-free training.
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Yes, we have flexible payment plans for fee-for-service students, with monthly, fortnightly and weekly options.
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Bank transfer
In-person via Visa or MasterCard
Over the phone using a credit card
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You can enquire online or by phone, but enrolment in Cert 3 in Childcare must be done in person at our Parramatta office.
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We offer flexible commencements throughout the year to accommodate students' schedules.
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