CHC30121 - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. They support children's wellbeing and development in the context of an approved learning framework and within organisational policies and procedures, within the requirements of the Education and Care National Quality Framework. Attaining the required skills and knowledge of an Early Childhood educator provides you with an understanding of how to engage children in play-based learning activities, that contribute to reaching individual children's developmental milestones.
To complete this course, students are required to undertake placement and complete a minimum of 160 hours of Vocational Placement. Students who are currently employed in a regulated early childhood service, may undertake their placement with their existing employer.
Units within the course are grouped together in clusters with each cluster having its own specific Vocational Placement hours. Placement hours completed under one cluster can be carried onto the next cluster until the minimum 160 Vocational Placement hours are met.
These Vocational Placements aim to provide students with hands-on experience and real-world exposure, complementing their academic knowledge and fostering their professional development.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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Study Experience
- Seamless Pathway
- Fast-Tracked Course
- Clustered Course Units
- Flexible Online Study
- On-Campus Study
Career Opportunities
CHC30121 Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care is a pre-requisite to the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Students can further their study opportunities with unit credits towards other qualifications within CQUniversity.
Occupations include but are not limited to Early Childhood Educator in long day care services, family daycare, in-home care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
Structure & Availability
ON CAMPUS
Duration:This course is delivered full-time over a 50 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Students should plan to dedicate approximately 16 hours per week to their coursework. outside of the allocated class time.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory minimum work placement of 160 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. As part of the assessment conditions, a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor is required to observe students completing designated tasks while on placement. For more information about placement observations, visit the Work Integrated Learning And Placements tab.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
Classes are conducted one day per week, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, except public holidays and Queensland School holiday periods on the following campuses:
- Rockhampton North campus on a Tuesday
- Gladstone Marina campus on a Thursday
Note: If minimum enrolments for class are not met, a video link will be provided to conduct training.
Online
Duration:This course is delivered over a 50 week period (full-time), however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 23 hours per week to their coursework. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 11.5 hours per week.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory minimum work placement of 160 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
START TAFE NOW (STN) Online
Duration:This course is delivered over a 50 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory minimum work placement of 160 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. As part of the assessment conditions, a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor is required to observe students completing designated tasks while on placement. For more information about placement observations visit the Work Integrated Learning And Placements tab.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
TRAINEESHIP
Duration:This course is delivered over a 50 week period, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 23 hours per week to their coursework. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 11.5 hours per week.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within an early childhood setting, with a mandatory minimum work placement of 160 hours in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. As part of the assessment conditions, a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor is required to observe students completing designated tasks while on placement. For more information about placement observations visit the Work Integrated Learning And Placements tab.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
RPL Structure
Duration:RPL only - no training occurs.
RPL involves an assessment process of an individual’s previously obtained skills and knowledge that has been achieved outside the formal education and training system. The duration is dependent on evidence collection by the candidate and approval of evidence by the CQUniversity assessor.
Please refer to information on the CQUniversity website - Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit
RPL Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
| CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
| CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care |
| BSBPEF202 | Plan and apply time management |
| CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children's education and care |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures |
| CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity |
| CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice |
| CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment |
| CHCECE031 | Support children's health, safety and wellbeing |
| CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers |
| CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children |
| CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children |
| CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children's play and learning |
| CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
Note: If minimum enrolments for class are not met, a video link will be provided to conduct training.
ON CAMPUS
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
| March, 2025 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
| January, 2026 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
| February, 2026 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
START TAFE NOW (STN) ON CAMPUS
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
| March, 2025 | On-campus, Gladstone, Rockhampton |
START TAFE NOW (STN) Online
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Online |
| March, 2025 | Online |
| July, 2025 | Online |
| January, 2026 | Online |
| February, 2026 | Online |
| April, 2026 | Online |
| May, 2026 | Online |
| June, 2026 | Online |
| July, 2026 | Online |
Online
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| January, 2025 | Online |
| February, 2025 | Online |
| March, 2025 | Online |
| April, 2025 | Online |
| May, 2025 | Online |
| June, 2025 | Online |
| July, 2025 | Online |
| August, 2025 | Online |
| September, 2025 | Online |
| October, 2025 | Online |
| November, 2025 | Online |
| December, 2025 | Online |
| January, 2026 | Online |
| February, 2026 | Online |
| April, 2026 | Online |
| May, 2026 | Online |
| June, 2026 | Online |
| July, 2026 | Online |
| September, 2026 | Online |
| October, 2026 | Online |
| December, 2026 | Online |
Note: If minimum enrolments for class are not met, a video link will be provided to conduct training.
This course has no residential schools.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a regulated early childhood service, with a mandatory minimum vocational placement of 160 hours. Within this time allocation, students can demonstrate the required vocational placement tasks and skills for other units as required for the qualification.
Units within the course are grouped together in clusters with each cluster having its own specific Vocational Placement hours. Placement hours completed under one cluster can be carried onto the next cluster until the minimum 160 Vocational Placement hours are met.
These Vocational Placements aim to provide students with hands-on experience and real-world exposure, complementing their academic knowledge and fostering their professional development.
As part of the assessment conditions, a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor is required to observe students completing designated tasks while on placement. This ensures that competency is demonstrated in a real-world setting and aligns with training package requirements.
Students located in the following areas may be eligible for in-person observations conducted by a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor:
- Rockhampton and surrounding areas
- Gladstone
- Mackay
- Emerald
Students who are not located in the approved in-person observation areas must arrange for virtual observations with their Trainer and Assessor. These will be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams using a service device (e.g., a tablet or laptop provided by the service). The observer will watch live, replicating the process of an in-person observation.
To meet these requirements, students must complete their placement at a service that permits virtual assessment, including the use of video conferencing and devices for live observation by a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor.
To participate in placement, it is a requirement to successfully obtain a Working with Children Check relevant to your state in Australia.
Requirements
Completion of BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder). online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment required prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Students are required to complete 160 hours of vocational placement in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia. To participate in placement, it is a requirement to successfully obtain a Working with Children Check relevant to your state in Australia.
To participate in studies, students require access to a computer, Internet and hold intermediate computer skills. 24-hour CQUniversity computer labs are available on select campuses.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply.
Fee-Free TAFE places are limited.
Fee-free TAFE places are only available for new course enrolments from the 1st of January 2026.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-contribution
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, provide a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per *nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Career Start or Career Boost.
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Funding
Free apprenticeships for under 25s covers the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new or existing apprentice or trainee in a priority qualification. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Some employers may optionally choose to sponsor all or part of a student’s full fees or co-contribution fees. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
*Nominal hours is a value assigned to a VET course or unit and nominally represents the anticipated hours of supervised training deemed necessary to conduct the training and assessment activities associated with the course or unit.
*Some qualifications require students to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform or other compulsory resources which are not included in free or subsidised enrolments.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
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Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
