At a glance
Kick-start your career with this entry-level course that will set you up with the foundation skills you need to succeed as an assistant childcare worker.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Out of School Hours Care Assistant
- Family Day Care Provider
- Early Childhood Education and Care Assistant
- Early Childhood Education and Care Worker
COURSE OUTCOME
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Course overview
Get a head start on your career in early childhood education and care with this entry-level course. This qualification is the minimum requirement for early childhood settings in Australia and will set you up with the foundation skills to get ahead.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the child care industry is experiencing very strong growth. Qualified candidates are in high demand in this very large occupation with around 184,000 job openings expected over the next five years.
This course covers a number of core skills, including how to plan, implement and evaluate educational early childhood programs, support health meal times for children and foster individual development. You will also learn how to comply with legal and industry requirements. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will provide you with one-on-one guidance in simulated working environments to give you the foundations you need to enter the sector.
Successful completion of this course will allow you to confidently seek employment in a range of entry-level early childhood education and care roles, and equip you to complete further studies in the field.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be free for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
Our teachers are among the best in the business. They are deeply embedded in the industry, so they know what employers are looking for. TAFE Queensland partners with some of the best early childhood education and care services in the industry to give you practical, on-the-job training and industry-relevant experience before you graduate.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 3 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCECE001 |
Develop cultural competence | |
| CHCECE002 |
Ensure the health and safety of children | |
| CHCECE003 |
Provide care for children | |
| CHCECE004 |
Promote and provide healthy food and drinks | |
| CHCECE005 |
Provide care for babies and toddlers | |
| CHCECE007 |
Develop positive and respectful relationships with children | |
| CHCECE009 |
Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | |
| CHCECE010 |
Support the holistic development of children in early childhood | |
| CHCECE011 |
Provide experiences to support children's play and learning | |
| CHCECE013 |
Use information about children to inform practice | |
| CHCLEG001 |
Work legally and ethically | |
| CHCPRT001 |
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | |
| HLTAID004 |
Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting | |
| HLTWHS001 |
Participate in workplace health and safety | |
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
For most online courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake or the units required to complete a cluster/stage.
Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more
What you need to know about TAFE at School
Eligibility
You must be a Year 10, 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.
Course placements are subject to availability.
Outcome
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor, or visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships
Eligibility
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
COST
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Get In touch
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.
Important information
- It is strongly recommended that applicants provide evidence of the following immunisations:
- Pertussis (dTpa, provided dTpa has not been given previously), plus a booster if immunisation has not been received within the past 10 years.
- MMR (if non-immune), and
- Varicella (if seronegative)
- In addition, it is recommended that all Early Childhood Educators have Hepatitis A & B Vaccination
- Students will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check and receive a positive notice and apply for a Blue Card for placement
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
Domestic students
There are no selection criteria requirements for Domestic students.
International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:
- You must be at least 18 years of age to enter into this course;
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International; and
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place. TAFE Queensland has entered an agreement with Union Institute of Language (UIL) to facilitate the provision of the welfare services (fees apply).
Placement
If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 120 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Blue Card
To successfully satisfy all course requirements you will be required to apply for a Blue Card (working with children check). Learn More
Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application. For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.
If you are ineligible from applying for a blue card, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.
It is also recommended that all students should undertake screening for vaccination against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements such as:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- Influenza
- Varicella zoster virus (chicken pox)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Need to know
When studying online it is strongly recommended students follow the order of study and enrol in no more than two units per intake or the units required to complete a cluster/stage, unless otherwise advised.
Replacement Qualification
This qualification has been replaced by CHC30121 - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, as of 18 July 2021. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 20 January 2023. If required, enrolments will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 