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CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Start your career with this entry-level course that will set you up with the foundation skills you need to succeed as an educator in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Far North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 01 Jul 2024 Duration: up to 18 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$790
Subsidised
$1,230
Full Fee
$4,795
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Start your Early Childhood Education and Care career with this entry-level course designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 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 Early Childhood Education and 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 healthy 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 as well as equip you to complete further studies in this field.

This qualification is delivered through a compulsory residential program over 18 months. Students are eligible to enter this qualification,  if they identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are from remote areas across the state such as:

  • Thursday Island and Torres Strait Outer Islands 
  • Bamaga/Injinoo/Umagico/New Mapoon/Seisia
  • Napranum/Weipa
  • Lockhart River
  • Hope Vale/Cooktown
  • Pormpuraaw
  • Normanton
  • Yarrabah
  • Woorabinda
  • Cherbourg

What can I do?

  • Out of School Hours Care Assistant
  • Family Day Care Provider
  • Early Childhood Education and Care Assistant
  • Early Childhood Education and Care Worker

Course outcome:

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Indigenous student support

Our dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officers (ISSOs) provide tailored support designed to meet the unique needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. ISSOs can provide assistance with enrolment processes, Centrelink ABSTUDY enquiries, tutor support, referrals to other community service providers, enrolment into 'away from base' courses, and personal support.

Fee-Free TAFE

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What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 2 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 160 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE030
    Support inclusion and diversity
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE030
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to reflect on and understand the impact of own values and biases, demonstrate respect for inclusion and diversity, and support children's understanding of inclusive principles and behaviours.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support inclusion and diversity

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE031
    Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE031
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to support and promote children's health, safety and wellbeing in relation to physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, rest and relaxation and individual medical requirements.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support children's health, safety and wellbeing

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE032
    Nurture babies and toddlers
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE032
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop relationships with babies and toddlers and their families and attend to the specific physical and emotional needs of babies and toddlers from birth to 23 months. It requires the ability to follow individualised care routines for sleep, feeding and toileting.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Nurture babies and toddlers

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE033
    Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE033
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate and interact respectfully with children and to guide their behaviours in ways that support their agency, positive sense of self and self-regulation.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop positive and respectful relationships with children

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE034
    Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE034
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source and use an approved childhood learning framework.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE035
    Support the holistic learning and development of children
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE035
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to recognise and support the interrelationship between the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication development of children.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support the holistic learning and development of children

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE036
    Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE036
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to set up, support and review experiences for children's play and learning.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide experiences to support children's play and learning

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE037
    Support children to connect with the natural environment
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE037
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support and encourage children's connection with the natural environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support children to connect with the natural environment

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE038
    Observe children to inform practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE038
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and gather information about children from observation and other sources as part of a collaborative process and as a basis for curriculum planning.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Observe children to inform practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE054
    Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE054
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify different perspectives on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures, develop an understanding of the local and broader cultural contexts, and use the identified information to embed culturally appropriate experiences, interactions, behaviours and physical environments into daily practice with children.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE055
    Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE055
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and meet legal and ethical obligations. This includes the ability to recognise potential and actual examples of non-compliance with regulatory requirements and contribute to the continuous improvement of practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCECE056
    Work effectively in children's education and care
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCECE056
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a children's education and care context using effective communication and knowledge of job roles, responsibilities and service procedures to complete daily work activities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively in children's education and care

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRT001
    Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRT001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support and protect children and young people who are at risk of harm. This work occurs within legislative and policy frameworks and carries a duty of care responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAID012
    Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAID012
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to infants, children and adults in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. This unit applies to a range of workers within an education and care setting who are required to respond to a first aid emergency, including asthma and anaphylactic emergencies. This includes early childhood workers and educators who work with school age children in outside school hours care and vacation programs. This unit of competency may contribute towards approved first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training under the Education and Care Services National Law, and the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011). Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Northern Peninsula Area
On campus with some online
01 Jul 2024
up to 18 months
Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
demo

Northern Peninsula Area

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

01 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 18 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Cairns
On campus with some online
01 Jul 2024
up to 18 months
Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
demo

Cairns

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

01 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 18 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Thursday Island
On campus with some online
01 Jul 2024
up to 18 months
Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
demo

Thursday Island

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

01 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 18 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Compulsory residential block attendance. Residential block dates will be confirmed upon enrolment.

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $790
  • Subsidised: $1,230
  • Full fee: $4,795
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Northern Peninsula Area
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Cairns
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Thursday Island
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

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. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
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.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

You must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as this training program has been developed specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in support of equity policy in post compulsory education.

You will need to:

  • attend an interview to determine your literacy and numeracy skills levels; and
  • obtain a Blue Card (Working with Children Check).

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.

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

Resources required

You must 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 and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is also available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You are also required to have access to a reliable USB for assessment and resource collation during residential block attendances.

Placement

If you are not currently employed in the industry, during your course you will be required to complete 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, 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 160 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).

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 cannot obtain a Working with Children Check (Blue Card), you will be ineligible to undertake placement and any related assessment, which will affect your course outcome. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator or a Course Teacher for further information.

Vaccination requirements
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

It is recommended that you undertake screening for vaccination (and meet any costs incurred) against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements:

  • Some facilities may require COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (persons born during or since 1966 who have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine should have a second dose)
  • Chickenpox (if not previously infected)
  • Pertussis (whooping cough -an adult booster dose)
  • Influenza (annual vaccination)

Important information

You are required to attend compulsory face to face residential block training. The dates for your residential block training will be provided upon commencement of your course. To enable your attendance at residential block training, you will need to be registered with ABSTUDY.

If you are currently employed in an Early Childhood Education and Care Service, you will need to discuss your residential block release dates with your employer, to make sure you are available to attend the compulsory residential blocks.   

Please note: in addition to the above, you are also required to complete your own study each week to ensure you progress successfully through your course. Further information will be provided at the commencement of your course. 

This course is offered through RATEP ECEC sites providing students with face to face, online and teacher support throughout their qualification.  

RATEP ECEC sites throughout the state provide early childhood training at the Certificate III and Diploma levels. 

RATEP ECEC locations are as follows:

  • Thursday Island and Torres Strait Outer Islands
  • Bamaga/Injinoo/Umagico/New Mapoon/Seisia
  • Napranum/Weipa
  • Lockhart River
  • Hope Vale/Cooktown
  • Pormpuraaw
  • Normanton
  • Yarrabah
  • Woorabinda
  • Cherbourg

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.

Pathways

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

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. 

Course 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.

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. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more