The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is regarded as the entry level qualification to a career in the early childhood industry. This qualification reflects the role of an Educator in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. It is the minimum qualification to gain employment in ACECQA approved early childhood services and the most popular qualification studied for those wanting to begin a career in early childhood education.

Course code
CHC30113

Qualification
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Delivery mode

• Workplace Based
• Class Based
• External
• Traineeship

Course duration
TLC offers a rolling intake which means you can commence study at anytime of the year.

For classes, you can join us at commencement of next cluster.

Enrolment valid for:

• 18 months – workplace based
• 12 months – recognition of prior learning (RPL)
• 12 – 24 months – State funded traineeships (depends on training contract)
• 24 months – external
• 9 months – class based

Vocational placement hours
Minimum of 120 hours (working hours can be incorporated as placement hours for workplace students)

Government funding available
Yes – QLD and NSW

Payment methods
EziDebit (payment plans)
Direct Debit
Credit Card (over phone)
Study Loans

Assessment Methods

Students will be assessed:

• Theory: written tasks, case studies, questions, activities and/or workplace projects, portfolios.
• Practical: vocational placement or employment in an ACECQA approved early childhood service. Workplace tasks, observation, projects, third party reports. This will be for no less than 120 hours spread over the duration of the qualification. Actual hours completed is dependent on student capability.  Placement working with children under 2 years of age is required.

Study Commitments

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) provides a guide to volume of learning which describes how long a student who does not hold any of the competencies identified in the relevant units of competency or modules would take to develop all the required skills and knowledge. ‘Volume of learning’ includes all teaching, learning and assessment activities that a typical student must undertake to achieve the learning outcomes, including any minimum on the job component.

For a Certificate III level qualification this time could vary from 1200hrs to 2400hrs.

Based on TLC’s model of delivery and resources, and using a 12mth enrolment as a guide, we advise students to be prepared to allocate approximately 23hrs a week to their studies. This time will include all trainer time, personal study time, on the job placement and completion of assessments.

Time required will increase or decrease depending on mode of study and length of enrolment.

• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Able to apply basic numeracy
• A current Working with Children Check

Course Topics Compulsory Units (15)

Course Topics Elective Units (3)

TLC has pre-selected the following electives to ensure graduates gain diverse experience relevant to childcare settings:

Both these units:

Plus one of the following:

Vocational outcomes for graduates of this qualification may include:

• Early childhood educator (long day care, outside school hours care, occasional care, kindergartens)
• Family day care worker
• Nanny
• In home care provider
• Playgroup supervisor
• Other education based employers may accept this qualification, such as working as tutor, education support staff or as teacher aides

On completion of this qualification, you can gain credit into CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to continue your education career.

TLC offers a variety of payment methods including direct debit, Ezidebit (payment plan), cheque, study loans, credit card or money order.

A student handbook is available prior to enrolment which outlines all policies in relation to fees, refunds, suspensions and cancellations.

Your quoted fee will depend on study mode chosen, whether you have any credit transfers or, if applying for RPL, whether there is any gap training required.

State funded Trainees and Certificate 3 Guarantee students pay a student contribution fee with remainder of course fees paid by the State government.

This course has been approved for Centrelink student related payments.

Certificate 3 Guarantee (QLD ONLY)

Concession Fee

*Enrolment Fee: $100

*Resource Fee $100 (hard cover books) or $75 (e-book option)

Course fee: $54 ($3.00 x 18 units)

Total Cost including First Aid: $154 plus relevant resource fee

Non-concession Fee

*Enrolment Fee: $150

*Resource Fee: $50

Course fee: $90 ($5.00 x 18 units)

Total Cost including First Aid: $240 plus relevant resource fee

*Enrolment and resource fees are non-refundable

Classes held on campus currently on hold due to COVID-19. Students can join the class-based model if they have access to Zoom.

Traineeships (QLD and NSW)

NSW: Student contribution fee $1000 (non-concession) or $240 (concession)

NSW trainees that commence their traineeship qualification on or after 1 January 2020 may be eligible for fee free training. For more information, go to vet.nsw.gov.au. For eligible trainees there will be no requirement to pay the student fee.

QLD: Student contribution fee $1.60 per nominal hour (non-concession) or $64c per nominal hour (concession) – Approx. 938 nominal hours

Fee for Service – External or Workplace Based (QLD and NSW)

Enrolment Fee $150

Resource Fee $200 (or $100 with provision of e-text books)

Per Unit Fee $150

Fee for Service – Recognition of Prior Learning (QLD and NSW)

Enrolment Fee $150

Per Unit Fee $120

Please note: Some students may be exempt from fees depending on eligibility:

Year 12 School leavers (QLD) Read Here

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders (NSW) Read Here

Students with a Disability (NSW) Read Here

School Based Trainees (QLD) Read Here