Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

CHC30121 · CRICOS Course Code 111870H

Course overview

If you want to shape how young children learn and grow, this nationally recognised Certificate III prepares you to support wellbeing, learning and development in regulated early childhood settings and junior primary classrooms.

Graduates work as educators who apply an approved learning framework, use professional judgement within organisational policies, and may work independently or with guidance (sometimes off-site). Typical environments include long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten.

To complete the qualification you must undertake at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia, as set out in the unit assessment requirements (hours may be pooled across placement units).

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, centre-based services generally need at least half of ratio educators to hold or be actively working toward an approved diploma; family day care coordinators require an approved diploma. A Certificate III (or active progress toward one) is the common baseline for childcare work.

What you’ll learn

Build safe, culturally competent teams and maintain workplace health and safety.
Provide care for babies, toddlers and children while developing positive, respectful relationships.
Use an approved learning framework; help children connect with their world; keep environments healthy and secure.
Support compliance, cooperative behaviour plans and inclusive practice for every child.
Observe and analyse information to design experiences that foster learning and development.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Completion of Australian Year 12 (or an overseas equivalent). Depending on nationality, Year 11 equivalent may be accepted — confirm with admissions before you enrol.
Mature-age applicants without a formal secondary credential complete Axis Institute’s LLN / English placement assessment.

English language proficiency

All applicants complete Axis Institute’s Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills check (online LLN Robot). For Certificate III and above, one of the following is typically required:

IELTS overall band 6.0 (or an accepted equivalent such as PTE), or
Evidence of Advanced-level English, or
A satisfactory result on Axis Institute’s internal English placement test.

Common exemptions (confirm with admissions): full-time secondary / ELICOS / research pathways; five or more years of study in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or Ireland; passport holders from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Ireland; recent Australian study in English at Senior Secondary or AQF Certificate IV+ while holding a student visa.

Course outline — 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 peoples’ 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 workplace health and safety

Elective units

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Assessment

Knowledge questions
Case study
Vocational placement log book

Each selected method must be completed satisfactorily; methods complement each other rather than stand alone.

Vocational placement

Professional placement totals 160 hours. Before placement you must hold a valid Working with Children Check for your state (costs are the student’s responsibility). Placement may be in long day care, preschool or outside-school-hours care. Students already employed in a registered service may complete placement in their workplace where suitable.

Possible career outcomes

Child Care Assistant
Playgroup Supervisor
Family Day Care Educator
Child Care Worker

Fees & payment options

Course fees can be paid in person, by phone, internet banking, or credit card (Visa / Mastercard). Indicative international tuition is published on the Resources page and may change — contact admissions for a current quote for your intake.

Option	How it works
Pay in full	Single upfront payment by bank transfer or card.
Payment plan	Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or per-term instalments (terms apply).
Direct debit	Scheduled withdrawals from a nominated account.

Contact: info@axisinstitute.edu.au · 07 2102 3553 (Brisbane) · 02 8358 7277 (Sydney)

How to apply

Check entry requirements and English evidence.
Submit an online enquiry / application or the international student form.
Complete LLND assessment and any interviews requested by admissions.
Receive offer, pay fees per your payment plan, and arrange CoE / visa steps if applicable.
Attend orientation and commence on your intake date.