How long does the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care take?

It can be completed in 12 months, or sooner.

How much does it cost, and is funding available?

It is delivered as an employer-sponsored traineeship, and paid traineeship pathways may be available. Enquire to check your eligibility.

What are the entry requirements?

You need a Working With Vulnerable People Check (incl. national police check), and you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

How is the course delivered?

On the job as an employer-sponsored traineeship, combining structured training with supervised work placement.

CHC30125

Certificate III in Early
Childhood Education & Care

The entry qualification to become a nationally recognised early childhood educator.

CHC30125 · Nationally Recognised Training

Course overview

CHC30125 prepares you to support children’s development in regulated early childhood settings – long day care, family day care, pre-schools and kindergartens – with real placement experience.

At a glance

Course at a glance

12 months

Full-time/part-time, or sooner

17 units

15 core + 2 elective

160 hours

Work placement

Pathway

Leads to the Diploma

How it's delivered

Delivered on the job over around 12 months (or sooner) as an employer-sponsored traineeship – structured training combined with supervised work placement, including at least 160 hours in an approved early childhood education and care service. Paid traineeship pathways may be available; ask us about eligibility.

Units within this course

Core subjects

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
CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
HLTAID012 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

Elective options

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices

What you’ll learn

Skills for real care work

Before you start

Entry requirements

Where it can lead

Career outcomes

Up to 21.8% projected growth in early childhood education and care by 2026. Pathway into the CHC50125 Diploma.

Ready to enrol?

Ask us about start dates, eligibility and paid traineeship options – or call 1300 53 50 20.

A strategic workforce partner to Australia’s care providers – we help you find the right people, then train them with industry skills. Supporting industry since 2009.