Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

This course covers the fundamentals of childhood development and caring for children.

You’ll gain the skills and expertise to provide quality education for children in a range of environments.

Through classroom learning and two practical placements in daycare settings, you’ll learn to plan activities focused on children’s development.

Completion of this course is the minimum requirement to work in the early childhood education sector.

You will develop skills in:

effective interaction and communication with children appropriate care for babies, toddlers and children nutrition first aid, health and safety working legally and ethically.

TAFE study dates and breaks 2020.

To be awarded CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a student must successfully complete a total of eighteen (18) units of competency, comprising of:

• fifteen (15) core units, and;
• three (3) elective units of which:
• at least one (1) unit must be selected from the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, and;
• up to two (2) units may be selected from any endorsed training package or accredited courses – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

All electives chosen must support the overall integrity of the AQF level of this qualification and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• 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

ELECTIVE UNITS

• BSBWOR301 - Organise personal work priorities and development
• CHCECE006 - Support behaviour of children and young people
• CHCECE012 - Support children to connect with their world

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Students will be required to demonstrate they have the capacity to work with children and families in the highly demanding field of early childhood as set out by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations by attending an interview. This may be conducted individually or as a group, at the discretion of the Polytechnic. Further information can be found: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/ Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs. For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current and satisfactory Police Record Check and Working with Children Check. Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course. The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks: - Police Record Check - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 - Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of early childhood educational settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously. Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au (external link)