| Course Code | CHC30121 |
| Locations |
Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Colac
Would you prefer another study location? Click here |
| Study Mode | Full-time, On Campus |
| Length | 12 months |
| Commencement | February 2026 |
| Timetable | Two days a week on campus with additional virtual classes as required, plus one day a week on placement (minimum 160 hours). |
Want a rewarding career working with children?
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to gain entry-level employment in the early childhood education and care sector.
You will gain the skills and knowledge to support the development and care of children from birth to pre-school. You will learn how to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standards.
Through on-campus study and work placement, you will gain hands-on and practical skills in areas including: caring for babies and children up to 12 years old, responding to children and people at risk, effective interaction with children, providing nutritional food, childhood development, sustainable practices, first aid and work health and safety procedures.
This course also provides a pathway and meets the entry requirements to complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Through a combination of on-campus study and work placement, you will gain practical on-the-job knowledge and skills you need to support the implementation of a learning framework, and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
You will develop practical skills and knowledge in:
Two days a week on campus with additional virtual classes* as required, plus one day a week on placement
(minimum 160 hours).
*Virtual classroom - a live online teaching and learning environment where teachers and students can present course materials, engage, interact, and work in groups together.
This course equips you to work across a range of age groups by providing care for babies, toddlers and children. Job roles include:
Following the completion of this course, you may choose to continue study in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Completion of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care meets the entry requirements and provides credits for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at South West TAFE.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical placement in a regulated early childhood service during this course. Placement is usually 1 day per week.
We will arrange this placement for you.
Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts.
You must be at least 17 years of age turning 18 in the year of completion, provide a Working with Children Check and obtain a police check.
To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete 17 units; 15 core and 2 elective.
To successfully meet the requirements for the First Aid (HLTAID012) unit you must be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities required to follow the DRSABCD principles, in line with ARC guidelines including:
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHCPRT001 | Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk | 40 | $0.00 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in Workplace Health and Safety | 20 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity | 63 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE031 | Support childrens health, safety and wellbeing | 160 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers | 108 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children | 100 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | 80 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children | 100 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support childrens play and learning | 75 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment | 50 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures | 55 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in childrens education and care | 60 | $0.00 |
| CHCECE056 | Work effectively in childrens education and care | 65 | $0.00 |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 22 | $15.00 |
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 | $0.00 |
| BSBPEF301 | Organise personal work priorities | 30 | $0.00 |
This course involves accredited units. You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes. A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment.
Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms. Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance. You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.
Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.
Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.
Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI
Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.
Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.
Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements. Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY
The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $4,270.00 |
| Concession rate | $855.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $14,350.00 |
Students who are eligible for Free TAFE place will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE courses and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.
A Free TAFE Pathways Program is a group of courses that complement each other to help you continue to train for the career and industry you may wish to work in. For eligible students, these courses are tuition fee free. Depending on the course, you may still be required to pay material fees. The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about the Free TAFE Pathways Program and eligibility or contact us.
Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $88.50 |
Your course may require you to purchase additional materials or books (eg uniform, stationery, textbooks). Some of these items are optional and some are mandatory. You can purchase these items from Campion Education, second-hand or via another supplier. Click here to find out more.
You can download the booklist for this course here: HERE
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.
We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.
There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.
If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.
Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.
Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.
As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.
