The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally accredited qualification required to work in Childcare in Australia.  Previously known as the Certificate III Children’s Services course, a review into Education and Training in the Child Care industry resulted in a number of changes being recommended. A new scope for delivery of Early Childhood Education and Care was consequently developed with an emphasis on learning more about First Aid and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Recently there have been some major changes to the Child care industry, so those formerly working without qualifications are now finding they need to complete their studies to maintain employment.

For those with some Child Care industry experience and are looking to formalise their skills by gaining a Nationally Recognised qualification, or for those wishing to make a start in and pursue a career as a Child Care worker, this is the course you need to study.

The course allows you to develop skills for working with children in pre-school care and also out of school hours care (OHSC).

Along with this course, to work in the Child Care industry you will need to maintain your First Aid and Working with Children Certification.

Entry requirements: All students must be at least 18 years of age or older.

Course length: 515 hours. A maximum of 12 months is given for access to the course.

Course delivery: the theory modules are offered through an interactive online learning portal.

Along with these theory modules, students need to complete 120 hours of work placement at a Child Care Facility.

Courses Direct has a partnership with Online Courses Australia (RTO number: 32080) to provide access to the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113).

Potential career options include:

• Child Care Worker
• Recreation Assistant
• Family day carer
• Professional nanny
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Childcare assistant
• Mobile assistant

There are 18 units with 15 being compulsory and 3 as electives.

• CHCCS400C Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
• 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
• CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to young people at risk
• HLTAID004 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting
• HLTWHS001 Participate in work health and safety
• HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Elective Units

• CHCORG303C Participate effectively in the work environment
• CHCEDS005 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
• HLTHIR403 Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers