CHC30121
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Acquire the skills and experience to start a fulfilling career as an Early Childhood Educator in this expanding sector.
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Nurture young minds. Shape bright futures.
Do you love working with children and want to play a role in their early years? The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Teacher courses and Care will set you on a wonderful path toward a career in early learning. This entry qualification provides you with fundamental skills and knowledge to support children’s development, well-being, and learning across a range of education and care services.
You’ll learn how to provide care and nurture for babies, toddlers, and young children. You’ll learn how to support the health and safety of children, and you’ll develop respectful relationships with children and families. You will also gain the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that promote learning through play, based on the Early Years Learning Framework.
In just 18 months, you will be ready to work as an Early Childhood Educator, Childcare Assistant, Kindergarten Assistant, Long Day Care Educator, and Family Day Care Educator. With the increasing demand for qualified personnel in the early childhood sector, preschools, kindergartens, long day care centres, and home-based care services will be keen to hire you!
If further study is on your agenda, this Certificate III is a pre-requisite for the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care—a qualification that can lead to leadership and programming positions within the sector.
It is taught via flexible distance learning, enabling you to learn at your own pace alongside work and family commitments. It also consists of 160 hours of practical placement in an Australian-regulated children’s education and care service, providing you with the practice experience required to implement your learning in actual settings.
Ready to contribute to the lives of young children and start a rewarding career in education and care? The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the ideal starting point.
Looking for Family Day Care? Check out our specialist stream: CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care).
This is a nationally accredited qualification, presented by Oxford College of Health and Technology.
Course snapshot
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Build the knowledge and practical skills to begin a fulfilling career as an Early Childhood Educator in a range of early learning environments.
Theoretical Learning;
Learn anytime, anywhere with our flexible online platform. Study the theoretical components at your own pace, with full access to course materials and trainer support.
Practical Placement
This course includes 160 hours of mandatory practical placement in a regulated children’s education and care service.
Oxford College will assist in providing students with access to an approved placement provider that meets industry standards, including:
- A suitable range of work tasks and child-to-educator ratios
- A qualified supervisor (holding at least a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent)
Find out more about the course delivery structure.
Complete the course at your own pace, with up to 18 months to finish all requirements.
- 17 course units (15 core + 2 electives)
- 160 hours of practical placement
- Flexible pacing—progress through units as your schedule allows and graduate within 18 months
Course Outcomes
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides graduates with the competence and qualifications for diverse, rewarding occupations within the early childhood education industry. On graduation, you can pursue work as:
Long Day Care Educator
Kindergarten Assistant
Childcare Assistant
Early Childhood Educator
These career pathways are just some of the employment pathways you could pursue after completing the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Each option offers dedicated individuals the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisites for this course; however, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Reside in or be working in Australia
- Have completed at least Year 10 (or equivalent)
- Demonstrate basic computer literacy
- Possess sound Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills*
- Be in good general health and fitness to participate in practical components
- Hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Provide evidence of required vaccinations, including:
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) – if non-immune
- Pertussis (combined with diphtheria and tetanus)
- Varicella (chickenpox) – if non-immune
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- COVID-19
All applicants must complete a pre-enrolment interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams to assess suitability and identify any required support.
*Applicants who do not meet LLN benchmarks may still be accepted with trainer endorsement and support strategies in place.
Assessments
Assessments for this course are designed to measure both theoretical understanding and practical ability. Methods may include:
- Observations during practical placement or role-play
- Written tasks, including activity modules, questionnaires, and case studies
- Verbal questioning and interviews
- Third-party reports (e.g. from placement supervisors)
- Simulated workplace tasks and structured projects
Assessment tasks are aligned with real-world expectations in regulated early childhood settings.
Qualification Status
- Qualification Code: CHC30121
- Qualification Name: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Release 1)
- Accreditation: Nationally Recognised Training
- Training Provider: Oxford College of Health and Technology (RTO #46322)
- Status: Current and listed on training.gov.au
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Oxford College of Health and Technology offers a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, enabling students to have their existing skills and experience formally recognised. RPL may reduce the time and cost of completing the qualification.
RPL applies to:
- Formal and informal training
- Workplace experience
- Life experience relevant to course units
All RPL applications are assessed in line with our RPL Policy and may lead to full or partial credit for individual units.
Delivery Structure
Training is delivered via Online Distance Learning with Vocational Placement.
Theoretical Components
Flexible Online Learning:
Access and finish the theoretical components of the course on your own time through our easy-to-use online learning platform, so that you can learn whenever and wherever you prefer.
Course Units:
The course contains 17 units (2 electives and 15 core), which are to be done online at your own pace.
Required Resources:
For effective use of the online material, you will require:
A decent computer or laptop
Stable internet connection
Access to required software packages (e.g., word processing software, PDF reader)
Basic computer skills
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Practical Work Placement
Vocational Placement Requirement:
In order to meet the vocational requirements of the course, students are required to undertake 160 hours of compulsory vocational placement in a regulated early childhood education and care service in Australia.
Working with Children Check (WWCC):
A Working with Children Check is to be made by the student at the start of the course so that they can undertake a vocational placement.
Placement Assistance:
Although students are encouraged to organize their own placement, our staff can help find appropriate vocational placement opportunities if necessary.
Units
Core Units
CHCECE030
Support inclusion and diversity
Support inclusion and diversity
This unit focuses on developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise how personal beliefs and biases can influence interactions and care. It emphasises the importance of embracing diversity, fostering inclusive practices, and encouraging children to value and respect individual differences.
The unit is designed for educators working within the framework of approved policies and procedures in regulated early childhood education and care settings across Australia. All practices must align with relevant Commonwealth and State or Territory laws, national standards, and accepted industry guidelines.
As of the time of writing, there are no specific licensing or regulatory requirements attached to this unit.
CHCECE031
Support Children’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Support Children’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing
This unit focuses on promoting children’s health, safety, and overall wellbeing. It covers key areas including physical activity, nutrition, sleep and rest routines, and managing individual medical needs.
Designed for educators working under supervision in regulated early childhood settings, the unit must be delivered in line with relevant national and state legislation, standards, and industry practices.
There are no licensing or certification requirements for this unit at the time of publication.
CHCECE032
Nurture Babies and Toddlers
Nurture Babies and Toddlers
This unit focuses on equipping educators with the skills and knowledge to build strong relationships with infants and toddlers, addressing their unique physical and emotional needs from birth to 23 months. Key areas include establishing individualized care routines for sleep, feeding, and toileting, as well as fostering effective communication with families to ensure a smooth transition from home to care settings. Emphasis is placed on adhering to established policies and procedures within regulated children’s education and care services in Australia, in compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards. There are no specific licensing or certification requirements for this unit at the time of publication
CHCECE033
Develop Positive and Respectful Relationships with Children
Develop Positive and Respectful Relationships with Children
This unit focuses on equipping educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to communicate effectively and interact respectfully with children. It emphasizes guiding children’s behavior in ways that support their agency, foster a positive self-concept, and promote self-regulation. Applicable to educators operating under established policies and procedures within regulated children’s education and care services in Australia, this unit requires adherence to relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice. At the time of publication, there are no specific licensing, certification, or legislative requirements associated with this unit.
CHCECE034
Use an Approved Learning Framework to Guide Practice
Use an Approved Learning Framework to Guide Practice
This unit focuses on helping educators understand and apply nationally approved learning frameworks to guide their professional practice. It includes planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences that support children’s development and align with curriculum principles. The unit applies to educators working in regulated early childhood education and care settings, in accordance with current legislation, standards, and policies.
CHCECE035
Support the Holistic Learning and Development of Children
Support the Holistic Learning and Development of Children
This unit focuses on equipping educators with the skills to foster children’s comprehensive growth—encompassing physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and communication development. Educators learn to create and implement activities that promote overall well-being and learning, adhering to established curriculum guidelines in regulated early childhood settings.
CHCECE036
Provide Experiences to Support Children's Play and Learning
Provide Experiences to Support Children's Play and Learning
This unit trains educators to design, facilitate, and evaluate play-based learning experiences that enhance children’s development. It emphasizes creating engaging environments, incorporating natural and recycled materials, and supporting both individual and group activities in line with service curriculum and safety procedures.
CHCECE037
Support Children to Connect with the Natural Environment
Support Children to Connect with the Natural Environment
This unit guides educators in encouraging children’s appreciation and understanding of the natural world. It involves providing opportunities for exploration, discussing environmental interdependence, and modeling respect for nature, while incorporating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives on environmental connection.
CHCECE038
Observe Children to Inform Practice
Observe Children to Inform Practice
This unit focuses on developing the skills necessary to observe and document children’s behavior and development effectively. Educators learn to use these observations to inform and adapt their teaching strategies, ensuring that learning experiences are tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of each child.
CHCECE054
Encourage Understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultures
Encourage Understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultures
This unit equips educators with the knowledge to respectfully incorporate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures into early childhood education. It emphasizes building cultural awareness, embedding relevant perspectives into learning activities, and fostering inclusive environments that honor the histories and contributions of Indigenous communities.
CHCECE055
Meet Legal and Ethical Obligations in Children’s Education and Care
Meet Legal and Ethical Obligations in Children’s Education and Care
This unit outlines the legal and ethical responsibilities of educators in early childhood settings. It covers understanding and adhering to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, ensuring that educators act professionally and in the best interests of the children under their care.
CHCECE056
Work Effectively in Children’s Education and Care
Work Effectively in Children’s Education and Care
This unit focuses on developing the competencies required to operate efficiently within early childhood education environments. It includes collaborating with colleagues, engaging in reflective practice, and contributing to a positive and productive workplace culture that supports children’s learning and well-being.
CHCPRT001
Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk
Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk
This critical unit prepares educators to recognize signs of potential harm or abuse in children and young people. It emphasizes appropriate response procedures, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of adhering to legal and ethical obligations to protect vulnerable individuals.
HLTAID012
Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
This unit provides educators with the skills and knowledge to deliver first aid responses in education and care settings. It covers managing emergencies, providing life support, treating minor injuries, ensuring the health and safety of children are prioritized.
HLTWHS001
Participate in Workplace Health and Safety
Participate in Workplace Health and Safety
This unit emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Educators learn to identify potential hazards, follow safety procedures, and contribute to ongoing workplace health and safety practices, ensuring the well-being of both staff and children.
CHCDIV001
Work with Diverse People
Work with Diverse People
This unit focuses on equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups. It emphasizes self-awareness of one’s own cultural perspectives and biases, effective communication strategies, and the promotion of inclusive work practices. Applicable to all workers, this unit underscores the importance of valuing diversity and fostering cultural safety in various professional settings.
CHCPRP003
Reflect on and Improve Own Professional Practice
Reflect on and Improve Own Professional Practice
This unit is designed to develop the ability to evaluate and enhance one’s own work performance through reflective practice and ongoing professional development. It involves setting and achieving personal goals, seeking and utilizing feedback, and engaging in continuous learning to maintain and improve the quality of service delivery. This unit is relevant for workers across all industry sectors who are committed to proactive self-improvement and professional growth.
Your Course Fee Includes
Delivery and assessment of your qualification
Study materials(including all resources)
Ongoing support from our Education Team
Cost and payment
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course is available for only $2,500.00.
Initial Deposit of
$1,500.00 +
17 monthly instalments of
$58.82
Please see Fees and Refunds Policy for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available
Oxford College of Health and Technology has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, to ensure that an individual’s prior learning, achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. This recognition may assist Learners to progress faster through a unit of competency or allow the student full credit.
