CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Gain the skills and experience to launch a rewarding career as an Early Childhood Educator in this growing industry.

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Nurture young minds. Shape bright futures.

Are you passionate about working with children and making a positive impact in their early years? The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the ideal starting point for a fulfilling career in early learning. This entry-level qualification equips you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to support children’s development, wellbeing, and learning in a range of educational and care settings.

Throughout this course, you’ll learn how to provide care and nurturing for babies, toddlers, and young children, support children’s health and safety, and develop respectful relationships with children and families. You’ll also gain the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that foster learning through play and align with the Early Years Learning Framework.

In just 18 months, you could be qualified to work in roles such as Early Childhood Educator, Childcare Assistant, Kindergarten Assistant, Long Day Care Educator, or Family Day Care Educator. With increasing demand for qualified staff in the early childhood sector, your skills will be highly valued in preschools, kindergartens, long day care centres, and home-based care environments.

If you’re considering further study, this Certificate III is a mandatory prerequisite for the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care—a qualification that can open doors to leadership and programming roles within the industry.

The course is delivered through flexible online learning, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments. It also includes 160 hours of practical placement in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia, giving you the hands-on experience needed to apply your learning in real-world settings.

If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of young children and begin a meaningful career in education and care, the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the perfect place to start.

Interested in Family Day Care? Explore our specialised stream: CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care).

This is a nationally recognised qualification, delivered by Oxford College of Health and Technology (RTO #46322).

Course snapshot

Delivery structure

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.

Course Outcomes

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care equips graduates with the skills and qualifications necessary for various fulfilling roles in the early childhood education sector. Upon completion, you may pursue positions such as:

Long Day Care Educator

Long Day Care Centres offer education and care for children from infancy to age 5, typically operating for extended hours to support working families. As a Long Day Care Educator, you'll provide nurturing care, implement educational programs, and support children's development in a group setting. This role requires an approved Certificate III or Diploma level qualification.

Kindergarten Assistant

Kindergarten Assistants support early childhood teachers in delivering play-based learning experiences aimed at preparing children for primary school. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, preparing materials, and fostering a safe, engaging environment. Kindergartens typically operate during school hours, offering structured programs focused on school readiness.

Childcare Assistant

Childcare Assistants play a vital role in supporting early childhood educators by helping to provide high-quality care to children. They assist with daily tasks essential to the smooth running of a childcare centre, including supervising play, ensuring safety, and engaging children in developmental activities. This role requires effective communication skills and a passion for nurturing children's growth.

Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educators are responsible for the care and education of young children in various settings, such as childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools. They plan and implement educational programs, observe and record children's progress, and work closely with families to support each child's development. This role requires at least a Certificate III level qualification.

These roles represent just a few of the career opportunities available upon completing the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, each offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s early learning experiences.

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 complete the theoretical components of the course at your convenience via our intuitive online learning platform, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere.
Course Units:
The program comprises 17 units (15 core and 2 elective), designed to be completed online at a pace that suits your individual schedule.
Required Resources:
To effectively engage with the online content, you will need:
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Access to necessary software applications (e.g., PDF reader, word processing software)
- Basic computer literacy skills

Practical Work Placement

Vocational Placement Requirement:
To fulfill the practical requirements of the course, students must complete 160 hours of mandatory vocational placement in a regulated early childhood education and care service within Australia.
Working with Children Check (WWCC):
Students are required to obtain a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course to participate in vocational placement.
Placement Assistance:
While students are encouraged to arrange their own placement, our team is available to assist in identifying suitable vocational placement opportunities if needed.

Units

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency

Core Units

CHCECE030
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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