If you’re considering a rewarding career in early childhood education, the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is not just an essential qualification to kick-start your journey but also a significant stepping stone for career advancement. This guide provides important information about entry requirements, course structure, work placement needs, duration, job prospects, and qualification pathways.
Table of contents:
- Course Entry Requirements
- Course Structure
- Work Placement
- Delivery Mode
- Course Duration
- Funding Options
- Career Outcomes
- Further Qualifications
- Why Study at Collaboration Learning
Course Entry Requirements
To enrol in the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:
Minimum Age
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your enrolment form. This is a regulatory requirement under section 120 of the Education and Care National Regulations 2011, which mandates the approved provider of a centre-based service to ensure that any educator at the service who is under 18 years of age does not work alone at the service and is adequately supervised at all times by an educator who has attained the age of 18 years.
- does not work alone at the service, and
- is adequately supervised at all times by an educator who has attained the age of 18 years.
Educational Background
- A minimum of year 12 or (Australian equivalent) or Exit Level 3 is mandatory.
Language, Literacy, and Numeracy
Students existing ability in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) core skills (learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy)
Fitness
To work in Childcare, you should have a reasonable fitness level to cope with physical demands such as standing, lifting, bending, twisting and reaching.
Background Check
Students are required to complete and pass a Working with Children Check/Police Clearance in the state or territory that they are working in before commencing child-related work (this includes work placement). For information about a specific state or territory, please refer to www.aifs.gov.au or www.australia.gov.au.
Check out the further qualifications required to work in Australian education and care services.
Course Structure
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care comprises various units of competency designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to care for and educate young children. A total of 17 competency units must be completed, comprising fifteen core units and two elective units.
- Core Units: Covering foundational concepts in child development, health and safety, and creating nurturing environments.
- Elective Units: These can be selected based on personal interests or career aspirations, allowing for a tailored learning experience.
- Work Placement: To be assessed as competent in this qualification, students must undertake 160 hours of supervised work placement in a regulated child care service catering to children aged between 0-6.
Work Placement
Practical experience is crucial in this field. This course requires students to complete a minimum number of hours in a work placement setting. Typically, this includes:
- Minimum Hours: 160 hours of supervised work placement is required.
- Supervised Experience: In all work placement settings, students must have a minimum Diploma trained staff member supervising them throughout the work placement hours.
- Diverse Settings: Students will gain experience in a regulated child care service that caters to children aged between 0-6.
Delivery Mode
We offer a variety of delivery modes to accommodate different learning preferences and environments. You can choose the option that best suits your needs:
- Classroom Based
- Workplace
- Distance Learning
- Virtual/Blended
Course Duration
The duration of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care may vary depending on the mode of study chosen:
- Full-Time Study: Usually completed within 12 months.
- Part-Time Study: This option may extend the duration to 12 to 24 months, making it flexible for those balancing work or other commitments.
Funding Options
Collaboration Learning offers flexible payment options to make it easier for you to manage your essential study costs.
Career outcomes
Completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care opens up various job opportunities. Graduates can find employment in roles such as:
- Educator in Child Care Centers: Working with children from birth to age 6.
- Family Day Care Educator: Providing care in a home-based setting.
- Assistant in Early Childhood Settings: Supporting teachers and lead educators in various educational contexts.
- Early Childhood Educator: Planning and implementing educational programs for young children.
- Outside School Hours Care Assistant: Supervising and engaging with children during after-school programs.
- Playgroup Supervisor: Organising and facilitating playgroup sessions for children and families.
- Recreation Assistant: Supporting recreational activities and programs aimed at children’s development.
- Family Daycare Worker: Offers early childhood education and care in a family environment. The demand for qualified early childhood educators remains high, providing excellent job prospects for graduates.
Further Qualifications
For those looking to advance their careers, Collaboration Learning have a Diploma course available after completing the Certificate III:
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care: This qualification allows you to take on more responsibility and potentially supervisory roles within early childhood settings.
Why Study at Collaboration Learning
Collaboration Learning is committed to providing high-quality education and support to students pursuing a career in early childhood education. Here are a few reasons to choose us:
- Experienced Educators: Our trainers bring real-world experience and expertise, providing valuable insights and guidance throughout your studies.
- Practical Focus: Our emphasis on hands-on learning ensures you gain essential skills and confidence before entering the workforce.
- Supportive Environment: We foster a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, ensuring you feel supported and confident at every step. Our commitment to your success is unwavering, and we are here to guide you through your studies.
- Flexible Learning Options: Our courses offer full-time and part-time study options for various lifestyles.
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a fantastic way to begin a fulfilling career in nurturing and educating young children. You can develop the skills needed to succeed in this vital industry with the right training and support from Collaboration Learning. Consider taking the first step towards your future today! For more information, contact a Career and Course Advisor today.
