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This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools, or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment.
Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
International students
Domestic students
Exemption: The above requirements will be waived if you have successfully completed an Australian High School Leaving Certificate or an AQF Certificate III or above.
Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available for students who have studied childcare courses or have work experience in a childcare environment. If RPL and/or CT is granted, your study period will be shortened.
You can access all course learning and assessment materials using our Moodle system. The course materials fee is $200.
Occupational titles suited to this qualification include:
Our course has been designed to meet the requirements for the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. It contains 17 units of competency as follows:
And a mandatory minimum 160 hours of work placement.
15 core units of competency
1 CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
2 CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
3 CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
4 CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
5 CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
6 CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
7 CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
8 CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
9 CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
10 CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people’s cultures
11 CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
12 CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
13 CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
14 HLTAID012 Provide First aid in an education and care setting
15 HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
2 elective units of competency
16 HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices
17 CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
* Elective units of competency may be changed during the training program without prior notice.
We offer a blended delivery mode, including direct training via telephone or Teams meetings, and workplace training and assessment. The program is designed based on your study commitment and is divided into four training periods. The training program may be reviewed at any time or at the end of each period. Capable students can complete the course faster.
For each unit of competency, workplace students will spend 20 to 30 hours on self-study, up to 3 hours of theoretical training with your appointed UPC trainer, and 20 hours of practical training with your workplace supervisor, followed by assessments.
For distance learners, you will spend 20 to 30 hours on self-study, up to 3 hours of direct contact with your appointed UPC trainer, and then complete the assessments. During the training period, you must attend a minimum of 160 hours at an appointed childcare centre.
Assessment of the theoretical component of the training program is competency-based in the form of written assignments, case studies and projects while the workplace component is monitored and assessed using work placement logbook and on-site visits by our assessors.
Upon successful completion of all 17 units of competency of this course, you will receive the Australian nationally recognised qualification of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) which includes two documents, the Testamur and the Record of Results. A student who does not complete all required 17 units will be issued a Statement of Attainment showing all units of competency that he/she has successfully completed.
The CHC30121 is a level 3 qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Therefore, it is mandatorily recognised by all AQF colleges. On successfully completion of this qualification, your next level of study is CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The training program is divided into four training periods, separated by breaks. Each period consists of 4 units of competency. The first aid unit (HLTAID012) will be delivered face-to-face at the UPC campus during your first period. You must have a Working With Children Check before starting your placement in a childcare centre.
The duration of the program varies from 9 to 24 months, depending on your study commitment. On average, you will spend 10 to 15 hours per week during each training period, excluding breaks. If you do not complete the program within 24 months, you will need to re-enrol in the course.
English Entry Requirement for non-CRICOS International Students
· have completed (a) two years of your senior high school, or (b) an AQF Certificate IV or higher which was delivered in English language in Australia, or
· come from an English-speaking country.
· You may be required to sit for the UPC English Placement Test if deemed necessary.
Currency The electronic version of this document on the UPC website is the approved and most current version. Any printed version is uncontrolled and may not be up-to-date.
Disclaimer Course information is subject to change without prior notice.