Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification due to be replaced during 2022. It is recommended that students contact CDU for current course details.
This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children's wellbeing, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.
Note: Assessment includes mandatory work placement in a regulated education/care service of at least 120 hours to meet evidence requirements.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Community Services include:
>Youth Worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.
This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care include, but are not limited to CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Fees
2022 Course fees for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place range from $2,933.00 - $3,283.00, and for students who are not eligible range from $8,380.00 - $9,380.00 dependent on the units chosen.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- #1 for teaching employment outcomes in Australia (GUG 2022)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
To achieve a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care a total of Eighteen (18) units of competency must be completed comprising Fifteen (15) Core and Three (3) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 838- 938. Total nominal hours will vary depending on elective units selected.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency |
Hours
|
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
25
|
CHCECE001 | Develop cultural competence |
70
|
CHCECE002 | Ensure the health and safety of children |
63
|
CHCECE003 | Provide care for children |
70
|
CHCECE004 | Promote and provide healthy food and drinks |
35
|
CHCECE005 | Provide care for babies and toddlers |
60
|
CHCECE007 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children |
70
|
CHCECE009 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice |
70
|
CHCECE010 | Support the holistic development of children in early childhood |
70
|
CHCECE011 | Provide experiences to support children's play and learning |
40
|
CHCECE013 | Use information about children to inform practice |
40
|
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
40
|
HLTAID004 | Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting |
20
|
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
20
|
Total nominal hours for core units |
748
|
|
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Select 3) | ||
BSBWOR301 | Organise personal work priorities and development |
30
|
CHCECE006 | Support behaviour of children and young people |
30
|
CHCECE012 | Support children to connect with their world |
40
|
CHCECE014 | Comply with family day care administration requirements |
30
|
CHCECE018 | Nurture creativity in children | 80 |
CHCECE026 | Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate education and care for children | 70 |
Total nominal hours for core units |
748
|
|
Total nominal hours for elective units |
90-190
|
|
Total nominal hours for the qualification |
838-938
|
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
CDU Domestic Entry Requirements
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. However, applicants who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level e.g. completion of Year 10 or equivalent and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication.
Everyone employed or volunteering in child-related work is required by law to hold an Ochre Card. It will therefore be a mandatory requirement to hold an Ochre Card in order to complete any work placement.
If you have not yet obtained an Ochre Card, please contact SAFENT on 1800 723 368.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
VET for secondary schools
VET for Secondary Students (VSS)
Select VSS for more detail about this program.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Remote
Study Mode: On campus or off campus self-paced
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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