Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

Logo

Explore Careers

Find A Course

Job Tips


Early Childhood Education Courses

13 Courses

Explore study options in Early Childhood Education

Development

Education

Safety

Displaying 13 of 13 courses

Filters

Clear all

Location

Industry

1

Show more...

Study Mode

Show more...

Payment Option

Show more...

Qualification

Show more...

Course Provider

Show more...

CHC30121

Provider logo: MCIE – Melbourne College of International Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC only)

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding? The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care from Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE) could be your ideal path into the early childcare industry.

This qualification is the essential stepping stone for those aiming to work in early childhood education and care. At MCIE, you will learn critical aspects of child care (age 0-6 years old), including how to respond to risks, maintain a safe and healthy environment, use approved learning frameworks to guide children’s learning, development, and participation. You’ll gain the skills to work effectively in a team, guiding children’s play and leisure, and ensuring they have a safe, happy, and fulfilling experience under your care.

You will learn vital skills such as supporting children’s holistic learning and development, creating enriching play experiences, working effectively in educational settings, and adhering to legal and ethical standards. You’ll also gain invaluable hands-on experience with 160 hours of practical work placement in a professional early childhood service setting, guided by experienced industry professionals.

MCIE offers flexible learning options, including on-campus and blended delivery with a mix of face-to-face and virtual sessions. You’ll have the chance to engage in practical training on campus at least once a month. The course is available at MCIE’s Melbourne campus and can be completed in approximately 9-12 months, including placement.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in early childhood education and care with MCIE. Enrol now and start making a difference in the lives of children!

160 hours of work placement is required to complete this course.

 

 

CHC30121

Enhance Training

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, offered by Enhance Training, is designed for individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in early childhood education, equipping students with the skills necessary to support children’s development in both individual and group settings. Participants will engage in online learning complemented by practical face-to-face experiences, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills essential for a successful career in childcare.

Throughout the course, students will explore key areas such as fostering positive relationships with children, promoting their health and wellbeing, and implementing effective educational practices. With a focus on real-world application, the program includes 160 hours of supervised placement in a regulated Education and Care Service, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a professional environment. Enhance Training’s experienced trainers, who bring recent industry insights, guide students in developing resilience, adaptability, and communication skills vital for working with children.

This qualification opens doors to various career opportunities within the growing childcare sector, from childcare centres to community-based services. Whether starting fresh from school or seeking a career change, the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides the essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in this rewarding field. Enquire to learn more.

160 hours of work placement is required to complete this course.

Please note: This course is only available to students who live close to Enhance Training’s Skills Lab in Welland, South Australia, where the practical component of the course is held.

This course is government subsidised for eligible students in SA. It is NOT available to people on 500 or 600 visas.

CHC30121

Training Tailor Made Logo

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (QLD Only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Training Tailor Made is designed for individuals aspiring to make a positive impact in the lives of children. This course equips students with essential skills and knowledge to support and inspire young learners within the framework of Australian education standards. Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers 17 units, including core topics such as child health and safety, nurturing development, and fostering inclusive environments. With a focus on practical experience, the course also includes 160 hours of vocational placement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their roles in early childhood education.

This flexible online course allows students to start at any time and is structured to accommodate various learning styles, featuring lecture recordings and user-friendly resources. The assessments are designed to be straightforward, comprising short-answer questions and practical tasks, eliminating the need for exams or essays. Graduates of the CHC30121 Certificate III will emerge confident and competent, ready to pursue careers as Early Childhood Educators, family day care workers, or nannies, among other roles. Enquire to learn more about how this qualification can kickstart a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Special Offer Valid Until June 30, 2025: For Students Enrolling under Government Funding, the contribution fee has been halved.

Start for just $50.00

CHC30121

Provider logo: MCFE – Melbourne College of Further Education

Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Melbourne College of Further Education is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those aspiring to work in early childhood education settings. This course equips students with essential skills and knowledge to provide safe and nurturing care for children from infancy through to kindergarten age. Participants will learn to create engaging educational experiences tailored to the individual needs of each child, ensuring a supportive environment that fosters their development and well-being.

Throughout the course, students will engage in a blend of theoretical learning and practical skills development, including topics such as legal and ethical obligations, inclusion and diversity, and the importance of cultural awareness. The program also includes a significant practical placement component, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. With various delivery options available, including face-to-face, blended, and self-paced models, this course is designed to accommodate diverse learning preferences and schedules. Enquire to learn more.

There are three delivery options for this course:

  • Classroom based: Face-to-Face Theory + Practical Skills
  • Class-based Blended: Online Zoom classes + Practical Skills
  • Self-Paced Model: Online Theory + Practical Skills

160 hours of practical work placement at a regulated children’s service is required to complete this course.

Please note: This course is Fee for Service, it is NOT government funded.

CHC30121

Gateway Training Academy official logo

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Perth and Mandurah)

This course is currently for Western Australia residents only.

If you’re the type of person who loves working with young children in an educational setting, and are looking to start a rewarding career in the early childhood education sector, then this CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification from Gateway Training Academy could make it happen for you.

This certificate focuses on the responsibilities of professionals engaged in early childhood education and care within regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. To enable you to become an effective early childhood educator, the course will cover essential fields such as how to support children’s health, safety, and wellbeing; how to support the holistic learning and development of children; how to provide experiences to support children’s play and learning; and how to meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care, amongst others. By the end of the course, you will have all the skills as well as confidence to commence work at any early childhood care service in Australia.

This course is conducted in classroom at Gateway Training Academy’s campuses in Fremantle, Perth and Mandurah in Western Australia.

Government Funding available to eligible Western Australian residents. Enquire to check your eligibility.

Please Note: This course is NOT available to people on a 500 or 600 visa.

CHC30121

Provider logo: MCIE – Melbourne College of International Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) offered by Melbourne City Institute of Education is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to support the development and wellbeing of young children. This online, self-paced course spans 9 to 12 months and includes a mandatory 160 hours of work placement, allowing students to gain practical experience in a real-world setting. Participants will explore key areas such as child health and safety, nurturing relationships, and the importance of inclusive practices, all while adhering to legal and ethical obligations in early childhood education.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a comprehensive curriculum that includes 15 core units and 2 elective units, covering topics like holistic learning, observation techniques, and the use of approved learning frameworks. The program is designed to foster a deep understanding of child development and the role of educators in creating supportive learning environments. With a focus on practical application, students will also develop skills in first aid and workplace health and safety, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers in childcare.

By completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121), graduates will be well-positioned to pursue various roles within the childcare sector, such as Childcare Worker or Child Carer. This qualification not only opens doors to employment opportunities but also lays the foundation for further studies in early childhood education. Enquire to learn more.

Please note: This course is fee-for-service, it is NOT government funded.

CHC50121

Enhance Training

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

Enhance Training’s CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a great pathway for professionals seeking to elevate their careers within the early childhood sector. This in-depth program prepares graduates for leadership roles like Centre Director or Child Care Centre Manager by developing essential skills in curriculum design, team management, and creating nurturing, compliant learning environments. With a strong focus on meeting industry standards, the course ensures that students are well-equipped to drive excellence in early childhood education.

Throughout the course, learners will engage in both online study and practical placements, accumulating a total of 280 hours of hands-on experience. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application is crucial for developing the confidence and competence needed in the field. The course also emphasises the importance of collaboration with families and the community, preparing graduates to build strong relationships that support children’s growth and development.

With a focus on flexible learning options, Enhance Training provides a supportive environment where students can balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The trainers bring recent industry experience, ensuring that the education provided is relevant and applicable. Enquire to learn more about how this diploma can help shape a rewarding career in early childhood education.

280 hours of work placement is required to complete this course.

Please note: This course is only available to students who live close to Enhance Training’s Skills Lab in Welland, South Australia, where the practical component of the course is held.

This course is government subsidised for eligible students in SA. It is NOT available to people on 500 or 600 visas.

CHC30121

CHC50121

Foundation Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

If you want to launch a solid career in Early Childhood Education then this dual qualification from Foundation Education could be just what you’re after. The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will give you the skills, knowledge and work experience to enter this in-demand industry.

As well as learning how to support the education and health necessities for a young child, you’ll learn how to design and develop a curriculum and how to supervise staff. If you’re thinking of opening your own family day care centre, then this course is perfect for you to turn your home into a successful place of learning and business.

You’ll need to do a compulsory work placement for 440 hours (split between both qualifications), in a childcare facility in Australia. This will give you invaluable experience to use in your getting a job in your future career.

The course will take up to 18 months for the Certificate III and up to 18 months for the Diploma.

Assessments

Assessments will include a range of quizzes, knowledge questions and case studies. Students will also need to undertake workplace projects and observations and will be required to submit video evidence of their learnings.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service program, it is not government funded.

CHC50121

Provider logo: MCIE – Melbourne College of International Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offered by the Melbourne City Institute of Education is designed to equip aspiring educators with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the early childhood sector. This comprehensive course covers a range of key learning areas, including child development, health and safety, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. Students will gain practical experience and theoretical understanding, preparing them to support the growth and development of young children effectively. Self-paced online delivery means students can fit study time around their own schedules.

Throughout the course, participants will explore various pedagogical approaches and learn how to implement educational programs that cater to the diverse needs of children and their families. Emphasis is placed on fostering positive relationships and communication skills, which are vital for working collaboratively with children, parents, and colleagues. By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on roles in early childhood education settings, making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their communities.

With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world application, the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is an excellent choice for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in this vital field. Enquire to learn more.

Please note: This course is fee-for-service, it is NOT government funded.

Self-paced online delivery means students can fit study time around their own schedules and start anytime.

Students have the option to access 1 x 1-hour one-on-one sessions with a trainer each week. Also, 3-hour real-time facilitator-led support webinars are available for students weekly.

280 hours of work placement is required to complete this course.

About Early Childhood Education Courses

The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) industry plays a vital role in shaping the future of Australian children. This sector focuses on the wellbeing, education, and development of young children, providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth and learning. With a strong emphasis on quality care and education, ECEC professionals are dedicated to creating enriching experiences that support children’s early development.

Recent initiatives by the Australian Government, including a comprehensive workforce study, highlight the importance of strategic planning in this sector. By understanding workforce needs and addressing issues such as retention and career progression, the ECEC industry is poised for growth and improvement. This proactive approach ensures that educators are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of early childhood education.

As the industry continues to expand, opportunities for career advancement and professional development are abundant. With a diverse range of roles available, from educators to directors, individuals entering the ECEC field can look forward to a fulfilling career that makes a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. The commitment to high-quality education and care positions the ECEC sector as a rewarding and essential part of the Australian workforce.

Overall, the Early Childhood Education and Care industry is a dynamic and promising field, offering a pathway for passionate individuals to contribute to the foundational years of children’s lives. With ongoing support and investment, the future of ECEC in Australia looks bright, paving the way for a generation of well-rounded and capable individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is early childhood education?

Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on learning and development for children aged 0 to 5. It includes preschool, daycare and kindergarten settings, where educators support language, social, and emotional growth.

What qualifications do I need to work in childcare?

The most common starting point is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. You can then progress to a Diploma or even a Bachelor degree. Find your path on our early childhood education courses page.

Is childcare a good career in Australia?

Yes—especially if you enjoy working with children and want meaningful work. There’s strong demand, flexible hours, and plenty of room to grow. Visit Labour Market Insights to explore job trends.

Do I need experience to enrol in an ECE course?

No experience needed! Most Certificate III courses are designed for beginners. You’ll learn everything on the job and during your placement hours as part of the qualification.

Can I study childcare online?

Yes—many providers offer blended learning. You’ll complete theory online and attend a local placement to gain real-world experience.