Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only)
How Much Will It Cost?
Please enquire for further details.
Course Rundown
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification offered by Swinburne Open Education, designed for those ready to build a meaningful career working with young children. Awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, this course is delivered entirely online with flexible, self-paced study over 12 to 18 months, making it well suited to people balancing work, family, and other commitments. Please note that this course is available to Victorian residents only and is not available to international students.
Throughout the course, students develop a broad range of practical and professional skills across key areas of early childhood education and care. Learning covers how to communicate with and support children’s holistic development, nurture babies and toddlers, promote inclusion and diversity, and encourage children’s connection with the natural environment. Students also gain knowledge in child health, safety and wellbeing, approved learning frameworks, legal and ethical obligations, workplace health and safety, and basic food safety practices. First aid training in an education and care setting is also a component of the course. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including projects, case studies, journals, portfolios, and direct observation, ensuring students can demonstrate their skills in real or simulated workplace contexts. The course also includes 200 hours of Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA), which students are responsible for arranging themselves in an approved Victorian early childhood setting.
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care represents the minimum qualification required to work in the early childhood sector in Australia, making it an essential first step for anyone looking to enter the field. Graduates may find opportunities across a range of early childhood settings, and those who wish to advance their careers can go on to study higher-level qualifications while working in the industry. The course is supported by experienced trainers and assessors with extensive backgrounds in early childhood education, who guide students through their learning journey via an accessible online platform. Enquire to learn more.
Eligibility
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years old or over and/or,
- A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as students must be able to perform practical workplace tasks such as sitting on the floor, engaging with children at their level, and moving safely within an early childhood setting and/or,
- This course is only available to students based in Victoria, Australia. It is not available to international students.
FAQS
Swinburne Open Education supports students with real people, flexible tools, and an interactive online platform designed to help them reach their career goals. Their courses are developed in partnership with Australian industry leaders, so students learn skills that are genuinely in demand. From the moment someone enquires, a dedicated team is ready to help them make a plan and stay on track.
Support When You Need It
Swinburne Open Education connects students with enrolment consultants who can talk through course options and answer questions before study even begins. Once enrolled, assessors provide timely feedback on submissions and regular check-ins to help students get the most out of their course. As one student, Jaimee Cook, noted about her Certificate IV in Business (Administration): "Assessors have been an amazing help with any questions and timely responses to submissions."
An Interactive Learning Platform
Their online platform is built for real life. Students can study on any device — desktop, tablet, or mobile — at any time that suits them. The platform includes:
- Easy navigation to course content
- Online forums and messaging to connect with lecturers and peers
- Simple assignment submission with instant grading alerts
- Trainer-led online sessions alongside self-paced content
Flexible Study That Fits Your Life
Swinburne Open Education designs its courses so students can balance work, family, and study at the same time. Learning is bite-sized and mobile-first, meaning it fits into spare moments throughout the day. Qualifications are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, giving students a credential backed by a recognised Australian university.
Guidance Beyond the Classroom
Students also get access to career guides and salary data through Swinburne Open Education's ExplorED resource. This helps them understand what to expect in their chosen field before and after they finish studying. Phone support is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm AEDT, so there is always someone to talk to when questions come up.