CHC30121
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Embark on a rewarding journey with our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, designed for passionate individuals eager to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s services across Australia. Educators play a key role in supporting children’s wellbeing and development within an approved learning framework.
They use well-developed skills and knowledge, exercising discretion and judgment within the context of established policies and procedures. Educators may work independently or under the guidance of others, although, in some cases, this guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators are employed in a range of settings, including long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools, and kindergartens. By pursuing an early childhood course, you’ll learn how to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful, and inclusive education and care that supports the development of children during these formative years—a deeply rewarding profession.
View Detailed Course Guide Start Enrolment
Course Overview
- Delivery Mode: Blended (face-to-face, work placement, and online)
- Classroom Location: Summer Hill, NSW 2130
- Online Canvas
- Vocational work placement: 160 hours
Entry Requirements
This is an entry level course where no previous skills or experience are necessary. All candidates must:
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Have access to the internet through a personal or workplace computer.
- Hold an active Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Hold a valid HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting from a national provider
- Have an appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills. A LLN assessment may be be conducted as a part of the pre-enrolment process.
- Access to the compatible work place, speak to us if you need an alternative arrangement.
Work Placement
To achieve this qualification, individuals must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia, as specified in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
The total number of hours can be accumulated collectively across all units that include a workplace hours requirement.
Australian Montessori College students are able to complete work placement at any of Montessori Academy group’s 56 Australian childcare centres. Visit the Montessori Academy website to find a childcare near you in New South Wales.
Course Structure & Fees
Structure
Australian Montessori College’s CHC30121 course has a total number of 17 units including 15 core units and 2 elective units. See the course guideline for a more detailed overview.
Fees
CHC30121 has a course fee of $9000. Fees are payable per term, however fee-free courses are available where students become employed in a permanent full-time or part-time role at a Montessori Academy childcare centre. A minimum and active employment period of 2-years and T&Cs apply.
View Fee Schedule Enquire About Fee Free Study
Study Pathways
Study Pathways
Preferred pathways after candidates complete this qualification may include:
- CHC40221 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Available at Australian Montessori College)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)
Australian Montessori College does not offer post-graduate courses at the present time. However there are many reputable universities that may offer a Bachelor or Masters degree.
Career Pathways
Career and Employment Pathways
Preferred pathways after candidates complete this qualification may include:
- Early childhood educator
- Lead educator
- Early childhood director
- Nominated supervisor
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)
Childcare Employment Insights
Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) insights show that:
- 170,700 Childcare Educators
- $1,146 Median Weekly Earnings
- 94% Female Share
- 32 Median Age
- 9,900 Annual Employment Growth
Cited in March 2025. Refer to Jobs and Skills Australia for the latest data.