Take your first step into the world of early childhood as a childcare educator. Learn to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care for children in a fun and playful setting.
These courses are nationally standardised so you can train in one state and take a work opportunity in another state without needing to upskill.
Find a location to enrol
Early childhood courses teach you to provide safe, nurturing, meaningful and inclusive education and care to children to support their development in the early years. That's a really rewarding job.
Your experience and career goals will help determine the best pathway for you. Watch our video to learn more.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Care for babies and children and ensure their health and safety Promote good nutrition and positive meal experiences Use an approved learning framework Support holistic development through play and learning Identify and respond to children at risk Perform emergency first aid Promote cultural competenceGain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
160 hours of work placement with an industry employerGain the industry recognised minimum qualification you’ll need to begin your career in early childhood education
A First Aid certificate A study pathway to advance your careerThis course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.Please complete our survey to find out if the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course is suitable for you.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Vaccination and health screeningsBe physically able to undertake first aid responses, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while kneeling on the floor
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requiresIf you are unable to meet the physical requirements, you will not be able to successfully complete this course.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
The ability to read, write and speak English The ability to work with people in difficult situations and circumstances Empathy, patience, and the capacity to empower others Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid changeAdequate fitness and mobility to deliver First Aid, like performing CPR while kneeling on the floor respond to emergency situations
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: childcare worker, early childhood educator, family day care educator, afterschool carer, long daycare centre educator and nanny
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. 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.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 Units of competency, including 15 core and 2 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units 15 Specialty units 17 Core units - 15Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
