CERTIFICATE III
IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site. Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens. To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours. 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 here: www.acecqa.gov.au.

A total of 17 Units (15 Core and 2 electives)

There is no pre-requisites or specific entry requirement for this qualification. This course is available to all international students and Penfold College requires that students are able to provide evidence that they:

• Have demonstrated an IELTS level at score of least 6 or equivalent (test results must be no more than 2 years old) or demonstration of successful completion of at least General English at Upper Intermediate or English for Academic Purposes Upper Intermediate level.
• Have a suitable level of language, literacy and numeracy to complete course requirements with or without additional support that Penfold College is able to provide.
• Have successfully completed Australian year 12 or equivalent.
• Are at least at age of 18 on the date of course commencement.
• Have successfully completed Australian year 12 or equivalent OR minimum of 2 years of industry experience OR be of mature age with sound literacy and numeracy skills
• Student must obtain a valid Working with Children Check and a AFP National Police Check certificate with no criminal records reported/recorded. These documents are to be obtained by students at their own cost.

Please Note: All the students commencing this course are required to complete LLN test on the orientation day to assist ACTB to identify student’s needs for additional support during their study with ACTB

Pathways for Students

Participants are provided with advice on employment and training options throughout the delivery of the program.

Training Pathway

Students who satisfactorily complete the Certificate III of Early Childhood Education and Care could continue their studies in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care because number of the same units are in both qualifications, learners would receive credit for the relevant units in the Diploma. Students could also enrol in a degree program in Child Care and may be eligible for advanced standing depending on the individual Higher Education provider’s policies

Students who successfully complete this qualification will be awarded the nationally recognised SIT30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

This program requires the completion of 10 units of competency.
Total: 5 core units and 5 elective units.

A total of 18 Units (15 Core and 3 electives) must be completed and deemed competent to achieve the qualification CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Participants who achieve competency in any unit/s will receive a Statement of Attainment (provided USI is verified) for that unit/s without completing all 18 units in the qualification. Students completing all the required units of competency will attain full qualification.

Classroom based

Students will have access to the following course materials:

• Study Guides
• Assessment packs
• Power-point presentations
• Online course content
• Computers
• Internet access
• Links to external resources
• Overhead projectors
• Video camera for recording presentations (assessments)

Assessment methods used for this qualification are varied and will provide a range of ways for individuals to demonstrate that they have met the required outcomes. Assessment methods may include:

Research

Case Study

Portfolio

Projects

Workplace reflection

Supervisor report

Role plays/observations

At the beginning of each unit, your trainer and assessor will outline the assessment tasks that must be completed.

400 hours

Please refer to ACTB Term Dates