You must enquire to determine your eligibility for Subsidised Training or to enrol in this course! Email us at earlychildhood@aitt.com.au or call (08) 8252 1455

Course Description

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is the minimum qualification required to gain employment in child care centres in most Australian states.

Good Early Childhood Educators are always in demand, and a career in child care is one of the most rewarding and flexible available.

AITT’s Cert III in ECEC is unique in its blended delivery method, industry links, job support and experienced trainers. The program boasts one of the highest job conversion ratios for graduates in the country. AITT subscribes to the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Regulations and Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. All information can be found and sourced from ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) www.acecqa.gov.au

You should consider undertaking this qualification if:

• You enjoy working with children
• You are looking for a career change or starting your first career
• You are looking to get back into work after having children
• You already work in a related field (such as education) and could benefit from the qualification
• You work in the childcare industry but not in a child caring role and could benefit from the qualification

Skills Developed

The Cert III in ECEC is a very comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the day to day work involved as a child carer.

• Provide physical care for children
• Supervise and engage children in their normal activities such as playing, eating and going to the bathroom
• Promoting physical activity in children
• Ensuring facilities are suitable for children
• Helping to manage change with children
• Settling in new children
• Identify and respond to children who may be at risk
• Create a safe environment for play and support children’s learning
• Gathering and reporting information about children through various sources
• Contribute to children program planning
• Promoting safe sleep
• Legal and ethical responsibilities associated with early childhood education and care
• Contributing to workplace improvements
• Provide emergency first aid and response

Units of Competency

1. CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

2. CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity

3. CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing

4. CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers

5. CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children

6. CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

7. CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children

8. CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning

9. CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment

10. CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice

11. CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures

12. CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care

13. CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care

14. CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

15. CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

16. HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
 
For more information visit:
https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHC30121

Delivery Modes

Aitt offers a blended face to face delivery mode.

Delivery Particulars

Training is delivered via a combination of face-to-face classroom training sessions and online distance learning. This is further supplemented by constant trainer support through AiTT’s online student portal.

Assessment is facilitated through the following methods:

• Written workbook assessments completed in the class and/or as homework
• Projects/Case Studies completed in class and/or as homework
• Skills Workbook assessments completed in the vocational workplace
• Assessment is delivered via AiTT’s Assessment Suite, which includes a combination of:
  • Written knowledge assessments
  • Projects
  • Tasks based on simulated scenarios/ case studies
  • Observation via demonstration or role play

Training:

Learners are provided with learner guides, assessment workbooks and other relevant reference documents (provided as hard copies or electronic copies accessible through the RTO’s online student portal), comprising all the materials required to complete each unit of competency.

Training has two components:

1. Face-to-face training sessions are conducted by a qualified trainer according to the course schedule/blocks (see timetables for more details). The face-to-face sessions include, but are not limited to:

• Discussions covering relevant theories, concepts, and/or underpinning knowledge
• Practical demonstrations and practice sessions covering the practical/skills requirements of each subject
• Instructions/guidance in completing the assessments
• Group activities, quizzes, exercises, etc.

2. Online/Distance learning is facilitated through AiTT’s online student portal, and other electronic/mobile media. Some instructions may be provided through live and pre-recorded webinars, combination of instructional video’s plus trainer commentary and group discussions, online forums, online guided activities, etc.

Assessment:

Assessments are divided into three components:

1. Knowledge assessments
2. Skills assessments completed outside of the vocational workplace, e.g. projects, role plays, case studies, etc.
3. Skills assessments completed within the vocational workplace

Assessment will depend on the specific pathway learners take to complete the course. Students eligible for RPL are only required to complete the knowledge assessments, provided that they successfully complete the corresponding RPL assessments to demonstrate relevant skills competency.

Knowledge assessments and other skills assessments completed outside of the vocational workplace are included in subjects 1 to 6. These assessments are completed according to the block schedule.

Skills assessments completed in the vocational placement are facilitated through the Skills Workbook. Although AiTT trainers conduct vocational workplace visits, some assessments that are conducted and observed over a period of time will also rely on supervisor feedback/third-party reports. As such, additional third-party or supplementary evidence may be required. Additional evidence may include:

• Video recording
• Portfolio of evidence collected in the workplace
• Interview with the workplace supervisor

Resources Required to Complete the Course:

For successful completion of this course, students will need ongoing access to:

• A computer with an Internet access with a reliable speed of at least 5mbps
• Google Chrome (recommended browser)
• MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel or equivalent applications.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent application

Each student will gain access to AiTT’s LMS, which includes access to:

• Tutorial Documents for Navigating the LMS
• Training Plan
• Learner Guides for each subject
• Assessment Workbooks for each subject
• Templates for Projects and other activities
• Face to Face Session Schedules
• Supplementary learning resources, handouts and templates
• Vocational Placement Pack
• Specific Resources for Assessment

AITT will provide access to:

• Learner Guides
• Assessment Workbook
• helpful Resources (Templates and Extra Handouts)
• a simulated environment in cases where the student does not have access to a workplace.
• WHS templates (including risk management resources).
• relevant legislations, acts, regulations, standards, and codes.
• relevant workplace and organisational policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the following:
• organisational strategic and operation plans
• policies and procedures for managing meetings
• relevant workplace/office equipment, supplies, and resources including, but not limited to, the following:
  • computers and relevant software
  • relevant workplace documentation, and resources, including but not limited to, the following:
  • reference materials in regard to meeting venues and technology

Cost and Payment

The total cost of this qualification is: $3,990. This course is offered by payment plan:

Option 1: 12 Month Payment Plan ($600 deposit + 12 monthly payments of $282.50). No additional fees or charges apply.

No other fees and charges apply. Our course fees, terms and conditions can be found on our website at aitt.com.au. Custom payment plans are available. AITT will not accept more than $1,500 in a single payment. 

For business or commercial enquiries please contact us

Option 2: Subsidised Training for South Australian Residents

Standard Fee: $700

Concession Fee: $600 

You may be eligible for Subsidised Training if you live in South Australia. Participant Eligibility Criteria applies. Visit www.skills.sa.gov.au for Participant Eligibility Criteria.

Incidental expenses and costs (if required) will be incurred by the student, on top of the initial Standard or Concession fee. This may include:

Textbooks: $160 - $350 depending on required texts and supplier. Textbooks are not compulsory and can be purchased as further resources to support the student journey.

Working With Children Check: Up to $105 depending on check required

Work Placement Insurance: $88 (if required). 

Our course fees, terms and conditions can be found on our website at aitt.com.au

Other Fees

Depending on your individual situation, the following items may not be included in this course and may have to funded separately. 

• Textbooks
• Work placement insurance
• External first-aid (CPR) training
• DCSI Clearance
• Child-safe environment training
• Contact us for more information

Course Duration, Amount of Training & Learner Cohorts

This program is designed to be completed by a typical learner within 18 months (including holidays). The actual number of hours required for students to complete the course will vary depending on the individual students’ level of existing relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

The actual number of hours required for students to complete the course will vary depending on the individual students’ level of existing relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

Delivery period (duration of the course):

• 75 weeks (including holidays) divided into 6 terms
• 62 weeks (excluding 13 weeks of holidays)

 Contact hours:

• 15 hours/week (face-to-face classroom and placement)
• 5 hours/week (Distance learning)*
• 1240 hours (20 hours/week x 62 weeks)

Recognition of Prior Learning

AITT has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy to ensure that an individual’s prior learning, achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. This recognition may assist students to progress faster through a unit of competency or allow the student full credit.

Where a student has expressed in the enrolment form their interest for completing the course through the RPL pathway, the student will be provided with an eligibility assessment prior to enrolment. This may come in the form of a written self-assessment and/or an interview. If deemed eligible, the student will proceed with the RPL process.

Qualification Pathways

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

Students enrolled in this course may also consider enrolling into the following courses:

• Students interested in specialising in disability childcare might consider enrolling in the Certificate III in Individual Support Specialising in Disability.* 
• Students interested in providing childcare training might consider enrolling in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.*
• Students interested in providing teacher aide support in schools might consider enrolling into the Certificate III in Education Support.*
• Students interested in working as a safety officer might consider enrolling into the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.*
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

*These courses are not being offered by AiTT.

Mandatory Work Placement

A minimum of 160 hours work placement with children 0-23 months of age required. Further hours will be completed with children 2-6years of age.

AITT will endeavour to assist you in finding work placements, however finding work placement is your responsibility and AITT cannot guarantee you will attain work placement.

To successfully complete this qualification, a minimum of 160 hours and maximum of 280 hours of vocational placement within a registered and approved childcare centre is required at the Cert III level. 

Learners are required to arrange access to a suitable child care centre to complete their assessments. AiTT will provide learners a Vocational Placement Pack that outlines all the requirements for finding a suitable Vocational Placement Provider that will facilitate the required workplace assessments and allow the learner to complete the required vocational placement hours.

Learners are recommended to initiate contact with potential vocational placement providers as soon as enrolment is confirmed to allow sufficient time for AiTT to confirm the workplace’s safety and suitability. 

The vocational placement will be conducted in accordance with these documents:

• Vocational Placement Provider/Supervisor Information Pack
• Vocational Placement Student Information Pack
• Vocational Placement Coordinator Information Pack
• Vocational Placement Agreement
• Pre-requisites for Vocational Placement: First Aid Unit and Police Check, Blue Card or Working With Children Check

First Aid Unit

AiTT does not deliver the first aid unit included in this qualification.

Students are required to complete this unit through an external provider prior to commencing their placement.

Police Check, Blue Card or Working With Children Check

This is a requirement prior to students starting vocational placement. Costs associated with completing required Police Check, Blue Card or Working With Children Check will be shouldered by the student.

Entry Requirements into the Course:

It is recommended that students:

• Are 18 years or older
• Have sound language and literacy skills (at least Year 10 English, or equivalent)
• Have completed a secondary level Year 11 or undertaken equivalent training
• Have basic computer skills

Students are also required to:

• Obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI);
• Provide a valid ID with his/her picture and signature;
• Undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Evaluation; and
• Undertake a competency assessment/RPL eligibility assessment before starting the course

Pre-enrolment assessment

All learners are required to complete a pre-enrolment assessment prior to starting the course.

The pre-enrolment assessment process helps AITT determine:

• If the student meets the minimum LLN requirements and/or if LLN support will be required
• If the student meets pre-requisite course requirements (see above)
• If the student is eligible for RPL
• The most suitable program pathway for the learner (please see Training and Assessment Schedule for more details)
• The pre-enrolment assessment includes:
• Initial interview
• LLN Assessment
• Competency Assessment (to determine RPL eligibility and/or most suitable course pathway) 

LLN and additional support

AiTT identifies students who require additional support:

• Prior to enrolment by having them complete self-assessment questions on their enrolment application.
• After enrolment, prior to beginning their course, AiTT collects and evaluates the candidates’ LLN by having them complete an LLN evaluation.
• This information is then used to determine the level of support the individual candidate requires.

Special Needs:

Where a special need is indicated by the student in the enrolment form, the Training Coordinator is advised via the LMS and a call will be attempted to assess the level of additional support the student would require.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N):

Where learning difficulties are identified, these will be discussed with the student either prior to course commencement or during the course duration. Discussions with the student will be treated as confidential.

Licensing, Legislative, Regulatory or Certification Considerations

New South Wales

Certification is compulsory.

NSW Department of Community Services

See: NSW Department of Community Services

Victoria

Certification is compulsory. A police clearance and/or character reference may be required when applying for employment.

Early Childhood Australia

See: Early Childhood Australia

Queensland

Certification is compulsory.

Office for Early Childhood Education and Care

See: Office for Early Childhood Education and Care

South Australia

Registration is required.

Department of Education and Children's Services

See: Department of Education and Children's Services

Australian Capital Territory

Certification is compulsory.

Early Childhood Australia

See: Early Childhood Australia

NOTE: most states require that a police clearance and/or character reference (or similar) is required when applying for employment in the Early Childhood sector.

Birth to preschool age centres

50 per cent of educators required to meet the relevant ratios in the service must have, or be actively working towards, at least an approved diploma level education and care qualification 

Family day care centres

All family day care coordinators must hold an approved diploma level education and care qualification. 

Nominated Supervisors

All services must have a Nominated Supervisor.

A Nominated Supervisor have:

• adequate knowledge and understanding of the provision of education and care to children
• the ability to effectively supervise and manage an education and care service
• and at least one of the following:
• at least three years’ experience working as an educator in an education and care service or children’s service or school, or
• an approved diploma-level education and care qualification, or
• an approved early childhood teacher qualification.

Approved Training

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