Melbourne College of Further Education
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)This course is only available to Victorian residents.
Are you patient, flexible and wanting to help nurture our future generation?
Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a course designed for entry-level into the early childhood education and care industry.
As a childcare worker, you will be responsible for the care of children within a childcare facility, making sure you provide the best care possible based on the needs of each individual child and their programs. Gaining the Early Childhood Education and Care certification will assure you have the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s today’s childcare profession.
We employ trainers that are current in the industry, either running their own businesses or working as authorised supervisors and mentors in childcare centres. Our trainers are able to give you insight into the industry including daily demands and have current knowledge of best practices in the industry.
Course Duration
12 months (average)35 Sessions:
- 30 x 5 Theory sessions (Online or On Campus)
- 4 x 5-hour practical skills classes (On Campus)
- 1 x 8 hour First aid class (On Campus)
- 2 x Assessor workplace visits & 160 hours of work placement in a regulated children's service
- Recommended 15 hours of self-paced learning per week
Assessments include: theory question online via our learning management system, oral questions, projects, and observations of skills.
Delivery mode
Melbourne College of Further Education offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Online
Set your own study schedule and balance study with your other commitments.
Locations
- Caroline Springs
- Fawkner
- Somerton
- West Melbourne
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
- Availability to attend classes and placement (this course is not self-paced)
- Complete a language literacy and numeracy test (entry AQF level 2)
- Confident in the ability to use digital resources (email, online research, digital assessments, Zoom)
- Access to a computer and the Internet (Online classes will require cameras and microphones)
- Obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to undertaking placement
- Ability to travel to and from placement
Course fees
- VIC Subsidised Training This training may be subsidised by the VIC Government for eligible individuals. Places are limited.
Course fees & costs depend on whether you are eligible for a government subsidy with funds made available by the Victorian & Commonwealth Governments.
Tuition Fees:
- Skills First Funded - $400
- Skills First Funded Concession - $80
- Fee for Service (FFS) - $4,000
- Discount for Fee for Service - 25% OFF for upfront payment
Payment Plan:
- Skills First Funded - $40 per week for 10 weeks
- Skills First Funded Concession - N/A
- Fee for Service (FFS) - $100 per week for 40 weeks
- Discount for Fee for Service - Pay $1000 Upfront, plus $50 per week for 40 weeks
You may be eligible for a Victorian government-subsidised place through the Skills First Program we are contracted to deliver.
Basic Funding Eligibility Criteria (other conditions may apply):
- Evidence of citizenship/residency—you must be either:
- an Australian citizen;
- a holder of a permanent visa; OR
- a New Zealand citizen.
- You can enrol in a maximum of 2 funded qualifications and 2 funded skills sets in one year.
- You can undertake up to 2 funded programs at one time.
- We require you to be 17 and over and not enrolled in high school to access funding.
Career opportunities
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will prepare you for the following roles.
Childcare Assistant
A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre or an educational program. You might also work in a ho...
Nanny
A Nanny cares for young children and is usually based in the children’s home. Nannies might help parents to care for their children or look after c...
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs for young children in a childcare facility. You might assist other childcare staff to cre...
Family Day Care Educator
A Family Day Care Educator runs a childcare service for children from their own home. You might deliver educational programs and organise activitie...
Room Assistant
A Room Assistant looks after babies and young children at a childcare centre or early learning facility. You’ll supervise children and assist with...
Childcare Worker
A Childcare Worker cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre, family day care or an educational program. You’ll work w...
About Melbourne College of Further Education
Melbourne College of Further Education (MCFE) is a small and trusted RTO with over 20 years’ experience in training, supporting and inspiring students to succeed in their chosen pathway. We believe in real skills for real jobs, we take the extra time to customise our course materials and create new and innovative ways of delivering course content.
As a Registered Training Organisation [RTO] qualifications completed with MCFE are recognised nationally. Qualifications achieved through the Australian VET system are also very highly regarded internationally. Our mission is to provide pathways into industry to contribute to a successful, skilled and innovative workforce.
MCFE offers high quality training both face to face and via a blended online model, offering students options to undertake our courses in a way that best suits their lifestyle.
Our trainers are dedicated and highly qualified with extensive practical industry experience and committed to providing quality outcomes to our students and ensuring that all training is both engaging and an enjoyable experience.
Our student support team are extremely passionate and committed to helping students succeed. They are always on hand to help with any questions and provide students with the support they may need to complete the course satisfactorily, especially if circumstances change.
