Melbourne College of Further Education
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)The Certificate III in Childcare is the nationally recognised qualification (CHC30121 – Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care) you need to be enrolled in, to commence work in an early childhood education and care setting.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is critical to learning the fundamental skills and knowledge to provide safe care and suitable education for babies through to toddlers and kindergarten age.
MCFE’s Cert III Childcare course will ensure you build your skills to become a professional and confident childcare educator. As an educator, you will be responsible for providing the best possible care of children within a childcare service, based on the needs of each individual child and their programs.
Delivery Options
- Classroom based: Face-to-Face Theory + Practical Skills
- Class-based Blended: Online Zoom classes + Practical Skills
- Self-Paced Model: Online Theory + Practical Skills
Duration
Up to 15 months dependent on delivery model and student commitment.
Start Dates
- 29th April 2025
- 16th May 2025
- 4th June 2025
Self-paced students can start at anytime.
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.
Blended
Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.
Work Placement
160 hours- West Melbourne
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
To enrol in this course, the following entry criteria apply:
Application
- Participate in a Pre-Training Review
- Enrolment Form 17 years of age and over
Digital Literacy
- Access to a computer or smart device and the internet
- Intermediate digital literacy skills
- Navigate the internet
- Use word
- Upload and download
- Make online bookings
- Complete online assessments on a learning management system
- Use email
Language Literacy and Numeracy
AQF Level 2
Pre-requisites
Not Applicable
Availability
- Class-based: One day a week for 5 hours
- Ability to undertake 160 hours practical placement at a regulated children's service
Course fees
Tuition Fees: $3,910
- Payment Plan - $78.20 per week for 50 weeks OR
- Pay upfront for each group and get 10% off
Enrolment Fee: $100
Paid at enrolment (not refundable)
Traineeship: $4,900
$500 Enrolment Fee + $4,400 Tuition Fee paid in instalments
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...
Trainee
A Trainee is someone working in an entry level position within a business or organisation. Trainees are employed in a range of industries and you’l...
Home Tutor
A Home Tutor works with students to support their education in a home environment. You might work with primary or secondary school students to impr...
Outside School Hours Care Coordinator
An Outside School Hours Care Coordinator supervises before and after school care programs. You’ll work with primary school-aged children and may al...
Dance Teacher
A Dance Teacher teaches dance techniques and performance skills in a range of dance genres. You’ll work with students at all levels of ability and...
Early Childhood Center Manager
An Early Childhood Centre Manager oversees the daily operations of an early education facility. You might work in a childcare centre, kindergarten,...
Early Intervention Specialist
An Early Intervention Specialist supports young children with developmental delays or disabilities, helping them reach their full potential. You mi...
Youth Advocate
A Youth Advocate supports and represents the interests of young people, helping them navigate challenges and access services. You might work in com...
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher nurtures and educates young children in the years before they start primary school. You might work in a preschool, childcare ce...
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.
