Payment Plans Available
Interest-free payment plans available for only $78.20 per week for 50 weeks. This course does NOT have access to government funding.
Course Overview
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 with 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, Trainers who are able to give you insight into the industry and daily demands and are current on best practice in the industry.
Campus Locations
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Day Care Educator
- Kindergarten Assistant
- Childcare Assistant
- Playgroup Supervisor
Recognition
Study Method
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Locations
- Victoria
Duration and Study Load
We have several options for how you can undertake this course:
Class-Based Model
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Classroom based: Face-to-Face Theory + Practical SkillsClass-based (Average duration 12 months)
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Blended: Online Zoom classes + Practical Skills (Average duration 12 months)
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Enhanced Blended: Online Zoom classes + Practical Skills (Average duration 15 months)
Self-Paced Model (available from April 2025)
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Self-Paced Model: Online Theory + Practical Skills (Average duration 9-15 months)
Traineeship
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Blended: Monthly Online Zoom classes + Practical Skills in the Workplace (Average duration 18 months)
Class-Based Models
These are delivered in the classroom or via live Zoom.
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30 X 5-Hour Theory Sessions (Enhanced Blended Model has 44 sessions with extra support)
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4 X 5-Hour Classroom-Based Practical Skills Sessions
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1 X 8-Hour First Aid Class
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160 hours of practical placement (can commence in group 3)
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2 X 2 Hour Assessor Workplace Visit
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Recommended 15 hours of self-paced learning per week
Self-Paced Model
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Self-paced theory – study plans available for a 9-month fast track or 15-month standard duration
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4 X 5-Hour Classroom-Based Practical Skills Sessions (book after theory for each group is completed)
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1 X 8 Hour First Aid Class
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160 hours of practical placement (can commence after all theory assessments & skills have been completed)
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2 X 2 Hour Assessor Workplace Visit
RPL and credit transfer can further reduce the duration of the course. The course structure and duration have been informed by both the learner cohort needs and industry feedback.
Delivery
This course is divided into 4 groups plus practical placement.
Group 1 – Working in childcare
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4 theory assessments
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1 x 5-hour practical skills session
Group 2 – Health, Safety and wellbeing
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5 theory assessments
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1 x 5-hour practical skills session
Group 3 – Development and Growth
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3 theory assessments
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1 x 5-hour practical skills session
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1 x 8-hour first aid class
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this can be completed at any stage throughout your course
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Group 4 – Relationship Building
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4 theory assessments
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1 x 5-hour practical skills session
Practical Placement
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Complete 160 hours in a regulated children’s service
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2 assessor workplace visits towards the end of your placement hours
Onboarding Session – Self-paced students
To commence your course you will book an onboarding session with an Education Support trainer. In this session, they will show you how to use the systems, navigate our learning management system, submit assessments, and seek help. They will explain your desired study plans and provide you access to your first group of units.
Self-Paced Students – Booking Practical Skills Sessions
Practical skills sessions will generally always be held at our West Melbourne Campus, only 400 meters from North Melbourne train station. Generally skills sessions will be programmed during the Victorian school holidays, however, additional sessions may be available throughout the term.
You can only attend the class if you have completed all theory assessments for the group.
Student Support Class-based
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Assessment feedback is provided by your assessor via Canvas our LMS when assessments are submitted
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In-class support with your trainer
Student Support Self-paced
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Onboarding session at commencement
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Assessment feedback is provided by your assessor via Canvas our LMS when assessments are submitted
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You can request 1 x 1 -hour Zoom help session per month with a trainer for extra support
Entry Requirements
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Complete a pre-training review & language literacy and numeracy test (entry AQF level 2)
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Obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC) prior to undertaking placement
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Ability and time to travel to and from practical placement and skills sessions (Placement must be in Victoria)
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Self-motivated and organized to complete this course as a self -paced model
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Have access to a computer and the internet
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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)
Work Placement
Practical placement is on-the-job training that you undertake during your course. This is a fantastic opportunity to practice the skills you are learning in the classroom in a supported manner.
This course requires 160 hours of practical placement at a regulated children’s service. Placement times will generally be Monday to Friday between 6.00am and 6.00pm, however, these could differ between centres.
You will require your own mode of transport to get to and from shifts. You should meet current industry vaccination requirements.
At the end of your placement, a trainer and assessor will conduct workplace visits and observations.
MCFE can provide support to help you find a placement, if after 3 attempts you have not found a suitable school. MCFE placement schools will be within Metro Melbourne and limited to schools we have regular contact with.
Travel Fees
Fees are charged for practical placement visits greater than 50km from head office address West Melbourne. Visits are limited to Victoria locations.
This excludes classes delivered in regional areas, specifically to regional students.
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$3 per kilometre over 50 kilometres from head office address. Charged for travel 2 ways.
Plus, if applicable
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Visits 300 kilometers plus from head office address extra $150 accommodation fee
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Credit Transfer (CT) are available. Costs may apply, refer to the statement of fees and charges on our website.
Assessment
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17 x theory assessments (short answer, multiple choice, case studies and projects)
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5 x practical skills observations (includes first aid)
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Logbook of 160 hours of practical placement
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Workplace Tasks /Project
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Workplace Observations (Completed by your assessor in the workplace visit)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Credit Transfer (CT) are available.
Students that use AI in their assessments risk withdrawal, please refer to our student handbook.
Materials
All learning content and assessments are on Canvas our Learning Management System (LMS).
Testimonials
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"I loved the course with MCFE; the materials were great, and the trainer was so understanding and helpful. I have never worked in the industry before, so it was daunting to begin with – but I was given all the skills and confidence I needed for when I started my placement."Louise CarsonCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only)
Pathways
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Subjects
Total number of units = 17 (15 core units and 2 elective units)
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.
Melbourne College of Further Education is a trading name of iAscend Polytechnic (RTO 21340)
