Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Admissions

Other requirements

All students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions, and workplace learning/placement.

Social/behavioural capability

Students must be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.

Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely

Students must be able to perform the physical activities required to pass the unit called "Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting" (Unit Code HLTAID012). An example would be that students must be able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.

All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) and a current Police Check prior to course commencement.

For placement purposes, immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella, and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is required. Immunity to influenza is recommended.

Students will need a PC or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources. Capability to:

• Use email effectively
• Create files and folders
• Upload and download files
• Log in using a username and password
• Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks

Trainees must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. They must have an active contract of employment and be registered with Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority.

Credit transfer

Recognition of prior learning

Course structure

To successfully complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, students must complete 17 units (15 core and 2 elective units). Full -time standard delivery (domestic and international students).

On-campus

Full-time standard delivery is on-campus classes combined with work placement. Students may be required to attend one Saturday workshop to complete the compulsory First Aid unit.

Traineeship

Students completeing a traineeship course must attend on-campus face-to-face classes one day per week. A minimum of two full days (15 hours)  workplace experience per week must be completed over the duration of the course.

Course delivery

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne offers practical instruction and workplace experiences that will give you a true understanding of how to contribute in a work environment. It aims to ensure you learn the critical skills and develop the confidence employers will recognise and value.

This qualification reflects the role of educators in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. Educators holding a Certificate III qualification work under the supervision of Team Leaders and/or Educational Leaders in Long Day Care environments, or Assistants in Pre-school settings. Desirable qualities for this work are patience, understanding, imagination, cheerfulness, energy, adaptability, physical fitness and a willingness to take responsibility.

On-Campus classes

Stage one of the Certificate III is conducted through classes on campus 4 days per week combined with two block placements to practice skills with children aged 3-5 and 0-2 respectively. In stage 2 classes are run two days per week and students spend 2 days in the workplace where they can be employed whilst continuing to develop their knowledge and skills. In this model work placement is 336 hours over the course duration, with varied age groups, to provide deep immersion in the workplace learning environment. This increased immersion in the workplace has shown to lead to confident capable graduates.  It also provides opportunities for students to work whilst on placement and be earning whilst studying.

Traineeship model

The Traineeship for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne combines paid employment with on-the-job training. Swinburne’s model ensures students are trained, coached and mentored to our usual high standard whilst they are immersed in the workplace as a Trainee.

This model aims to ensure you learn the critical skills and develop the confidence employers will recognise and value. It embeds your learning in the workplace where you become a member of the team. You will attend on-campus classes one day per week combined with a minimum of two full days (15 hours) of employment in a specific centre.  Trainees must be employed in a Centre for a minimum of 15 hours per week. A National Training contract between the employer and trainee is required prior to enrolment to frame the Training Plan.