Forge Business Academy
Forge Business Academy
AQF 3 · Certificate IIIQualificationCHC30125

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Nationally recognisedAQF Level 3

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Sat, 8 Aug 2026, 9:00 am
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About this course

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125) prepares you to work directly with children from birth through to school age across a range of education and care settings, including long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, and home-based care. You will learn how to support children's learning and development using approved frameworks, observe children to shape your practice, nurture babies and toddlers, and help children connect with the natural world. The course also covers your legal and ethical responsibilities, child protection obligations, first aid in education and care settings, and basic food safety — the practical knowledge you need to work safely and confidently from day one. This qualification suits people who are new to the early childhood sector and want a recognised entry-level credential, as well as those already working in a support role who want to formalise their skills. If you have a genuine interest in children's wellbeing and development, enjoy hands-on work, and want to contribute to a team caring for young children, this course is designed with you in mind. It also includes units on working with diverse people, supporting inclusion, and encouraging understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures — reflecting the real communities you will work within. After completing CHC30125, you will be able to apply an approved learning framework to everyday practice, identify and report children at risk, support children's health, safety and wellbeing, and meet the administration requirements specific to family day care or home-based settings. You will have the foundational skills to work as part of an education and care team, reflect on your own practice, and continue growing professionally in the sector.

What you'll learn

  • Apply first aid procedures specific to education and care settings, including responding to childhood medical emergencies
  • Observe and document children's behaviour and development to guide your everyday practice
  • Plan and deliver play-based experiences that support children's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development
  • Identify and report signs that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, in line with legal obligations
  • Support children's connection to the natural environment through intentional outdoor experiences
  • Use an approved learning framework to inform and reflect on your practice with children
  • Work respectfully with children, families and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Units of competency

15 core · 8 elective · 23 total

Core units · everyone studies these

15 units

  • 01
    CHCECE030
    Support inclusion and diversity
  • 02
    CHCECE033
    Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
  • 03
    CHCECE035
    Support the holistic learning and development of children
  • 04
    CHCECE036
    Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
  • 05
    CHCECE037
    Support children to connect with the natural environment
  • 06
    CHCECE038
    Observe children to inform practice
  • 07
    CHCECE055
    Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
  • 08
    CHCPRT025
    Identify and report children and young people at risk
  • 09
    HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
  • 10
    CHCECE031
    Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
  • 11
    CHCECE032
    Nurture babies and toddlers
  • 12
    CHCECE034
    Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
  • 13
    CHCECE054
    Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
  • 14
    CHCECE056
    Work effectively in children's education and care
  • 15
    HLTAID012
    Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

Electives · choose from these

8 units

  • 01
    BSBSTR401
    Promote innovation in team environments
  • 02
    CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
  • 03
    CHCSAC009
    Support the holistic development of children in school age care
  • 04
    HLTFSE001
    Follow basic food safety practices
  • 05
    BSBSUS411
    Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
  • 06
    CHCECE039
    Comply with family day care administration requirements
  • 07
    CHCECE040
    Attend to daily functions in home-based child care
  • 08
    CHCPRP003
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Ways to study

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