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