Home / Education & Teaching / CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
E&Education & Teaching · CHC30121

Start a Career in Early Childhood Education and Care

Earn the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 9 months, with 160 hours of real placement built in.

Flexible
CHC30121National Code
9 MonthsCourse Duration
160 hrsWork Placement
BlendedDelivery
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Nationally Recognised Training

This is Nationally Recognised Training that leads to an Australian Qualification complying with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), or a Statement of Attainment.

Blended Training Delivery

Program delivered both in-person and remotely in real-time via Microsoft Teams for approximately 7.5 hours per week, with up to 5 hours trainer-directed learning each week.

Canvas LMS

Most assessments are delivered online via the Canvas LMS. MCIE provides access to Microsoft Office.

Traineeship Available

This course is also available as a traineeship for domestic (local) students.

Textbooks and MCIE T-Shirt

Textbooks and MCIE T-Shirt available for. Students can decide whether they wish to purchase soft copy or hard copy textbooks.

160 Hours Work Placement

160 hours of work placement is included as part of the program.

Earn & Learn Recruitment Access

The provider has a large network of domestic marketing partners and international education agents/partners across multiple countries facilitating student enrolments.

Career & Employment Support

Melbourne City Institute of Education provides dedicated career services including job search assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation to help graduates find employment.

Student Wellbeing Support

Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.

Funding May Apply

You may be eligible under Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding. Your eligibility is confirmed when you enquire.

Enrolment fees include additional resources required for the program and student ID charges.

Where This Can Take You

The Roles This Qualification Opens

Roles this nationally recognised qualification can lead to. Salary ranges shown are published by the provider for this course.

181k+Employed in this field (AU)
$47,100Median income in the first year after training (NCVER, 2025)
Child Carer
$50,508 to $55,068 a year
Average weekly earnings for Child Carers are around $1,059 (National Skills Commission).
Childcare Worker
$50,508 to $55,068 a year
Salary estimated based on average weekly earnings for Child Carers of around $1,059 per week (National Skills…
Family Day Carer
$50,508 to $55,068 a year
Salary estimated based on average weekly earnings for Child Carers of around $1,059 per week (National Skills…
Childcare Assistant
$50,508 to $55,068 a year
Salary estimated based on average weekly earnings for Child Carers of around $1,059 per week (National Skills…

Indicative market figures from publicly available Australia data (ABS / NCVER). Salary ranges are indicative and vary by state, setting and experience. No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 17 Units Behind The Qualification

Every unit is nationally recognised and sits on your transcript individually, which matters for credit and recognition later.

17Total Units
15Core Units
2Electives
160Placement Hours

Core Units

HLTWHS001Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCECE031Support children's health, safety and wellbeing
CHCPRT001Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
HLTAID012Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
CHCECE035Support the holistic learning and development of children
CHCECE033Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
CHCECE032Nurture babies and toddlers
CHCECE038Observe children to inform practice
CHCECE034Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

 

CHCECE036Provide experiences to support children's play and learning
CHCECE037Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE056Work effectively in children's education and care
CHCECE055Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
CHCECE030Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE054Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures

Elective Units

BSBPEF301Organise personal work priorities
CHCDIV001Work with diverse people
From Past Students

What Students Say About It

I enjoyed and learned lot studying at MCIE. It was great experience studying here. Everyone one was very supportive and friendly. My trainer Ayesha is an amazing teacher and I'm so grateful to have her. She made it easy to understand. Thank you for teaching our class and helping us through the learning process. Her course knowledge and expertise in teaching has put our minds at ease.
Jui · Provider Website
Studying the Certificate III in Early Childhood was my stepping stone. Hi everyone, let me tell you of how MCIE was my stepping stone to many avenues. First of all, I will thank Najaah, Maggie, Gemma, Decshen, Hayli, Jumbee and Maryann for their help. As an International student, I felt welcomed from the start. I enrolled in Certificate III Early Childhood last year.
Sapphire · Provider Website
Great company and everyone is so friendly! Great company everyone is so friendly and wants to help anyone that needs help… the courses are great and the teachers are always happy, friendly and willing to go above and beyond to assist.
Anna Blanche · Provider Website
I love this child care course! This is the best course to start your career in the booming Child care industry. I love the staff and atmosphere at MCIE!
Amy · Provider Website
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

18 or over at enrolment
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Meet language, literacy and numeracy standards for this level
Must complete a Pre-Training Review
Must meet Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skill standards for this program level
Must demonstrate suitability for the program
Unique Student Identification (USI) number required

How It Starts

01
Complete a Pre-Training Review
02
Meet LLN skill standards
03
Apply for USI number at usi.gov.au or give MCIE permission to apply on your behalf
04
Enquire or apply online
05
Provide evidence for work placement requirements (National Police Check, Working with Children Check, vaccinations)
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

Pay Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Government Subsidised Fee – Regional VIC Delivery

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Government Subsidised Fee – Melbourne Metropolitan Delivery

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Concession Fee – Regional VIC Delivery

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Concession Fee – Melbourne Metropolitan Delivery

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. Submit an enquiry to confirm the current entry criteria, including any literacy, numeracy, or prior experience expectations.

How much does the course cost?

Pricing is not published here as it can vary based on funding eligibility, traineeship arrangements, and enrolment type. Textbooks and an MCIE T-Shirt are available as an optional add-on for $190. Submit an enquiry to confirm current pricing and any available subsidies.

How long does the course take to complete?

The course runs over 38 weeks, including a 4-week Christmas break, approximately 9 months in total. Students study for around 7.5 hours per week, with up to 5 hours of trainer-directed learning each week.

How is the course delivered?

Delivery is blended, combining online and in-person learning via Microsoft Teams in real time. Most assessments are completed through the Canvas LMS, and students receive access to Microsoft Office. The course is also available in a self-paced format.

What does the work placement involve?

160 hours of work placement is included as part of the programme. Placement gives students supervised, practical experience working directly with children in a real childcare or early education setting. Submit an enquiry to confirm how placement is arranged.

What career roles can this qualification lead to?

This qualification prepares students for roles such as Child Carer, Childcare Worker, Family Day Carer, and Childcare Assistant. Indicative salaries in these roles range from $50,508 to $55,068 per year. These are opportunities the qualification may open, not guaranteed outcomes.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This course covers the core skills needed to work with young children in childcare and family day care settings. Students learn child development, safe work practices, and how to support children's learning and wellbeing. The blended format combines online and in-person learning for around 7.5 hours per week.

Delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education, the programme runs over 38 weeks (including a 4-week Christmas break) and is available as a standard enrolment or a traineeship. Assessments are completed through the Canvas LMS, and Microsoft Office access is included.

The course suits those entering the sector for the first time and those already working in childcare who want a formal qualification. Work placement is integrated, 160 hours that give students direct, supervised experience with children.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Registered Training Organisation

MC
Melbourne City Institute of Education
RTO 22172
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Earn & Learn, the college's own recruitment service
MCIE provides support for students at every stage of their learning journey and works with them to achieve their academic goals.
Nationally Recognised TrainingLes Toques BlanchesAustralian Culinary FederationCPA AustraliaMigration Institute of Australia
No Pressure, Just Answers

The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees, funding eligibility and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 13 September 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.