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Our Courses
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Duration: 9-12 Monthts
Work placement: 160 hours
Program Delivery: Online - Self paced
Students must have sufficient digital literacy skills to access online content, enter answers to written questions and communicate with instructors via email, the student portal and the learning management system.
Students should have access to the internet, data, a laptop or computer with Microsoft Teams to successfully participate in this program.
Course Overview
Make a real difference in the early years of a child's life by supporting their learning, growth, and development with care and compassion.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the essential skills and foundational knowledge needed to begin your career in early childhood settings.
This comprehensive course prepares you to design and implement inclusive learning programs that support children’s holistic development. With a practical Work Placement component, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience, building confidence and competence as an early childhood educator or leader in the sector.
What you'll learn
You will learn to:
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Support the development and well-being of young children through nurturing care
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Assist in creating and delivering play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration
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Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all children
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Build warm, responsive relationships with children, families, and team members in early learning centres
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Recognise and support the individual needs of each child in your care
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Encourage children's independence, confidence, and self-expression through everyday interactions
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Work collaboratively with other educators to deliver meaningful learning opportunities
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This hands-on course prepares you for a rewarding career as an early childhood educator, helping to shape a positive future for young learners. With a practical Work Placement component included, you will graduate with real-world experience, ready to step into the workforce with confidence.
Course Units
Core Units
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HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
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CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
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CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
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HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
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CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
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CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
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CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
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CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
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CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
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CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
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CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
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CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
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CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
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CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
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CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
Elective Units
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BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities
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CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
Career Outcomes
Early Childhood Educator
$55,000 - $70,000
Annual salary range
Family Day Care Educator
$50,000–$65,000
Annual salary range
Childcare Assistant
$50,000–$62,000
Annual salary range
Payment options
Pay Upfront and Save
You pay
$3,300
Save $2,700
Spread the Cost
You pay
$62.82 per week
Pay in weekly instalments over the length of your course,
All amounts are in AUD. Speak to our friendly Education Consultants at 1300 009 024 to learn about flexible payment plans
.*Terms & Conditions Apply. Government Funding may be available in some states. Please contact our education consultants to learn more. You can also check the Government Funding Section in FAQs.
OUR TEAM
IOL Instructors are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Online - Melbourne
Are you passionate about working with young children and ready to turn that passion into a rewarding career? Studying a cert iii early childhood education and care online gives you the flexibility to gain a nationally recognised qualification from wherever you are in Australia - including right here in Melbourne. Whether you are balancing work, family, or other commitments, online study makes it easier than ever to take the next step.
At the Institute for Online Learning, we understand that Melbourne students need study options that fit around their lives, not the other way around.
What Is the Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care Online?
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) is a nationally accredited qualification under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) framework. It is the entry-level pathway into the early childhood sector and prepares you to work as an early childhood educator, childcare assistant, or family day care educator.
If you have been searching for a certificate 3 in childcare online Melbourne, this qualification covers the foundational skills and knowledge needed to support the care, wellbeing, and development of children from birth to five years of age, with some units extending to 12 years. Graduates are equipped to work under supervision in a range of early childhood settings, including long day care centres, preschools, outside school hours care, and family day care.
Why Study Your Certificate 3 in Childcare Online in Melbourne?
Melbourne is one of Australia's most vibrant cities with a growing demand for qualified early childhood professionals. Childcare centres across Melbourne's suburbs - from the inner city to the outer metropolitan areas - are actively seeking trained educators to meet licensing requirements under the National Quality Framework.
Choosing to complete your certificate 3 in early childhood education and care Melbourne gives you the best of both worlds: the recognised qualification employers are looking for, combined with the convenience of online learning. You can study at your own pace, complete assessments around your schedule, and undertake your workplace practical hours at a centre in Melbourne.
The online certificate iii in early childhood education and care delivery model is particularly well-suited to those already working in childcare who need to formalise their skills, or for career changers who want to enter the sector without putting other responsibilities on hold. It is also an ideal option for anyone looking to complete their cert iii early childhood education and care online while continuing to work or raise a family.
What You Will Learn
The certificate 3 in early childhood education online covers a broad range of competencies that reflect the real demands of the early childhood workplace. Core units of study typically include:
- Supporting the wellbeing and healthy development of children
- Communicating and engaging effectively with children and families
- Implementing safe work practices and emergency procedures
- Complying with regulations under the Education and Care Services National Law
- Using approved learning frameworks such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Providing first aid in an early childhood education setting
- Working collaboratively within a professional team
Elective units allow you to tailor your learning towards specific areas of interest, such as working with children from culturally diverse backgrounds or supporting children with additional needs.
Entry Requirements
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to be accessible. Most providers require students to:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed Year 10 or equivalent (or demonstrate relevant life experience)
- Hold or be willing to obtain a current Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Complete a mandatory minimum number of practical placement hours in an approved early childhood setting
Students completing their certificate 3 in childcare online Melbourne will need to arrange their placement locally, which most training organisations can assist with through their network of partner centres across greater Melbourne.
Career Outcomes After Completing Your Early Childhood Assistant Course Online
Completing an early childhood assistant course online opens a genuine range of employment opportunities across Melbourne and throughout Victoria. Possible job roles include:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Childcare Assistant
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Worker
- Family Day Care Educator
- Playgroup Facilitator
Many students choose to continue their studies after completing their Certificate III, progressing to the Certificate IV in Early Childhood Education and Care or the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which can lead to roles such as room leader or center director.
Is Online Study Right for You?
Online study suits motivated, self-directed learners who are comfortable managing their own time. If you are based in Melbourne or anywhere across Victoria, enrolling in an early childhood assistant course online allows you to access quality learning materials digitally, communicate with trainers via email or video, and submit assessments through an online portal.
It is worth noting that this qualification does require a hands-on practical placement component, which must be completed in person at an approved early childhood service. The online certificate iii in early childhood education and care covers all theoretical components through flexible digital delivery, while the placement hours give you the real-world experience that Melbourne employers genuinely value.
Get Started Today
Taking the first step towards a career in early childhood education is easier than you might think. The demand for qualified educators in Melbourne continues to grow, and completing your certificate 3 in early childhood education online is one of the most direct pathways into this fulfilling profession.
Enrol today and start building the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a genuine difference in the lives of young children across Melbourne and beyond.