The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides individuals with the foundational skills to support the development and well-being of children in early learning environments. This course covers essential topics such as childhood development, health and safety, and supporting play-based learning. Graduates are qualified to work as Early Childhood Educators or Assistants, contributing to children’s education in childcare centres, preschools, and other early childhood settings.

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Assured Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Monthly Intakes: Enrol anytime with flexible start dates.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments

17 units of competency are required for this qualification.

• 15 core units
• 2 elective units

CORE UNITS

CHCECE056	Work Effectively in Children’s Education & Care
CHCECE055	Meet Legal and Ethical Obligations in Children’s Education & Care
CHCECE035	Support the holistic learning and development of children
CHCECE034	Use an approved Learning Framework to guide practice
CHCPRT001	Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk
CHCECE032	Nurture Babies and Toddlers
CHCECE033	Develop Positive and Respectful Relationships with Children
CHCECE038	Observe Children to Inform Practice
CHCECE031	Support Children’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing
CHCECE036	Provide Experiences to Support Children’s Play and Learning
CHCECE037	Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE030	Support Inclusion & Diversity
CHCECE054	Encourage understanding of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures
HLTWHS001	Participate in Workplace Health and Safety
HLTAID012	Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

ELECTIVE UNITS

CHCPRP003	Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people

Pathways from this Course

• Associate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
• Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood or Primary School Teaching

• Early Childhood Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• Kindergarten Assistant
• Long Day Care Educator

Melbourne Campus

Perth Campus

Sydney Campus

Brisbane Campus

Campus Tour Video

• Perth
• Sydney
• Heidelberg
• Melbourne CBD
• Brisbane

BLENDED DELIVERY

(Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)

Students are required to attend 20 hours of classes per week including simulation based assessment and professional experience placements

20 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning which includes on- campus simulation based training and Professional experience placement.

Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do approximate 10 hours per week of unstructured learning.

Students must meet additional requirements for Professional Experience Placements as required such as a clear police check, working with children check & immunisations.

SBA (1 to 2 weeks) at campus and Professional placement (160 hours – 3 to 4 weeks) is mandatory.

FACE TO FACE DELIVERY

(For WA funding requirement only)

Students are expected to attend classes for a minimum of 2 days each week. For full-time studies, students must participate in at least 20 scheduled course contact hours weekly. This includes on-campus simulation-based assessments, which are a requirement of Western Australia’s Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is an essential component of most of the units of this course. IHNA Guarantees Professional Experience Placement for all its student studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Students will commence the PEP upon the completion of theory assessments and SBA. During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this course. They are to complete 160 hours of PEP in a regulated childcare centre (long day care) that provides three different age groups (infant, toddlers and pre-schoolers). Students will have to undertake the PEP at the end of the course.

Each student will work with a workplace supervisor during the PEP.

An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress during practical placement. Students may arrange PEP by themselves, if preferred, as agreed with and in consultation with, the course coordinator.

Note: Where a student breaches the PEP requirements as stated in the Entry Requirements, they could be excluded from their PEP. IHNA will not be responsible for any such exclusion.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however applicants should demonstrate ability to perform task as required by the industry.

IHNA Admission requirements

• Applicants are required to be 17 years and 03 months old and above
• Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 or equivalent*
• Successful completion of the language, literary and numeracy (LLN) test and demonstration of competence level as exit level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
• Mature age students (22+) will also be considered without the minimum education requirements. Each case will be reviewed individually to ascertain the capacity of the student to meet course. requirements

^*Students are required to meet the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for student visa applications, which may differ from the above course entry requirements

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

Digital literacy


• Should possess basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.

• Students should be in possession of their own laptops to facilitate the training and assessment.

Professional Experience Placement Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation is required prior to undertaking ‘Professional Experience Placement’(PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Please declare in your application if you have a disability, disorder, or if you’re on any medication that’ll require reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements.
• Working with Children Check: Student may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. However, before Student can be allowed contact with these minors Student needs to obtain a Working with Children (WWC) Check

The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.

• Questions
• Projects
• Simulations

The questions or knowledge-based assessments are made up of a series of relevant short to medium length questions and multiple-choice options for learners to respond.

The projects assessments require learners to respond to relevant scenarios, case studies and tasks. These can include, writing short or medium length reports or proposals. Analysing data and preparing reports. Templates are provided to assist learners to write policies and produces. Composing appropriate business style emails, preparing notes for meetings, presentations and reflecting on the learning.

The simulation assessments are supervised, in-class or online (real time) simulated activities consisting of various methods. They may include the following: Group and individual projects, role plays, individual and group activities including presentations.

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees.Check your eligibility with us.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.

When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

• Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
• Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
• Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
• Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
• Evidence of creativity and performance
• Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
• Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

• How long it will take to complete this course ?

  Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care courses is 52 weeks long. But you can fast-track the study.

• How many days I must visit campus for SBA ?

  One to two weeks

• Is there any flexibility in attending SBA ?

  It is preferable to attend SBA in a childcare simulated environment.

• How long it will take to complete the professional placement ?

  3 to 4 weeks (160 hours)

• Are the SBA and PEP (Professional Experience Placement) mandatory ?

  Yes, student must finish both SBA and PEP component of the course.

• How many days I must attend class, if I prefer Blended mode delivery? Is there any flexibility in attending class ?

  If you are preferred Blended mode delivery – 2.5 days of class a week (Online interactive session). 4 hour class a day, Wednesday (Half day) support session.

• How long it will take to get the certificate ?

  Maximum 30 days as per IHNA policy

• How many days I must attend class, if I prefer on-campus mode delivery?

  2.5 days of class a week (Time – 8.30 Am to 5.00 Pm) Wednesday (Half day) support session

• Can I get RPL or credit transfer ?

  Yes, based on prior knowledge and experience you may be eligible for RPL or direct CT.

• What is the catch-up arrangement in case I miss one or two days of classes in Blended mode/ On-campus delivery ?

  Our trainers are available Monday to Friday, you can contact them via Teams, email or Phone and setup a time that suits trainer as well as yourself and you can have student support/ facilitation session