Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Bedford College and start a rewarding career in a booming high-growth sector.

Learn how to support, engage and teach young children in their formative years with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, where you can make a real difference in the lives of children.

Qualification
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- 12 month duration
- Part-time study available for Domestic students
- CRICOS Code:107017B
Some students seeking leadership roles in early education choose to progress their studies by subsequently completing a CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Modes of delivery
Domestic students:
- Online: Students are provided with a training plan that sets out a course structure for students to follow at their own pace
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course
International students:
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course

Entry requirements
Domestic students:
- Successful completion of Year 10 (or equivalent)
- No ATAR is required
- Applicants undertake a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment for the College to determine the level of assistance needed to support the student.
International students:
- Students must provide evidence of IELTS 5.5 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0 score or equivalent (test must be completed within 2 years) and
- Successful completion of a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12
- Provide a Statement of Purpose (SoP) for studying at Bedford College when applicable
- A minimum age of 18 years is required

Career outcomes
Graduates of our certificate III in childcare can go into roles in childcare, early learning and educational centres such as long day care, pre-school and family day care.
Many graduating students go on to fulfil the following career opportunities:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Day Care Educator
- Room Coordinator
- Educational Leader
- Service Coordinator
- Assistant Director
- Operations Manager
- Workplace Mentor
- Children’s Services Coordinator
- Nanny or Au Pair
With high job prospects and plenty of choice when it comes to choosing your place of work, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will have you work-ready within 12 months. If you’re looking to complete a certificate III in childcare, studying with Bedford gives you the theory and practical experience required to become an early childhood educator.


Practical placement
Thanks to our 80-year legacy providing nationally recognised training, Bedford works closely with industry partners as part of the students’ practicum placement, with many students going on to receive employment offers upon graduation.
Students completing a cert 3 in childcare will be placed with a registered child care centre with a minimum of 160 mandatory hours of practicum placement over the duration of the course.
Note: If 18 years or over, a valid NSW Working with Children Check number is required for students to undertake the mandatory practicum.

University pathways
Graduates of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can go on to complete Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which can provide pathways into university.
Bedford College have arrangements with high-ranking universities to provide articulation pathways (with credit) towards Bachelor degree programs. As the formal agreements are subject to periodic change, it is best to contact us directly for the most up-to-date information.

Course subjects
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care core units:
- CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
- CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
- CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
- CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
- CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
- CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
- CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
- CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
- CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
- CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
- CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people’s cultures
- CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
- CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
- HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
- HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care elective units:
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices

Intakes
Bedford offers students flexibility when it comes to enrolment, allowing commencement of study across four study periods in a year.
- February
- April
- July
- October

Further information
Take that next step and invest in yourself.
Learn more about our certificate 3 in childcare by downloading a Course Guide or getting in touch.