This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children’s well being, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.

RTO ID: 3900
- Overview
- Course Content
- Fees
- Eligibility
- Career Opportunities
- Placement and Assessment Program
- Skills Recognition
Course code
CHC30121
Next intake dates
Tuesday 24 February, 2026
Location
Gowrie @ the Harbour
Level 1, 1 Seafarer Lane
Docklands VIC 3008
Duration
12 – 14 months
Placement
Learners who are not employed in the early childhood sector (working with children) need to complete a minimum of 160 hours of work placement. To successfully complete the course requirements you will need access to children in the age group 0 – 23 months. This includes specifically two children between the age of 0 – 11 months and two children between the age of 12 – 23 months. Please be aware if you work in a kinder setting with children 3 and over you will be required to complete placement elsewhere to meet the age requirements of the course. Placement can be organised by Gowrie Victoria and is supported by regular visits from a Gowrie Victoria trainer.
Units of competency:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | 80 |
| CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care | 60 |
| CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | 40 |
| CHCECE031 | Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing | 160 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children’s education and care | 65 |
| CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers | 108 |
| BSBSTR401 | Promote innovation in team environments | 40 |
| CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children | 100 |
| CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice | 40 |
| CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children | 100 |
| CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning | 75 |
| CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment | 50 |
| CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity | 63 |
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures | 55 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 22 |
Tuition Fees Current as at 1 January 2026
| Skills First eligible tuition fee | Skills First concession tuition fee | Non-funded tuition fee |
|---|---|---|
| $300.00 | $60.00 | $8,385.00 |
Note: Tuition Fees quoted above are the maximum fees payable. Fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional Fees (for detailed information refer to learner handbook found on Studying with us page)
| Assessment visit cancellation fee | $75.00 |
|---|---|
| Cluster re-enrolment fee | $200.00 |
| Certificate re-issuance fee | $25.00 |
| Transfer fee | $200.00 |
- Learners must meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills standards for Certificate III ECEC level study.
- Learners must obtain a Working with Children (WWC) Check.
- Learners must be at least 17 years of age and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- If you are currently employed you may be eligible for a traineeship.
- Gowrie Victoria encourages people with disabilities to apply. Approval will be subject to the person being able to undertake all tasks and requirements of the course.
- Early Childhood Educator
- Occasional Care Educator
- Family Day Care Educator
- Nanny (In Australia and Overseas)
- Playgroup Supervisor
Learners completing Certificate III and Diploma level qualifications will be required to complete placement hours. This is a terrific opportunity for you to gain guided experience within the early childhood education and care industry, whilst practising and developing the skills you have acquired throughout your course. Placement can be voluntary or it can take place at your current workplace, depending on your circumstances.
- Certificate III level learners are required to complete at least 160 hours of placement.
- Diploma level learners must complete a minimum of 280 hours of placement.
A Gowrie Victoria Assessor will visit you throughout the duration of your qualification to assess your workplace skills. Should you require assistance with finding placement, please contact us.
You may have broad skills, life and work experience, informal learning or incomplete formal learning that you may be able to gain credit for towards a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care. If you are a current or prospective student, you can apply to have your skills recognised, and you may be able to complete your qualification in less time. This can be done via direct Credit Transfer, Recognition of Current Competency, or Recognition of Prior Learning.
Credit Transfer Credit transfer is the recognition of specified learning previously undertaken where equivalent units of competence have been successfully completed. Gowrie Victoria recognises only formal documentation such as official certificates of completion (testamurs), record of results and/or statement of attainments. All documents must be either in their original form or a certified copy of the original document.
Recognition of Prior Learning Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that assesses whether the skills and knowledge you already have count towards recognised qualifications. This may be relevant if you have:
- work experience in the children’s services sector (paid or unpaid)
- community work experience
- gained prior formal training, skills and knowledge
- other relevant life experience.
To support your RPL application, you will need to provide evidence such as work appraisals, job descriptions, photos and work sample, relevant formal qualifications, resume and references, evidence of participation in professional learning sessions, eyewitness testimonies. If you are unsure whether your prior learning is relevant and you would like to discuss your experience with our team, please contact us today.