Early childhood education and care is a sector is an area of increasing demand due to population growth and growing recognition of the importance of childrens’ development. This is an in-demand skill set, and employment in this industry has increased over time, with further projected increases across the next five years. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will help you take your love of teaching and working with children and turn your hand to a career where your skills will be valued. If you enjoy nurturing, learning and caring for children, this is the career for you.

Learn to nurture young minds

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to develop your understanding of issues relevant to the children’s services sector and enhance your practical skills to deliver high quality care and education to young children. You will learn first aid, how to care for babies and toddlers and how to support childrens’ holistic development. This course has a 210-hour workplace requirement, usually undertaken over a six week period.

You’ll learn by doing, under the guidance of Melbourne Polytechnic’s industry-experienced teachers through real-world situations, including conducting a playgroup for local children. You will gain experience by setting up play, preparing and serving food safely and observing the children.

Graduate with an industry-recognised qualification

Graduates will be qualified to seek employment in the field of children’s services, caring for young children up to the age of six in a variety of child care settings. You may work as an assistant educator in Early Learning Centres, kindergartens, primary out-of-school care, nannying and occasional care, usually run at leisure centres, gyms or local councils.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Where will this take me

On completion, you may seek employment in the field of children's services, caring for young children up to the age of six in a variety of child care settings. Jobs include room leader, centre coordinator, or a nanny for private clients

• Childcare Centre Room Leader
• Childcare Centre Coordinator
• Childcare Assistant
• Nanny

Pathways

Students may continue to study and enrol in our CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and then a Bachelor of Education (Early Years).

How you learn

• Flexible
• Practicum

• Classroom

Assessment Methods

Assessment for each competency will be through a combination of on-the-job (practicum) and off-the-job tasks. Off-the-job assessment is a combination of class exercises, assignments and practical demonstrations

Units of Study

The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ.