CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally recognized qualification for individuals seeking entry-level roles in approved early childhood services. This course introduces core responsibilities—such as promoting children's health, safety, and wellbeing, following established workplace policies, and contributing to engaging play-based learning environments.

Delivered in a flexible, online, and self-paced format, the program combines structured learning materials, dedicated trainer support, and a minimum 180-hour practical placement in a registered early learning service. While completion times vary based on individual study habits and prior experience, many students complete the coursework in around 6 months.

Designed specifically for school leavers and busy adult learners who want to launch a rewarding career in the childcare field, this curriculum helps you build essential practical competencies, including:

The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to help students build practical skills for working in early childhood, including how to:​

• Navigating legal and regulatory frameworks: Understanding and working within legal requirements, including the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Standard, and service policies and procedures.

• Promoting health and safety: Supporting children's health, safety, and wellbeing across all developmental stages, including babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

• Fostering meaningful connections: Building positive, nurturing relationships with both children and their families.

• Contributing to educational programs: Understanding educational programs and practices, contributing to play-based learning activities, and observing and documenting children's learning.

• Supporting effective management: Understanding and assisting with effective service operations and management practices.

The Australian early childhood sector continues to experience strong growth, driven by increasing population and rising demand for qualified educators across metro and regional areas.

Career opportunities include:

• Assistant educator

• Lead educator or room leader

• Centre director or educational leader

• Family day care coordinator

• Nanny

• Playgroup Supervisor

• Kindergarten/Early Childhood Assistant

• Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Assistant

• Early years support roles in community and not-for-profit settings

Work conditions often include family-friendly hours, job stability, and access to ongoing professional development.

Core Units

Elective Units

Fees and Payments

Interest-Free Payment Options

Frequently asked questions

What is CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care ?

The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised entry-level qualification for individuals wanting to work in approved early childhood services.

The course equips you with essential skills to support babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. You will learn to deliver safe care routines, guide play-based learning, build positive relationships, support child development, and effectively document learning while communicating with families and colleagues.

How long does this CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care take to complete?

Many mature-aged students complete the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in as little as 6 months. However, your individual completion time will depend on your prior experience, study routine, and learning style.

• Faster Progress (Approx. 6 Months): Students with relevant life experience—such as parenting, volunteering, prior childcare work, or previous formal study—often move through the content more quickly.

• Flexible Learning Pace: If you are new to formal study, workplace routines, or professional English, you can take additional time to comfortably complete your qualification.

Because the course is self-paced, you have full flexibility over your enrolment period. Should you need extra time to finish your studies, course extensions are available for a standard monthly fee.

Is placement included in the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

The course requires a minimum of 160 hours of work placement in an approved early childhood education and care service.

During your placement, you will apply your knowledge in a real-world setting under the supervision of qualified educators. Key activities include:

• Supporting daily care routines

• Engaging with babies, toddlers, and young children

• Facilitating play-based learning and observing child development

• Adhering to service policies and safety standards

To support your learning and assess your workplace competency, an BLISS trainer and assessor will visit you on-site during your placement to offer direct guidance and feedback.

What support is available during the course?

You will receive ongoing, personalized guidance throughout your studies, including:

• Trainer Support: One-on-one mentorship from experienced early childhood trainers via phone, email, and scheduled check-ins.

• Interactive Learning: Access to weekly live webinars, comprehensive online learning materials, and assessment guidance.

• Placement Assistance: Dedicated support to help you secure and complete your mandatory practical placement.

• Student Support Programs: Access to specialized student support services tailored to individual learning styles, cultural needs, career guidance, and personal circumstances.

Are there exams or essays? How will you be assessed?

No. This course is designed to prepare you for real-world work, so assessments are completely practical rather than exam-based.

You will demonstrate your skills through tasks you would actually perform on the job. This includes short answer questions, practical projects, creating learning resources, submitting video presentations, and showcasing portfolio evidence. During placement, your trainer and supervisor will also observe and support your hands-on skills in real time.

What age groups of children will I be working with during placement?

To satisfy qualification standards and gain well-rounded workplace experience, students must complete practical placement across three core age brackets:

• Babies: Under 12 months

• Toddlers: 13 to 23 months

• Preschool-Aged Children: 2 to 6 years

Working across the full early childhood age range ensures you develop hands-on skills tailored to every stage of early development.

Do you organise Placement for students?

BLISS offers full support to assist you in finding a position at a suitable early childhood service.

You are also welcome to arrange your own placement through personal or professional contacts—such as a local childcare centre, kindergarten, or a setting where you currently work or volunteer. Arranging your own placement often allows for a smoother transition and can open doors to future job opportunities.

When do I start my placement?

You will typically begin your placement after completing the core theoretical units of the course. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge required to confidently perform workplace tasks.

Your trainer will guide you on the exact timing based on your course progress, readiness, local service availability, and any state or territory requirements.

What jobs can I get with the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care ?

Completing this qualification opens up various entry-level opportunities in approved early childhood education and care settings, including:

• Early Childhood Educator

• Childcare Worker / Assistant Educator

• Family Day Care Educator

• Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Assistant

Hiring requirements and regulatory standards can vary across different states, territories, individual employers, and service types. We recommend checking with prospective local employers or your state regulator prior to enrolment to ensure you meet all specific workplace conditions.

Is first aid included in the course fee?

No. While the unit HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting is required to achieve the qualification, it is not delivered directly by BLISS and is not included in the course fee.

Students must complete HLTAID012 with an approved external training provider and submit their Statement of Attainment to BLISS to receive credit transfer.

Why choose BLISS for the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

BLISS is dedicated to helping adult learners succeed by offering high-quality, nationally recognised qualifications paired with structured flexibility and 1-on-1 human mentorship.

Students choose BLISS because our programs are:

• Nationally Recognised: Fully accredited qualifications designed specifically for early childhood education and care roles.

• Flexible & Supported: Delivered online with structured schedules, weekly live webinars, and direct trainer guidance.

• Practical & Hands-On: Includes placement support and experienced site visits to prepare you for real-world workplaces.

• Student-Centered: Backed by dedicated support services tailored to your individual learning needs and goals.

Can I work or parent while studying?

Designed specifically for adult learners, this course fits around your existing commitments—whether you are balancing work, parenting, volunteering, or family life.

Because study is self-paced, you have the flexibility to accelerate your progress during quieter periods or slow down when life gets busy. To graduate, you simply need to complete all coursework and placement requirements to standard within your enrolment period.

Is this qualification recognized Australia-wide?

Yes. The qualification is recognised across Australia, although employment requirements, service requirements and regulatory expectations may vary between states, territories and employers.