Early Childhood Education and Care

Working with children is an incredibly rewarding career path, and many job opportunities exist in this high-demand profession.

Learn about children through observation, discussion and practical experience. Nurture your understanding of child development and behaviour, and build your skills and abilities in educating and caring for children.

Industry Placement

252 hours of unpaid industry experience in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care 280 hours of unpaid industry experience in Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Industry experience is fully coordinated by CIT. You will have the skills and confidence to be ready for employment. The professional work placements take place at different early childhood education and care services and often leads to casual or part-time employment opportunities.

You must also have a 'Working with Vulnerable People Check' before undertaking any professional placement with children. Information will be provided on enrolment.

Why study at CIT?

  • Modern on-campus childcare facility.
  • Learn from passionate and experienced early childhood educators.
  • Pathways into education and teaching degrees at university.
  • Gain professional experience in the field by completing hands-on unpaid industry placement arranged by CIT.
  • Use CIT's industry network to connect you with employment opportunities.
  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | CHC30121
    CRICOS: 110727A

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | CHC50121
    CRICOS: 111262K

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    TOTAL CIT PACKAGE:
    Certificate III: 1 year
    Diploma: 1 year

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2023 Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Bruce

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2023: $7,450 per semester
    Total 1 year program if commenced in 2023: $14,900

    Extra Fees:

    Certificate III: Material fees: $181.50, Uniform costs: $41.50.

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small fee increases may happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2023 fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)


    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry with relevant practical work or other professional experience. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (no band score less than 5.5)
    • TOEFL iBT - 60
    • PTE Academic - 50 (minimum of 36 in each band)
    • Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169
  • Course Subjects - Certificate III

    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | CHC30121 - 17 subjects

    Core: complete all 15 subjects

    • 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 peoples' cultures
    • CHCECE055   Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care
    • CHCECE056   Work effectively in children's education and care
    • CHCPRT001   Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
    • HLTAID012   Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
    • HLTWHS001   Participate in workplace health and safety

    Electives: complete 2 subjects

    • CHCDIV001   Work with diverse people
    • CHCPRP003   Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • Course Subjects - Diploma

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | CHC50113 - 15 subjects

    (Subjects completed in the Certificate III will not need to be completed again)

    Core: complete all 12 subjects

    • BSBTWK502  Manage team effectiveness
    • CHCECE041  Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
    • CHCECE042  Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
    • CHCECE043  Nurture creativity in children
    • CHCECE044  Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
    • CHCECE045  Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
    • CHCECE046  Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
    • CHCECE047  Analyse information to inform children's learning
    • CHCECE048  Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
    • CHCECE049  Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
    • CHCECE050  Work in partnership with children's families
    • CHCPRP003  Reflect on and improve own professional practice

    Electives: complete 3 subjects

    • CHCDIV001  Work with diverse people
    • BSBSTR501  Establish innovative work environments
    • CHCECE051  Promote equity in access to the service
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Certificate III: Early childhood educator, outside school hours assistant, family daycare worker, preschool assistant.

    Diploma: Early childhood worker, team leader, educational leader, director/manager, outside school hours coordinator.

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Delivery will be through an integrated on the job/off the job strategy which will be based on adult learning principles. Students study as members of a class group (on the job), reinforced learning through eLearn, as well as being placed in a registered Children’s Education and Care setting where students have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge and skills. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in their learning off the job as well as on the job.

    Methods of assessment include direct observation in the workplace and workplace simulation, a portfolio of notes and annotated evidence, reports, presentations and written or oral questioning.

  • Pathways to Further Study

    CIT’s credit transfer arrangements can reduce the time and fees required to complete a bachelor degree at university. If you successfully complete your CIT qualification and gain entry into the university below, you will receive the following:

    Australian Catholic University (ACU)

    If you complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) you can receive:

    • 80 credit points (8 units) towards ACU’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)
    • 60 credit points (6 units) towards ACU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) *Without a religious strand
    • 30 credit points (3 units) towards ACU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) *With a religious strand
    • 10 credit points (1 unit) towards ACU’s Bachelor of Education (Primary)

    University of Canberra (UC)

    • If you complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) you can receive 24 credit points (1 year) towards UC’s Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education (326JA.2)
    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (1 year)
    PLUS
    Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (1 year)
    = 2 years of study
    ▼
    Optional degree pathway available