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CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

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Child Care Course

Suzan Johnston is committed to producing childcare educators who are truly dedicated professionals and capable of providing the best possible standard of care for children.

Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care graduates are very well respected within the industry and actively sought after by employers Australia-wide.

CAREER OUTCOMES

  • Educator in a childcare centre
  • Assistant educator in a kindergarten/pre-school
  • Professional nanny within Australia or overseas
  • Family day care worker
  • Before and after school care assistant
  • Agency relief staff/mobile assistant
  • Assistant educator within occasional care

COURSE CONTENT

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will train you to care for children, support their development and make sure their environment is safe and nurturing – enabling the children within your care to reach their full potential.

The structure and course material within our exclusive childcare course ensures that our graduates are multi-skilled and have a wide range of employment opportunities.

In addition to the required childcare subjects, our unique course also includes our image/confidence development subjects and résumé/interview preparation workshops.

This course consists of 17 units of competency that are delivered through a uniquely effective, interactive and supportive approach.  See below for the full list of units.

TRAIN WITH THE BEST!

Suzan Johnston Australia celebrates 65 years of training excellence that Melbourne’s child care industry knows and trusts. Let us open doors for you to employment opportunities within this high-growth industry.

95% Employed within an early childhood role

Percentage of graduates from this course in 2022 – 2023 who are working within an early childhood education and care role

100% Would recommend the training organisation

Percentage of graduates from this course in 2022 – 2023 who would recommend Suzan Johnston Australia to others

100% The training met their individual needs

Percentage of graduates from this course in 2022 – 2023 who thought the training was flexible enough to meet their needs

100% The training prepared me well for work

Percentage of graduates from this course in 2022 – 2023 who thought the course prepared them well for work

Common Questions

Course Duration, Hours of Attendance & Study Mode

CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF STUDY:  

Study childcare from home! Delivery modes include:

  1. Attending live, virtual classes
  2. Flexible, online delivery

 

COURSE DURATION & HOURS OF DELIVERY:

OPTION 1: WEEKLY VIRTUAL CLASSES (2 Days per Week) – Fast Track Delivery

Duration: 7 – 8 months

Hours of Attendance: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

(Student support scheduled 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm)

 

OPTION 2: WEEKLY VIRTUAL CLASSES (2 Days per Week) – Longer duration due to study breaks at the end of each module

Duration: 14 months

Hours of Attendance: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

(Student support scheduled 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm)

 

OPTION 3: FORTNIGHTLY VIRTUAL CLASSES (1 Day per Fortnight) – Weekend Delivery

Duration: 14 months

Hours of Attendance: Saturdays* 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

(Student support scheduled 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm)
*The majority of classes are scheduled every second Saturday (excluding public holidays)

 

OPTION 4: ONLINE, SELF-PACED DELIVERY

Duration: Between 8 – 14 Months

Our Self-Paced, Online Childcare Course is delivered via:

  • Listening to pre-recorded Zoom Classes (at a time that suits you)
  • Working through the learning and assessment activities at your own pace
  • Email and/or telephone support as required (with your allocated trainer)
  • Attending Zoom support sessions with your trainer (as required)
  • Regular workplace visits and assessments (by your allocated trainer)
  • Attending regular practical placement or paid employment (minimum 160 hours)

With the self-paced option, you control the speed in which you complete the course (it can go as slowly or quickly as you wish) and you can schedule breaks into the course schedule too. It is super flexible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VIRTUAL DELVERY: 

  • In addition to these scheduled class times, you will also be required to complete a regular homework each week (approximately 5 – 10 hours per week)

Virtual Classes entail:

  • Attending live, interactive and highly supportive trainer-led learning experiences
  • Classes scheduled regularly (in ‘real time’).
  • During each lesson, you’ll be able to ask questions and participate in activities.
  • After each virtual class, your trainer will be available to further support you on your learning journey and answer any questions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BOTH ONLINE AND VIRTUAL DELVERIES: 

  • Unless you are already employed within the industry, you will also need to complete a MINIMUM of 160 hours of practical placement (placement is usually scheduled a minimum of one day per week).
  • We will assist you in finding a suitable placement host; located close to your home. If you secure paid employment in a regulated child care centre – your paid hours of employment can be your practical placement hours.
Fees, Government Funding & Enrolment Information

COURSE FEES IN VICTORIA – CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Self-Funded Course Fee $5,000.00 payable in instalments
Government Funded Course Fee $250.00
Government Funded & Concession Course Fee $50.00
 

 

COURSE FEES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA – CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Self-Funded Course Fee $5,000.00 payable in instalments
Government Funded Course Fee $600.00
Government Funded & Concession Course Fee $600.00

 

Great news for our prospective students living in Victoria or South Australia!

You may be eligible for Government Subsidised Training whilst studying your early childhood qualification with Suzan Johnston! So now you can study at Suzan Johnston Australia and only pay a small portion of our standard course fees!

To find out more information and to check your eligibility for Government Funded Training please select the state that is relevant to you or call us on 03 9654 0999.

VictoriaSouth-Australia

COURSE COMMENCEMENT DATES & ENROLMENT

If you would like to receive details on our forthcoming commencement dates, our enrolment procedures and/or if you would like clarification on your eligibility for Government Funding; please contact us and we will send the required information to you promptly. Our team is here and you are welcome to give us a call on 03 9654 0999.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR CHILDCARE COURSE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Units of Study & Employment Outcomes

Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course includes highly interactive and supported virtual training in a wide range of subjects (a total of 17 Units of Competency).

The content of our childcare course has been carefully developed with extensive industry input, ensuring graduates are all multi-skilled, meet/exceed current industry expectations and are extremely employable within the Children’s Services sector.

UNITS OF COMPETENCY – CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Core Units
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
Elective Units
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES FOR GRADUATES

The children’s services industry continues to experience enormous growth. For decades we have taken pride in the excellent job placement results graduates from our childcare course have achieved.

As part of your childcare course, you will be introduced to industry employers and leading employment agencies, who not only endorse our childcare courses but also actively assist our students in finding suitable employment. Additionally, the contacts that you will make during your practical placement can often lead to a permanent job, with the majority of our students gaining employment with their placement host well BEFORE the completion of their childcare studies.

Approximately 95% of our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care graduates are successful in securing employment in children’s services roles!

STUDY PATHWAYS FOR GRADUATES

Studying the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can be a great steppingstone towards gaining a university qualification. You can begin your pathway to higher education by completing the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and then continuing on to the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (also available at Suzan Johnston).

Once you have achieved the Diploma qualification, you may further your childcare studies by obtaining recognition / credit transfer into a bachelor’s degree at university.

Practical Placement & the Learning Environment

PRACTICAL PLACEMENT

This child care course will include extensive ‘ real life’ practical placement within the children’s services industry. It is a requirement that all CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care students complete a MINIMUM of 160 hours of practical placement within a regulated child care service.

Your trainers will assist you to find a suitable placement host (close to your home) and will also be available to offer you continued support and encouragement whilst you complete this practical component. We will also visit you at your placement site to assess your practical skills and provide you with any additional support and mentoring where required.

Practical Placement is often unpaid; however, it can often open the doors to a paid position within the centre; enabling you to ‘earn as you learn’ – which is very exciting!

Note: In 2023, 87% of our early childhood course students, gained employment during their course – as a direct result of their Practical Placement experience.

If you are currently employed within a childcare service, you can complete your placement hours in your place of employment (whilst getting paid!).

TRAINERS/DELIVERY METHODS

Learn from the best!

Our virtual childcare classes are delivered within a relaxed, supportive and highly interactive learning environment. Suzan Johnston trainers are dedicated to teaching and have extensive industry skills and experience.

Our small class sizes ensure that our trainers can work closely with you to personalise your learning experience, providing you with the help and support you require every step of the way.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our Accreditation & More Information

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION OF YOUR TRAINING

The Suzan Johnston Organization (Aust.) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number 170).

Suzan Johnston Australia is accredited with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). ASQA is the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector. ASQA regulates courses and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met.

Suzan Johnston Australia is approved to deliver the following Nationally Recognised Early Childhood Qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework:

  • CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

All registered training providers (RTOs) across Australia will automatically recognise the above childcare qualifications issued by Suzan Johnston Australia through the process of national recognition.

 

Suzan Johnston Australia’s most recent registration audit was conducted by the VRQA (Victorian Registration Qualifications Authority) in December 2021.

Click Here for a copy of the latest audit report.

RTOs are required to collect and use data on quality indicators, which have been endorsed by the National Quality Council (NQC). The findings for 2022 for Suzan Johnston Australia are outlined in the report below:

Click Here for a copy of the Registering Body Report (2022 Learner Engagement & Employer Satisfaction)

SUZAN JOHNSTON POLICIES & STUDENT HANDBOOKS

Suzan Johnston Australia has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that people from a wide range of backgrounds have an opportunity to study with us. We provide opportunities for everyone to access and participate in learning and to achieve learning outcomes in a safe and positive learning environment. Policies and procedures not only outline the rights and responsibilities of students but also Suzan Johnston Australia’s responsibilities to students.

All our policies and procedures are detailed in our comprehensive Student Handbook.

VICTORIAN STUDENT HANDBOOK – CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUDENT HANDBOOK – CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for Government Funded Training?

To be eligible for Government Subsidised Training in 2024, you must:

  1. Be either an Australian, New Zealand Citizen or a Permanent Resident
  2. Live in Victoria OR South Australia

Note: there are limits to the number of courses you can commence in the year.

Contact one of our consultants to see if you qualify for Government Funded Training in 2023.

How do Virtual Classes compare to other online childcare courses?

Unlike traditional ‘online childcare courses,’ virtual training is similar to what you would experience in a face-to-face classroom.

Our virtual classes are scheduled regularly (either weekly or fortnightly) ensuring that you remain engaged, and your learning remains ‘on-track’. During each live Zoom lesson, you’ll be able to hear and see your trainer delivering the content to you and your classmates, and you’ll be able to ask questions and participate in activities etc. After each virtual/online class, your trainer will be available for the afternoon to offer support with your studies and answer any questions you may have.

It is our belief that the best learning outcomes for all Certificate III in Early Childhood Education learners can only be achieved when training/assessment is conducted within a structured, supportive and interactive learning environment. This type of learning cannot be achieved by studying via traditional online methods where interaction with trainers is often limited and irregular.

How does the Self-Paced Online Childcare Course work?

The Online Childcare Course is delivered via four key components:

  • Watch pre-recorded Zoom classes (self-paced – at a time to suit you)
  • Join support sessions with your Trainer (as required)
  • Work through the various learning and assessment activities (self-paced – at a time to suit you)
  • Participate in a minimum of 160 hours of Practical Placement within a Regulated Childcare Service.

Do I need any additional equipment to study the childcare course online?

Importantly, you won’t need any additional equipment other than your home computer/laptop and of course access to the internet (earphones are optional).

Will I need to buy textbooks during my childcare course?

In addition to the childcare course fees, you will also be required to purchase online textbooks/resources (one for each unit of competency – $11.00 each). These resources will be made available to you as you complete your early childhood studies. You will also be required to pay an additional fee for first-aid training (approximately $110.00). Please contact us for more details.

Will I need to arrange my own Practical Placement during my childcare certificate?

Practical Placement is an important and mandatory component of all childcare courses. Accordingly, we will assist you in finding and coordinating your practical placement. Over the past 30 years Suzan Johnston Australia has forged strong relationships within the children’s services industry and we have a network of childcare centres who regularly (and very happily) host our students’ practical placements.

Does the certificate in childcare course include exams?

Our childcare courses do not include any scary or stressful exams. Assessments generally involve completing a range of relevant and interesting exercises/activities. You will also be observed and assessed performing your duties within the workplace (during your practical placement).

What is the career pathway for students who graduate with a childcare certification?

In 2024, it is anticipated that the childcare industry will continue to experience enormous and unprecedented growth and expansion. Accordingly, industry demand for quality educators (who hold a Certificate III in childcare qualification) will continue to exceed supply.

Our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education has been designed to equip learners with the necessary skills, qualifications and confidence to gain employment in a wide variety of positions including:

  • Educator in a childcare centre, kindergarten or pre-school
  • Professional nanny within Australia or overseas
  • Family day care worker
  • Before and after school care assistant
  • Play group supervisor
  • Agency relief staff/mobile assistant
  • Recreation assistant

Do I need to complete a childcare course to become a nanny?

In the past becoming a nanny was pretty easy, with most families only expecting potential nannies to have previous babysitting experience and no formal childcare and/or nanny qualifications.

Today, society’s perception of nannies has changed enormously with Australian nannies being respected and valued as industry professionals, who offer families legitimate and professional childcare alternatives.

Suzan Johnston has been offering childcare and nanny courses for more than 30 years. Our childcare qualifications are highly respected within the nanny industry, and our graduates are actively sought after by families and nanny recruitment agencies worldwide.

The government recently announced that all nannies providing services for the new home-based care programme must hold or be working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood (minimum) qualification. As a result, most parents and employment agencies will now insist that their nannies hold this important childcare/nanny qualification. Accordingly, we encourage all those who intend on becoming a nanny to undertake the Certificate III in Childcare in preparation for this new national requirement.

Once I have enrolled in the virtual classes for the Cert III in Early Childhood Education, what kind of training delivery can I expect? How much homework is involved?

Your attendance of scheduled classes is important as every lesson is packed full with important information, dynamic discussions, hands-on practical exercises, role-plays, games and activities. In addition to the scheduled training sessions, this childcare course requires you to spend between 5 – 10 hours per week on assigned homework tasks.

Am I eligible to enrol in a government funded childcare course?

Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is approved for government subsidised training, so you may only have to pay a small portion of the course fee (whilst the government subsidises the rest).

Working out if you are eligible to access this subsidised childcare course can be a little confusing, so let one of our friendly consultants clarify this with you over the phone – it will only take a minute!

Are there any Entry Requirements for the Certificate III in Early Childhood?

Prior to your enrolment in our childcare course, you will be required to participate in a pre-training interview and complete an online language, literacy and numeracy assessment. These entry requirements are designed to assist us in determining your suitability for the course and to assist with the planning of any learning support requirements.

What study pathways are available to me after I finish the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

Should you decide to further your studies after completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood, you may transition to a higher-level childcare qualification with credits into the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

How do I enrol in the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

If you would like to proceed with your enrolment in our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, please contact us on 03 9654 0999 so the relevant Online Enrolment Package can be forwarded to you.

Why is the Suzan Johnston childcare certificate different to any another RTO or TAFE course?

  • Suzan Johnston Australia is one of Australia’s most trusted and respected training institutions (established since 1959) and have been delivering the accredited childcare course since 1994
  • Our childcare trainers are exceptional and inspirational professionals, who deliver every training session with passion and dedication
  • Our live, virtual classes are uniquely friendly, interactive and personalised
  • Our students individual training needs are respected and valued
  • Suzan Johnston Australia has the reputation of delivering nanny training and childcare courses that are of the highest quality
  • Graduates from our exclusive children’s services course are multi-skilled and have a wide range of employment opportunities
  • Our certificate 3 childcare graduates are known to be quality professionals who are respected within the industry and actively sought after by employers Australia wide
  • The Suzan Johnston Training Organization is committed to producing childcare educators who are truly dedicated and capable of providing the best possible standard of care for children
  • During 2022 – 2023, 95% of our Cert III childcare graduates were successful in finding employment within 3 – 4 weeks of course completion!
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