
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens; and facilitate education and care programs to young children.
With this qualification, you'll learn how to support children’s wellbeing and development within an approved learning framework.
You'll learn about developmental needs for children of different ages, including babies and toddlers; inclusion and diversity; how to observe and manage the health, safety and wellbeing of children; developing and delivering experiences to support children’s play and learning; and so much more!

This course remains FEE FREE in 2024! No course fees apply!
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
The sector is demanding higher qualifications and training from educators in this field to ensure consistently high standards of education and care for children placed in these services. This can be achieved by completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
You'll learn how to interact and foster the development of the children while working within legal requirements and ensuring the children's health and safety are not at risk. You will work closely with children from different backgrounds and cultures and provide care and support for them in various childcare situations.
You will gain skills in:
- Caring for children
- Applying health and hygiene principles
- Understanding legal and ethical requirements
- Providing nutritional needs for babies and children
- Developing and implementing play experiences
- Understanding child development stages
- Working with families and working effectively in a team environment.
Your gateway to a rewarding career in a growing industry
Early Childhood Education and Care is an expanding industry for those with a genuine interest and passion in the care and education of young children up to the age of 5 years. The childcare industry is demanding higher qualifications and training from educators in this field to ensure consistently high standards of education and care for children placed in these services. This can be achieved by completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
You'll learn how to interact and foster the development of the children while working within legal requirements and ensuring the children's health and safety are not at risk.
As part of this qualification you will undertake a work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
You will work closely with children from different backgrounds and cultures and provide care and support for them in various child care situations.
North Metropolitan TAFE is offering early childhood training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, visit First Nations Traineeship Program(opens in a new tab) for more information.
Locations
Make a difference in the lives of our children.
The early childhood education and care sector is experiencing increased demand, driven by population growth and an emphasis on the importance of early childhood development.
This course is the nationally regulated entry-level qualification for educators who wish to support the development and wellbeing of children from birth to school age in an early childhood education and care setting. You will learn how to implement the National Quality Framework, National Regulations and National Quality Standards.
Throughout this course, you will learn about best practices for facilitating children’s play, creating healthy and safe environments and cultural competence. You will learn how to facilitate development in the context of an approved learning framework, following established policies and procedures.
Early Childhood Education and Care is an expanding sector for those with a passion for the care and education of young children up to the age of 5 years. The sector is demanding higher qualifications and training from educators to ensure consistently high standards of education and care for children placed in these services. This can be achieved by completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
You'll learn how to interact and foster the development of the children while working within legal requirements and ensuring the children's health and safety are not at risk.
As part of this qualification you will undertake a work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
You will work closely with children from different backgrounds and cultures and provide care and support for them in various child care situations.
90% of surveyed students were highly satisfied with this course.
Locations
When you complete this course you will be ready for a career in early childhood education and care. You will have the skills and knowledge to work effectively as an educator, supporting the development and wellbeing of children aged 0 to 5 years. You will gain an understanding of children's individual developmental needs and be able to provide safe learning opportunities and support to children from diverse backgrounds.
Locations
Choose a private training provider that delivers this course
This course is available from registered training organisations (accredited private training providers) that are also funded through Jobs and Skills WA. Select from the list below, and follow the link to the provider's website for further information about the course and how to enrol.

Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO) is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) delivering early childhood qualifications for over 26 years. ACCCO’s longevity ensures students are trained by a reputable organisation with close links to industry.
ACCCO is renowned for face to face on the job training delivered by passionate, industry expert trainers who cater to student needs. Progression through a course is aided by regular study sessions, state of the art online learning management system, and an academic hotline.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care offers employment opportunities ranging from long day care, kindergarten, and family day care. This qualification can be delivered under subsidised training through a Traineeship or through Priority Industry Training (PIT).
Contact us now to check your eligibility for funding:
Email: info@accco.com.au, Phone: Free call 1300 139 406
Fill out the webform: https://accco.com.au/enrolment/
Delivery location

The Australian Higher Education Academy is one of the oldest Registered Training Providers in WA and offers the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care via the following pathways:
1. As a traineeship for those employed in the industry. Trainers and assessors visit the workplace at times to suit both the employer and the trainee to ensure minimum disruption and provide individualised training sessions.
2. In face to face classes in a central Perth location for those wishing to become employed in the industry. Classes are in purpose designed facilities with small classes.
Call 9321 0168 to discuss the options available.
Delivery location

Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is a nationally recognised entry pathway into the child care industry and is designed to develop multi-skilled educators for the broad range of settings.
Students who complete this qualification are able to provide childcare education support in a range of settings including community and private educational settings.
Australian Employment & Training Services (AEATS) provides the opportunity for students to undertake this program predominantly via trainer led ZOOM delivery for the convenience of students. Some classroom attendance also required for practical assessments.
AEATS offers this program averaging four days per week for a period of 20 weeks before completing an additional 200 hours of workplace assessment. AEATS has a broad range of Childcare facilities which its dedicated placement coordinators utilise for quality practical placement opportunities.
If you are considering undertaking this qualification, please talk to our enrolment team who will explain in further details the requirements of the course, pricing and commencement dates. AEATS offers this program on a weekly rolling enrolment program meaning you can commence your course straight away after meeting the enrolment criteria and supply of essential information. Please visit www.aeats.com.au for further information.
Delivery location

This course will prepare you for a future career in early childhood education, providing a healthy, safe and caring environment for children. You will gain the skills to communicate and work collaboratively with educators, as well as to support the children’s holistic well-being, health and safety.

This qualification is offered as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to recognise the experience, skills and qualifications of existing workers in Early Education and Care sector.
Applicants can apply for free and are assessed individually. Our comprehensive RPL package assesses each applicant per unit of competency based on their skills, experience and existing qualifications. You must already be working in the industry to apply and a full qualification is not guaranteed.
An ATC Work Smart Trainer/Assessor will support you every step of the way in this trainer lead process. You will be able to contact your Trainer when you need them, plus they regularly visit you in the workplace to offer support and completed workplace observation and assessment. ATC Work Smart have experienced trainers locally to deliver the training and assessment required in the Metro, South West and Great Southern regions.
This qualification is part of the governments FREE in ’23 initiative and no additional fees will apply for RPL in 2023.
Delivery locations

The Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications focus on the knowledge and skills needed to plan activities in a learn through play environment. Learn how to support children in achieving their developmental outcomes as individuals and in a group situation. These qualifications will provide you with the ability to work in a range of early childhood education settings within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and National Quality Standard.
Delivery location

Fremantle Education Centre Inc (FEC) offers traineeships in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care across Western Australia. Our Lecturers will deliver all training on the job following a Training Plan developed in conjunction with the Employer and Trainee. The Lecturer is also available at all times by email and phone between visits to keep trainees focussed on completing their studies. For further information please contact FEc on 93355444.
Delivery location

This course forms the building block for your Childcare career and is compulsory for anyone working within the Early Learning and Childcare industry.
Our Certificate III course will help you to become a competent, effective and highly valued employee. It is a well-balanced Practical and Theoretical Program delivered via skilled and experienced trainers with years of experience within Early Learning Childcare Centres.
Delivery location

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s well-being, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools, or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.
We provide this course through a Traineeship (workplace based) model across all locations in Western Australia.
Delivery location

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s well-being, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others.
Our students gain skills in:
• Providing care for babies & children
• Child behaviour
• Health and hygiene for children
• First aid
• Identifying children at risk
• Developing & supporting a play environment
• Child development
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. Affordable payment plans and all training resources are provided at no extra charge!
This qualification is available at our Morley and Rockingham campus locations, or in the workplace under a traineeship. Call us on 1300 046 744!
Delivery locations
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in a regulated children education and care services in Australia. They support children's wellbeing and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others. Please contact us on 0897 215033 or via email courseinfo@jsw.org.au for further information.
Delivery location

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. They support children's well-being, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site. Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens. To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.
This qualification is suitable for new entrants who are interested in pursuing a position as an Early childhood educator, Childcare assistant, Kindergarten assistant, Family day educator, Nanny, Before and after school care assistant. There are no entry requirements for this qualification. This course is delivered over 12 months.
Delivery location

Meerilinga Training College promotes professional excellence in the early childhood education sector by developing Educators who inspire children’s curiosity and learning. We are a Registered Training Organisation (6000) and Provider with more than 25 years’ experience in early childhood education, child development and community services across WA.
At Meerilinga Training College it’s not just about what we do but how and why we do it. We specialise in ‘promoting positive childhoods’ so you’re not just a student to us, you become part of our community.
Meerilinga Training College provides training for employees in their workplace towards advancing a highly rewarding and fulfilling career educating children. Traineeships combine training and paid employment, leading to skills and qualifications that are recognised across Australia. Experienced and skilled trainers guide and support you in an early education and care career while you build great futures for children.
For further information or opportunities for training in Perth and regional locations email mtc@meerilinga.org.au or visit www.meerilinga.org.au/training

PIT, Traineeships
This course 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.
Program includes 160 hours of work placement.
Delivery locations

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. They support children's wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others.
Delivery location

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others.
Pathways from this Qualification
Higher level such as CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Duration of this Qualification
This qualification will take 18-36 months to complete as either a traineeship or Priority Industry Training and you must have completed at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.
Cost of this Qualification
Please Note: This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Fee free in 23, local skills program, you will only pay resource fees.
How will I be Assessed?
• Verbal/written assessment/s of underpinning knowledge
• Observation within the workplace
• Workshop action learning scenarios
• In-class participation
• Workplace projects
RPL is available for this qualification.
What will I get at the end of this Qualification/Course?
Statement of Attainment for units completed
Certificate: If all required units are completed
Delivery locations

Do you love working with children? If you do, take the first step towards this rewarding career by enrolling in the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course today! This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of children’s education and care services who work within the requirements of the National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. The course runs for 32 weeks and includes 160 hours work placement. For further information call 1300 361 343.
Delivery location

This qualification provides participants with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to secure employment in registered early education and care centres as an early childhood education and care educator.
This qualification is delivered as a Traineeship on-the-job in the Perth Metro and Peel Regions.
Delivery locations

Acquire the skills and knowledge to provide care and support to meet the developmental and educational needs of babies, infants, and young children. You will develop the skills to plan, engage and implement educational programs for children in various childcare settings. This course is delivered through two pathways:
1. A traineeship pathway up to 24 months.
2. Institutional Based Training is run over a 26-week period including 5 weeks of workplace training.
For further information including eligibility requirements, please contact us at 6371 9999 or visit our website.
Delivery location

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to develop a range of competencies and skills. The demand for early childhood educators is increasing. Learn the skills and gain knowledge to provide a positive environment and facilitate children’s play and learning.
Through the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you will be equipped for a position as a child care worker or educator.
This Certificate also incorporates a work experience element so you will get to put into practice the theory and skills you learn.
Increase your skills in the areas of:
• Caring for children, babies and toddlers
• Supporting holistic development
• Providing first aid
• Working within legal and ethical frameworks
• Identifying and responding to children at risk
• Nutrition for children
• Supporting play and learning
• Supporting behaviour of children
(08) 9527 6553
Delivery Method: Face to Face learning (3 days per week)
6 months duration + Vocational placement
Program: Participation - Work Readiness
Delivery location

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgement when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be onsite.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
Delivery location

This course will prepare students with the essential knowledge needed to ensure the health and safety of children, develop cultural competence, create and strengthen positive relationships with children, as well as being able to foster the holistic development and wellbeing of a child in early childhood. This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Delivery location
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.