The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Swinburne offers practical instruction and workplace experiences that will give you a true understanding of how to contribute to a work environment. It aims to ensure you learn the critical skills and develop the confidence employers will recognise and value. You will learn to professionally care for and communicate with children, support play and learning and basic developmental needs, and about providing food and basic health services. Current work placement is 180 hours over the course duration.

This qualification 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. These support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children's well-being. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.

Career opportunities: Students who complete this course may find employment in a range of early childhood services, including long day care (zero to six years), occasional care (zero to six years), family day care, kindergartens and Out of School Hours Care.