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THIS IS NOT A FREE COURSE. It does not attract government funding. This course is not funded under Skills First, VET Student Loans, VET FEE-HELP, or any other government funding programme. All fees are paid directly by the student.
Course Overview
Start your career in the booming early childhood industry
Launch your childcare career with a fully online, self-paced Certificate III qualification that equips you with the skills to support the wellbeing, learning, and development of young children. The course comprises 15 core units plus 2 elective units, delivered entirely online over a flexible 9–12 month period. Join the high growth industry today!
Job outcomes depend on individual circumstances, relevant experience, employer requirements and successful course completion.
Who's It For?
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Early childhood education and care is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia with high demand for skilled and qualified professionals. This course is ideal for individuals who want to make a contribution to the lives of children and join a booming industry.
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Our nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides you with the understanding and skills to support the wellbeing, learning and development of young children.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Daycare Educator
- Nanny
- Playgroup Supervisor
- Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care Educator
What You'll Learn
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This qualification will teach you how to care for children, nurture their development, and make sure their environment is safe and supportive.
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
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Mode: 100 % online, self-paced via MCIE’s learning management system.
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Duration: Flexible completion timeline between 9 to 12 months (approximately 38 weeks).
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Includes 160 hours of mandatory work placement, to be arranged in a licensed early childhood setting.
Delivery
This is an online blended course. All theory, readings and assessments are completed online at your own pace through MCIE’s learning management system. Mandatory work placement is completed separately in an approved workplace setting.
Entry Requirements
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No prior qualifications required.
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Must complete a Pre-Training Review and meet Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) standards.
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Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged at least 18, with a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
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Digital literacy: Students must access and navigate the online portal, upload assessments, and communicate via email.
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Work Placement: May require National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and relevant vaccinations depending on host employer policies.
Course Features
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Nationally accredited: Gain a qualification recognised across Australia.
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Online blended delivery: study online with practical placement in a licensed early childhood setting.
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High-demand industry: Early Childhood Educators are needed now more than ever.
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Fully online and flexible: Study at your own pace, from anywhere in Australia.
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Strong industry outcomes: High satisfaction and employment improvement rates.
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Flexible payment options: Weekly, monthly, lump-sum, or pay-as-you-go—choose what suits your budget.
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Comprehensive career preparation: Includes realistic work placement experience and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Work Placement
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Students must complete 160 mandatory placement hours for the work-based training component of this program.
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Students are required to find placement in a licensed Long Day Care setting, with an appropriate range of work tasks and ratios of children, and access to a qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent).
Recognition Of Prior Learning
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Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available to eligible students.
Assessment
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Assessments include written short answer questions, case study/scenario and practical demonstrations, work placement portfolio and reflective journal.
Testimonials
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"I am currently completing my Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care with MCIE. The institute has been amazing place to study, the staff is respectful, kind and helpful and my lecturer Vanessa Fang has supported, guided and encouraged me and my classmates towards understanding the curriculum which she teaches through sharing real life experiences, and her expertise. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that all student’s progress their studying goals easily and efficiently. Thank you Vanessa for being an amazing mentor guiding and encouraging me to complete my Cert III, pursue studying further (working towards Diploma in ECEC) and providing valuable advice to become high quality early childcare educator."Tabitha SylvesterCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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"I’m completing my Cert Ⅲ in ECEC at MCIE. My trainer, Vanessa, is very kind and supportive. She has a lot of experience working in both a childcare centre and this school, so she has great knowledge! I hope she’ll be my trainer for the Diploma as well."Miki MCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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"I did my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in MCIE and I'm currently doing Certificate IV in School Based Education Support in MCIE. It is a great institute, supports students and guide them throughout. Anusha is my trainer, she's highly skilled and a great teacher. She considers students needs, guides and supports each student really well. I'm very happy to be her student and recommends MCIE for everyone."Sarita KanagoCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Subjects
About MCIE
MCIE is a leading provider of outcomes-focused quality vocational education and training programs. Our courses are founded on the desire to provide practical education leading to real job outcomes matching industry needs.We have supported thousands of students on their career journeys and are proud of the outcomes our graduates achieve. We care about your needs, your aspirations and your outcomes and we work with you to remove the barriers to entry to your chosen career. Our outcomes-based training has helped us build an enviable reputation as a leading provider of quality vocational education in Victoria. Our focus is on competency-based practical education leading to real job outcomes and meeting the needs of industry and the community.Legal Entity: Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty. Ltd. as Trustee for MCIE Unit Trust (RTO 22172).
