Imagine a career where you help a child discover something new, build their confidence and develop a love of learning. This qualification is your first step towards a rewarding career working with children from birth to five years. If you’re caring, curious and enjoy being hands-on, this course will help you turn those qualities into practical skills for the early childhood sector. You’ll learn how to create safe, welcoming environments where children feel supported to explore, play and learn. From nurturing babies and toddlers to encouraging children’s creativity and curiosity, you’ll develop the skills to support their daily care needs, learning, development and wellbeing.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore how to:

·         build positive relationships with children and families;

·         support children’s health, safety and wellbeing;

·         encourage learning through play and everyday experiences;

·         support inclusion and respect for diverse backgrounds and abilities; and

·         contribute to educational programs that respond to children’s interests and needs.

You’ll bring your learning to life through 160 hours of practical placement in an early childhood education and care setting. Working alongside experienced educators, you’ll gain hands-on experience, practise your skills and build confidence in your role. With opportunities in long day care centres, kindergartens, preschools and family day care services, this qualification can open the door to a career filled with creativity, connection and purpose. It also provides a pathway to further study in early childhood education and care as your experience and career ambitions grow.

To be awarded this qualification, you must successfully complete 17 units of competency, 15 core units and 2 elective units.  If you choose to study this course in a online (virtual classroom), you will need to provide us with your Statement of Attainment for unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid from another education provider for the purpose of Credit Transfer. The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.

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
  • CHCEDS034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
  • CHCEDS035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
  • CHCEDS036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
  • CHCEDS037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
  • CHCEDS038 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
  • CHCPRT025 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
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Entry Requirements

  • There are no mandatory prerequisites to enrol in this qualification.
  • Physical attributes for placement purposes which encompasses lifting children and manual handling.
  • Applicants must attend a course information session and then to determine suitability, complete a:
    • Pre-training Review (PTR)
    • Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Digital skills assessment (LLND)

Class Attendance

  • Students must attend one class per week, choosing between:
    • Online (virtual classroom), or
    • Face-to-face (onsite classroom).

Class Times:

  • Day classes: 9:00AM – 4:00PM or 9:30AM – 4:30PM (7 hours).
  • Additional time is required each week for private study, research, and completing assessments outside of scheduled class hours.

Technology Requirements

  • You will need access to:
    • A computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
    • Zoom application, headphones/speakers, microphone & webcam capabilities for virtual classes.
    • An laptop or tablet  for onsite classroom session to access your course materials and assessments via our online Learning Management System (LMS).

Work Placement

  • This course requires a minimum of 160 hours of placement at a regulated children’s education and care service.
  • A current and satisfactory Victorian Working with Children Check and Police Record Check and are fully immunised.

Skills First funded course fees apply to eligible students who study this course in our regional locations through classroom-based training.

If you choose to study via virtual classroom, different fees apply depending on where you live. Please request the Online course information sheet and refer to the Postcode List on our student information page for eligibility details.

*Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islanders pay the course Administration Fee but do not pay any Tuition fee.

* There are no materials fees when you study with us.

*Download Our Course Info Sheet– a comprehensive course brochure includes everything from course content to payment plans, refund policies, and fees for students not eligible for government funding. Its your first step toward flexible, affordable, and career-focused training.

*To check your eligibility for Skills First Funding click here

Potential Study Pathways
Graduates of this qualification may choose to further their studies by enrolling in the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this qualification can expect to apply for employment  in occupational titles such as Early Childhood Educator Assistant Educator, Childcare Educator, Family Day Care Educator Kindergarten, Preschool Assistant.

Employment Outlook
Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is a large and growing workforce. The latest Australian Government data show that 1.46 million children attended Child Care Subsidy-approved services in the June quarter of 2026, with around 1.05 million families using approved care. Jobs and Skills Australia’s ECEC modelling projected the child carer workforce requirement/demand to rise from about 165,253 in 2024 to 192,752 by 2034 under the scenario incorporating existing service levels, while demand for early childhood teachers rises from 32,706 to 37,682 over the same period.

Why Study with Partners in Training Australia (PTA)?

At PTA, we specialise in delivering high-quality training for the Health and Community Services sector across Regional Victoria and Metropolitan locations.

Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

We understand that traditional classroom schedules don’t suit everyone. That’s why we offer flexible study options—including online and blended delivery—designed for people with busy work lives, family commitments, or limited access to TAFE. Our nationally recognised training is also government-subsidised, making it more affordable and accessible than many other providers.

Strong Industry Connections

We work closely with local employers to ensure our training is practical, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. These partnerships also provide:

  • Work placement opportunities
  • Customised training for staff
  • Pathways to employment for our graduates

Expert Trainers with Real-World Experience

Our trainers are experienced professionals who are actively engaged in the industry. This means you’ll learn from people who understand current practices and expectations – ensuring your training is up-to-date and job-ready.

Come and see how we do things differently, and let us be your ‘partner in training’!   

As part of the application of enrolment process, we ask you to attend an Information/ Enrolment Session that will involve a written Pre-Training Review with an Enrolment Officer who will be available to support you through the process. Our pre-training review is designed to make sure the course is the most suitable and appropriate training option for you.

Information/Enrolments sessions are held at each of our campuses and via Zoom, which makes it easy for you to attend.

We look forward to discussing this course and the study options with you, then arranging an information session for you to attend.

Course Dates

09 Nov

Virtual Classroom

19 Nov

Shepparton Campus

24 Nov

Virtual Classroom

Delivery Location Start Date Class Day Time of Classes Duration of Training Course ID Click Apply Now to Get Started
Virtual Classroom 9th Nov 2026 Monday 9am - 4pm 11 months CLD2026SH#140 Apply Now
Shepparton Campus 19th Nov 2026 Thursday 9am - 4pm 11 months SHE2026CA#55 Apply Now
Virtual Classroom 24th Nov 2026 Tuesday 9am - 4pm 11 months CLD2026SA#126 Apply Now

If you do not see a date or location which interests you, please Enquire Now to register your interest in studying this course, and we will contact you.

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