Early Childhood Education & Care

Foundation Learning Centre

Overview

VET in schools multiplies opportunities for students.  They enable students to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification as well as contribute towards their VCE or VCAL Certificate. Classroom learning is combined with structured hands-on training and practice in industry. This course offers basic training for people who are seeking to work with more qualified staff in providing education programs and quality care for babies and children. The certificate trains students for centre based, out of school hours, family day care and nanny roles, and caring for infants and children up to 12 years. Skills learned at the certificate III level include basic knowledge, training and understanding of child development and how to foster and support the emotional and educational wellbeing of infants and children.

Course Code and Title

• CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

Delivery

• Venue: Elisabeth Murdoch College
• Time: Wednesday 1.00 - 5.00pm

Structured Work Placement

Students are required to have 2 work placements of 120 hours duration. A current working with children check and police check is required for work placement.

The 120 hours of Work placement could be  in a childcare facility, may include some hours in family daycare and/or primary school (preps)

Contribution to the VCE and VCAL

On completion of the program students are eligible for four credits towards their VCE or VCAL certificate, two at units 1 and 2 level. and a 3 and 4 sequence. Students who successfully complete the year 12 Unit 3-4 sequence will be eligible for a 10% increment towards their ATAR as a fifth or sixth subject.

Further information on the increment process can be found on the VCAA website: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vet/general/recognition/vetcredit.html

This program will also satisfy the learning outcomes for the VCAL Industry Specific and the Work Related Skills strand

Units of Competency

Units delivered over 2 years may include

Develop cultural competence
Ensure the health and safety of children
Provide care for children
Promote and provide healthy food and drinks
Provide care for babies and toddlers
Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
Support the holistic development of children in early childhood
Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
Use information about children to inform practice
Work legally and ethically
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting
Participate in work health and safety
Promote aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Organise personal work priorities and development
Support behaviour of children and young people
Support the holistic development of children in school aged care

Pathways

Training & Employment Outcomes

Career opportunities include:

• Day Care Centre Childcare Assistant
• Family Day Care Caregiver
• Kindergarten Assistant
• Nanny
• Out-of-School Hours or Holiday Program Assistant

TAFE

• Diploma of Children’s Services
• Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services

University Options

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)