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Online learning is now available at MCIE, giving you the flexibility to study when and where it works best for you!
Whether you’re balancing work or family life, our courses are designed to fit around your schedule while still offering expert guidance and industry-relevant learning. You’ll get access to our digital courses, experienced trainers, and support every step of the way.
If you’re looking to build a rewarding career shaping young minds, the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is now offered online—so you can take the first step toward becoming an educator, from wherever you are.
Satisfied with training
93.3% Satisfied with training
Improved work status
73.4% Improved work status
Average weekly pay
$1,494 Weekly pay
Why should you study this course?
If you’re passionate about helping young children grow, learn and thrive, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offers the skills and knowledge to turn that passion into a meaningful career. This diploma prepares you not just to work in childcare but to lead.
You’ll gain the confidence to implement, evaluate and be creative with programs that support children’s learning across all areas—emotional, social, physical, and cognitive. You’ll also learn how to guide and support other educators in your team.
A pathway to a secure and rewarding career
With the growing demand for qualified educators across Australia, this diploma opens the door to a stable and fulfilling career. Whether you want to work in long day care, kindergartens, or community centres, your skills will be in demand—and you’ll be doing work that truly matters.
Program details
National Code
CHC50121
Units
12 core + 3 elective
Total duration
52 weeks
Program delivery
Fees and payment options
Weekly payments
Pay in 40 instalments over the length of your course.
$187.50
Weekly FFS
Monthly payments
Pay in 10 instalments over the length of your course.
$750.00
Monthly FFS
Career Prospects
- Nominated Supervisor
- Early Childhood Educator
- Group, Team or Room Leader
- Early Childhood Centre Manager
- Early Childhood Centre Coordinator
- Educational Leader
- Early Childhood Educator
According to the National Skills Commission:
- There are currently 24,500 Child Care Centre Managers in Australia
- This occupation has considerable future growth of 21.8%
- Average weekly earnings are $1,494
- Currently 24,500 Child Care Centre Managers in Australia
- 72% of CCMs work full-time
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold either of the following qualifications:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Education and skills
Regulatory
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age.
All candidates require a Unique Student Identification (USI) number. If you do not have a USI number you can apply for one online at https://www.usi.gov.au/students, or you can give MCIE administration staff permission to apply on your behalf.
Students with disabilities
Digital technology
Students must have sufficient digital literacy skills to access online content, enter answers to written questions and communicate with trainers via email, the student portal and the learning management system. Students should have access to the internet, data, a laptop or computer with Microsoft Teams to successfully participate in this program.
Industry requirements
Candidates may be asked to provide evidence of the following for work placement (requirements vary according to host employer policies):
- National Police Check
- Working with Children Check
- Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccinations
Prior experience
Work placement
Students must complete 280 mandatory placement hours for the work-based training component of this program. 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 qualified supervisor (i.e. a person who holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care of equivalent).
You can look up eligible services by using this link: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/national-registers
MCIE can organise your work placement for a $300 fee if required.
Delivery and assessment
Course is accessed online via our user-friendly learning management system. Work-placement will be undertaken at a MCIE approved Early Childhood Education and Care service.
Assessments include written short answer questions, case study/scenario and practical demonstrations and work placement portfolio and reflective journal.
Pathway to University
Work placement support
Course Units
Core Units
- CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
- CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
- CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
- CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
- CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
- CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
- CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
- CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
- CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
- BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
Elective Units
- CHCPOL002 Develop and implement policy
- CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
- BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
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Apply today and embark on a journey to a brighter future with our course certification.
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