GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE)
1 Year (full time) or 2 Years (part time)
Become an Early Childhood Educator with this nationally recognised Certificate III. Learn to support children's development, wellbeing, and learning in regulated care settings. Ideal for passionate individuals with no prior experience seeking a rewarding career working with young children.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old (except for Workplace, VDSS, and SBAT students) and complete a Basic Key Skills Builder online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels. A pre-training review interview is required to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations. You must provide evidence of applying for a Working With Children Check and a current National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes before placement. Traineeship or Apprenticeship students must apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer. VDSS students apply through their school's VET Coordinator. Access to a laptop/computer with internet, webcam, and required textbooks is essential.
The course comprises 17 units: 15 core and 2 elective. Core units include: Support inclusion and diversity, Support children's health safety and wellbeing, Nurture babies and toddlers, Develop positive and respectful relationships with children, Use an approved learning framework to guide practice, Support the holistic learning and development of children, Provide experiences to support children's play and learning, Support children to connect with the natural environment, Observe children to inform practice, Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures, Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care, Work effectively in children's education and care, Identify and respond to children and young people at risk, Provide First Aid in an education and care setting, and Participate in workplace health and safety. Elective units include Lead personal development and Work with diverse people.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition delivering quality vocational education across Northern Victoria. The institution provides comprehensive support through the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program, funded by the Victorian Government, offering mentoring, support meetings, counselling, and academic workshops to help students succeed. Multiple delivery options accommodate different circumstances, and extensive student support services including learning support, counselling, disability support, and the Koorie Unit ensure students have access to help they need.
Graduates may pursue roles as Early Childhood Educators, Outside School Hours Care Assistants, Playgroup Supervisors, Kindergarten Assistants, Recreation Assistants, Family Daycare Workers, or Nannies/Au Pairs. Further study opportunities include the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125), which provides pathways to advanced roles in early childhood education and care services. The qualification opens doors to employment in long daycare centres, family daycare, pre-schools, kindergartens, and outside school hours care services across Victoria and Australia.
