CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – Classroom Based

Enrol Now to commence July 2024

Early Childhood Educators are in high demand!

Take advantage of Lower Fees or No Fees in 2024 to study CHC30121 Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care 

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Our blended delivery model includes face to face learning, virtual classroom, and practical work placement offering maximum flexibility for you to get the most out of your training, and to do what you love while gaining hands-on industry experience and building community connections.

So what are you waiting for? Take the next step in your career today and build a better tomorrow for our next generation.

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Overview

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification
• Nationally recognised course and ACECQA approved
• RPL and Credit Transfer options available to eligible students
• Duration: 38 weeks with a minimum 160 hours (up to 200 hours) of practical work placement, arranged during the course and in a regulated early education and care service
• School friendly hours, 4 days per week from 9:30am to 2:30pm during WA public school terms
• Blended delivery model of face to face in class, virtual classroom, and practical work placement
• Payment plans available on application

Find the next available course near you, go to Meerilinga Training Locations. Click to get panels

Contact us today to register your interest or call our friendly enrolments team direct on 08 9489 4022.

Meerilinga Children and Community Foundation Inc. trading as Meerilinga Training College. Registered Training Organisation NTIS code: 6000

About the Course

This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework, and support children’s well-being, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.

Obtaining this qualification will provide you with a range of career opportunities and is ideal for anyone seeking jobs in approved education and care services, schools, community services or education support setting, in the positions of:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Child Care Assistant
• OSHC Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• Kindergarten, or Preschool Education
• In-Home Child Care Provider
• Playgroup Supervisor
• Early Childhood Education Assistant
• Nanny
• Mobile Child Care Assistant

Meerilinga Training College offers this course in a blended classroom delivery and through traineeship.

Traineeships are only available to students who are employed and work a minimum of 15 hours per week with a regulated Early Education and Care service. Refer to our Early Childhood Education and Care Traineeships.

Our early education and care courses are conveniently held at Meerilinga locations in our suburban Children and Community services, which have free parking and close access to public transport.

Refer to Meerilinga Training Locations for the next available course near you.

Classroom

Classroom is an instructional method where course content and learning material are taught in person to a group of learners to allow for interaction between a learner and trainer. It is the most traditional type of learning instruction enabling a better understanding and recollection of lesson content. Learners benefit from a greater level of interaction with their fellow learners and opportunity to connect with each another. Classes are held on specific dates and times, where learners are accountable for their progress.

Virtual Classroom

Virtual classroom allows for interaction between the Trainer and learners as they participate in learning activities in a shared online space.

This method of delivery offers significantly more support than a basic online platform and promotes the connection and collaborative learning that attending a face to face class brings.

Practical Work Placement

The theory learning component of the course is completed through blended classroom delivery however learners are also required to compete a minimum of 160 hours (up to 200 hours) work placement in a regulated education and care service. Work placement is designed to give learners workplace experience and an opportunity to apply learning through demonstrated practice within an early childhood environment.

What will you need to study this course?

This qualification has essential job requirements for working in early childhood education and care and includes work placement in a regulated early education and care service. In accordance with legislative and industry requirement, you will be required to obtain the following before commencement of in-service instruction:

• Working with Children Check (over 18yrs).
  If you are under the age of 18, an alternative criminal history check requirements and reference form is required.
• Certificate of Health at your own expense.
  Stating you are mentally and physically fit for the provision of early education and care.

MTC Administration Services will provide you with the relevant forms on application

Course Units

There are a total of 17 units for this course.

Unit Code	Units
CHCECE055	Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
CHCPRT001	Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
HLTWHS001	Participate in workplace health and safety
HLTAID012	Provide first aid in an education and care setting
CHCECE031	Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
CHCECE030	Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE054	Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture
CHCECE037	Support children to connect to the natural environment
BSBSUS411	Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
CHCECE034	Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
CHCECE056	Work effectively in children’s Education and Care
CHCECE032	Nurture babies and toddlers
CHCECE033	Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
CHCECE035	Support the holistic learning and development of children
CHCECE036	Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
CHCECE038	Observe children to inform practice
CHCECE003	Reflect on and improve own professional practice

HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting

The First Aid unit – HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is a compulsory unit and is delivered through Meerilinga.

HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is run over a two day period from 8:30am – 4:30pm at Meerilinga’s Ballajura training rooms and students are required to attend both days in order to complete the unit. If you DO NOT attend both days of training you will be required to complete the unit externally to Meerilinga and at your own expense.

Pre-Enrolment

Pre-enrolment at Meerilinga may occur face to face or virtually. We hold an interview with prospective learners prior to enrolment acceptance in all courses offered and they are designed as a two way interview for applicants and MTC. Irrespective Meerilinga will always provide written information along with marketing materials and website before enrolling or entering into an agreement with an applicant. We will cover:

• How training and assessment will be conducted and where – for example, face to face, virtual classroom, practical work placement, and other location information
• Enrolment form and the required supporting documentation, including essential certificates and clearances required for working in early childhood education and care.
• What equipment learners need to complete the course
• Workplace practicum (except Trainees)
• Course costs, including any possible additional fees, and payment due dates
• Refund and cancellation policies
• Complaint processes
• Barriers to learning and support services for learners

During the pre-enrolment process, our Administration and Education Officers are able to gather information from the potential applicant and analyse whether the training is the applicants desired outcome or solution. We request evidence about an applicant’s eligibility if seeking a funded place, their background and skills which are instrumental in making sure the learner is in the right class, studying the right subject and at the right level.

Learners may be referred directly to our support service to enable the best opportunity for a successful completion. Learners are guided to the LLN survey and provided detailed information about the course, all of its expectations and induction dates.

Support Services

Meerilinga Training College offers a range of support services to learners, including:

• Training Needs Analysis
• Career Advice, Resume Writing and Work Readiness
• Commendations and Complaints
• Cultural Inclusion, Access and Support
• Direct Debit and Payment Plans
• Language Literacy and Numeracy
• Library
• Mentoring
• Referral to External Agencies and Services
• Study and Assessment Guidance
• Uniform and applicable PPE
• Virtual Classroom
• Work Placement
• Childcare (Terms and Conditions Apply)
• Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners can access these services during business hours 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays and Meerilinga closure) by appointment for the duration of their enrolment with Meerilinga. If you are unsure which service you need, please contact MTC Administration Services.

Learners may also seek guidance from their primary Trainer who may be able to address your need or guide you to alternate supports.

If required, additional support from our Trainers is available during the break for extra intensive tuition.

Where applicable, our onsite licenced education and care services offer fee paying pre-kindy for 2.9 to 5-year-old children at sessional times only. For program details, locations and session times please visit our Early Learning Programs.

Programs are limited by State licencing numbers and Commonwealth duration of care. Learners can discuss the care needs for their child and eligibility for Commonwealth childcare subsidy and financial hardship guidelines with the Enrolment Advisor.

 

MTC Administration – General Enquiries, Work Placement, Referral and Learner Services
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

Cultural Engagement and Liaison Advisor
9489 4010
mihi.betham@meerilinga.org.au

Student Mentor and Support
9489 4022
celia.riordan@meerilinga.org.au

Traineeships
9489 4008
caroline.heeris@meerilinga.org.au

Education and Care Services Enrolment Advisor
cheryl.scott@meerilinga.org.au

Policy
9489 4005
rhonda.hagan@meerilinga.org.au

Fees and Payment Plans
9489 4007
sherryl.bowra@meerilinga.org.au

Virtual Classroom Support
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

Assessments
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

Am I Eligible?

All applications will be assessed by the Meerilinga based on the following criteria:

• Completed Application Form and all supporting documentation
• Proficiency in language, literacy and numeracy
• Essential job requirements to engage in child-related work, ability to obtain a compliant:
  • Criminal History Check
  • Certificate of Health
• Funding approval from the Department of Training and Workforce Development

You are eligible for the course if your primary place of residence is in Western Australia and you are:

• An Australian citizen; or
• A permanent visa holder; or
• A holder of visa subclass 309, 444, 785, 790, 820.
• A secondary holder of a temporary visa of sub-class 457 or 482 visa; or
• A Bridging Visa E holder (subclasses 050 and 051) where the visa holder has made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790.
• A Ukraine citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449 or 786;
• An Afghan citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449; and
• A holder of a bridging visa who are eligible to work, and who have made a valid application for a subclass 866.

 

Secondary School Age

Secondary School Age students must be approved by the Minister of Education and Training to participate in an alternative combination of activities that equate to full-time participation in the final years of the compulsory education period, typically year 11 and 12.

Contact Meerilinga for more information on specific visa’s details or application for Secondary School Age students.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Meerilinga Training College (MTC) offers RPL to any student who can provide evidence of competency for the units in this course, where previous skills and knowledge, achieved through formal and informal training, industry work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. RPL can be used to get credit for units in a course or sometimes the whole qualification. Fees apply per unit for RPL, please refer to the Fees Policy.

You can apply for RPL at the time of enrolment by indicating you wish to be considered for RPL on the MTC application form. You will need to provide evidence of your achievements and experience prior to enrolment, and this may come in the form of a written self-assessment and/or an interview. The evidence is systematically assessed for recognition purposes to align with the requirements of the rules of evidence as determined by the Vocational Education Training (VET) industry regulatory body, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for this qualification. If deemed eligible, we will proceed with the RPL process.

 

Credit Transfer

Meerilinga provides credit transfer free of charge. Credit Transfer is only awarded to units of competency that have been deemed by the Training Package as having ‘equivalent competency outcomes.’

Meerilinga does not require a student to repeat any unit in which they have previously been assessed as competent, unless a regulatory requirement or license condition requires this.  Where a student provides suitable evidence such as a statement of attainment of having successfully completed a unit at another Registered Training Organisation, Meerilinga will verify authenticity via the USI online portal or by contacting the issuing training provider before awarding a credit transfer.

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Course Fees and Government Subsidies

This qualification is part of the WA Government publicly funded Jobs and Skills WA initiative in 2023 that has been extended for 2024..

Course fees are FREE for students that commence training in 2024 for a limited number of places, as determined by the State Government. When fee free places are no longer available, reduced course fees under the Lower Fees, Local Skills  will apply, where you pay only half the standard course fees to 31 December 2024.

The fees are based on the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development VET Fees and Charges Policy for the current year. Visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development website to read the current VET Fees and Charges.

Evidence and approval in relation to fee waiver due to severe financial hardship, concession, units eligible for recognition of prior learning or credit transfer within the specified period of time is outlined in the MTC Learner Guide and within the Department of Training and Workforce Development VET Fees and Charges for each year – refer to the website link above.

Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Additional fees may apply for student services, resource fees and incidental charges may be incurred through the course of study.

Meerilinga Training College will publish applicable fees on this web page and in Policy.

Please refer to MTC Fees, Charges, Waiver, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy.

              

 

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Course fees are FREE in 2024 for a limited number of places, as determined by the State Government.

Fee Type Publicly Funded Fee FREE in 2024	Tuition Fees 01/01/24 – allocated places end in 2024
**Concession and Non-Concession  Course/Tuition  25 years plus, 18-24 years and * Secondary School Age	$0

 

Exiting Workers – Concession	$400.00 (Annual Fee CAP  01/01/24  – 31/12/24)
Exiting Workers – Non-Concession	$1200.00 (Annual Fee CAP  01/01/24  – 31/12/24)

When fee FREE places are no longer available, reduced course fees under the Lower Fees, Local Skills as tabled below, will apply:

Fee Type Publicly Funded Lower Fees, Local Skills	Tuition Fees Course  Fees will only be charged up to the fee cap per calendar year	Annual Fee Cap 01/01/24 – 31/12/24
**Concession Course/Tuition Fee 25 Years Plus, 18-24 years and *Secondary School Age	$512.16	$400
Non-Concession 18-24 Years	$1728.54	$400
Non-Concession 25 Years Plus	$1728.54	$1200

 

Under the publicly funded Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative, course units commenced in 2024 will be charged up to the fee cap. In 2024, the annual fees cap means that full fee paying students will pay a maximum of $1200 and concession fee paying students will pay a maximum of $400 for all course units commenced within a calendar year.

*Secondary School Age persons who are not enrolled at school (in 2024, these students will be born on or after 1 July 2006, must be at least 15 years old).

**Concession applies where proof of eligibility is provided on application

The following students are entitled to the concession rate on course fees:         

a) Persons and dependents of persons holding:

i) Pensioner Concession Card
ii) A Repatriation Health Benefits Card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
iii) A Health Care Card

b) Persons and dependents of persons in receipt of AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY

c) Persons and dependents of persons in receipt of the Youth Allowance

d) Persons and dependents of persons who are inmates of a custodial institution

e) Secondary school age persons, not enrolled at school

f) Persons and dependents of persons who are in receipt of services from a selected Commonwealth support or employment services programs
i) Workforce Australia
ii) ParentsNext

Concession must be valid for the full enrolment period to receive the full concession rate. Units commenced after concession expiry will attract non-concession rates. Please note change in concession eligibility for 25 years plus will affect course fee caps.

Please MTC Administration Services for any queries you have on fees and payments.

 

Fee Collection

Where fees apply, Course Fees for each Calendar year will be invoiced on commencement of the Students first unit and payment will be determined by the students option they elected on their enrolment form.

Course fees are calculated on the Nominal Hours of each unit set by the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD). Nominal hours do not represent the hours of training or instruction.

Meerilinga provides students with a ‘pay as you study’ fortnightly payment plan, using an automatic payment system linked to a nominated debit or credit card. This allows students to pay course fees over the agreed time frame.

During the enrolment process, if the student elects to pay by instalments a personalised Pay Fee By Instalment and Direct Debit Request and Agreement is establish outlining a fortnightly payment schedule, based on the student’s training plan. The Pay Fee By Instalment Application form is signed by the student over 18 years of age, or by their parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years of age.

Where a direct debit fails Meerilinga administration will contact the student to arrange immediate payment and/or update correct payment details.

Please refer to MTC Fees, Charges, Waiver, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy. for Payment Plan terms and conditions.

Payment Options

On enrolment, students will take up one of the following payment options:

1. Pay a maximum of $1500 in nominated instalments;
2. Present a signed authority from an employer to invoice that employer for the student’s fees and charge;
3. Pay the fee by instalment;
4. Make application on the grounds of severe financial hardship for fees and charges to be waived for courses below diploma level or concession-eligible Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses.

Students who fail to take up one of the above options will not be enrolled.

Pre-paid Fee Protection

In accordance Standard 7, clause 7.3 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) 2015,  ‘Prepaid fees’ refers to ‘fees collected in advance’ and relates to the fees collected before the relevant services have been provided. These include payments made at any time before, during or after the student enrols. All student fees paid in advance are protected until the training and/or assessment has commenced.

To comply with this clause, Meerilinga will not:

• Accept more than $1000 prior to the commencement of a qualification; or
• Collect more than $1500 in advance from a student, following commencement of enrolment

Where a unit or cluster of units exceed $1000 or $1500 above, the ‘pay as you study’ monthly payment plan will apply or alternative payment arrangements can be made through the Manager Finance and Operations.

Waiver due to Severe Financial Hardship

Applications for consideration of severe financial hardship will be managed by the Manager Finance and Operations and determined on an Individual basis, taking into account all circumstances. Fee Waivers will follow the requirements for fee waiver assessments of VET Fees and Charges Policy Attachment C.

The applicant needs to establish with documentation that severe financial hardship would result (after reasonable expenses are deducted from income) if Meerilinga pursued the recovery of a fee.

At the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, further tangible evidence of hardship may be requested.

Additional Costs

It is a condition of enrolment that students obtain the following at their own expense:

• Certificate of Health, stating physically and mentally fit for the provision of childcare
• A Working with Children Check (if 18+ yrs)

This documentation must be provided prior to the commencement unit census date advised at induction. Failure to do so will result in your enrolment being cancelled.

Resource Fees

Course/Tuition Fees do not include the cost of recommended reading materials for your course. These can be purchased separately by the student through an external provider. Please note if purchased externally, they must be the correct edition and be purchased before the commencement of your studies. See below for resource information. Please note: students who cannot obtain a current copy of the recommended reading materials will be able to access the recommended text from the Class Set in the Student Library. These books cannot be taken home.

Recommended Reading Resource

The Early Childhood Educator for Certificate III, 3rd Edition
By: Lorraine Walker
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Australia
Print IBSN: 9781760423377

This resource is available to purchase online. You can purchase the resource directly from retailers such as Booktopia or Zookal. For those that prefer digital media, an eBook version is also available.

Student Resources

Free training resources are available to download from the Meerilinga website to support student’s learning. All students need access to a personal computer or digital device to view and download additional Learner Resources . All students will be provided with WIFI access in all class locations.

Recognition of Prior Learning Fee

Where units are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning a charge of $100 per unit will apply.

Credit Transfer

Units eligible for Credit Transfer are free of charge.

For more details on Meerilinga fees and charges please Contact Us. 

Refer to the MTC Learner Guide and Policies for more information on RPL and Credit Transfer at Meerilinga.

Re-Issue of Record Fee

Where request is made to re-issue a record, a charge of $50.00 for each document will apply eg: certification documentation such as Qualifications and Statements of Attainment.

Deferring and Withdrawing from Course or Unit

Students that are studying a Unit, Certificate or Diploma, can withdraw from a Meerilinga training course:

• If approached and signed up on the spot, students automatically have a 10-day cooling-off period by law; or
• Prior to the census date, as stated on the student invoice; and
• Must do so in writing, using the approved Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form T642.

This ensures that Meerilinga can appropriately close off the student’s enrolment and maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

Students are able to view their Census Date on all unit invoices or you can calculate your Census Date using the Census Day Calculator here. Students are made aware that if the Census date has passed, they will be liable to pay any fees and charges for units that have been commenced and other costs applicable. Please contact mtc@meerilinga.org.au or phone 08 9489 4021 if you need additional support finding your Census Dates.

Students withdrawing from a unit or course prior to the cooling off period or census date can apply for a refund.  Any request for a refund will be assessed in accordance with the MTC Fees, Charges, Waiver, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy

Students must read the accompanying Deferment, Assessment Extension and Withdrawal Policy for all options and complete and submit the Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form with supporting evidence.

A student may lodge a complaint with their local consumer protection agency.

Resources Required

Students to supply:

• Digital device – Laptop or IPAD with Microsoft Office/Word
• Stationery: Pen/pencil/notebook

Meerilinga will supply:

• Access to the internet
• Access to The Early Childhood Educator for Certificate III Lorraine Walker, Edition 3
• Learner Resources via website

Appeals, Complaints, Concerns and Grievances

Meerilinga Training College ensures that students and clients have access to a fair and equitable process of dealing with appeals, concerns and grievances and provides an avenue for students to appeal decisions which may affect the student’s progress. This includes the student’s right to appeal assessment outcomes, fees and payments and general concern. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.

All concerns, complaints, grievances, and appeals and subsequent actions, outcomes and improvements will be recorded and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer without delay, stored centrally (a copy can be retained where it was lodged). The central records will be used to identify any opportunities to improve our systems and identify appropriate corrective and preventative actions. All complaints and requests for an appeal will be acknowledged in writing and finalised as soon as practicable.

All documentation and records relating to a concern, complaint, grievance or appeal are to be held confidentially. All formal complaints will be attended to within 10 working days of being received.

No costs are associated with lodging a Complaint that is resolved internally by Meerilinga staff. Where a complaint is forwarded on to an external body for review, the costs will be shared by the student and Meerilinga. Students are encouraged to contact the Meerilinga Office for more information in this regard.

Meerilinga is a member of a Mediation Scheme which will handle all complaints and grievances that cannot be resolved internally by Meerilinga. Please contact the Meerilinga office if you require contact details. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.

Please refer to our Appeals and Complaints, Grievances and Concerns Policies

APPEALS APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOAD

Privacy Notice

Under the Data Provision Requirements 2012, Meerilinga Training College is required to collect personal information about you and to disclose that personal information to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd (NCVER).

Your personal information (including the personal information contained on this enrolment form), may be used or disclosed by Meerilinga Training College for statistical, administrative, regulatory and research purposes. Meerilinga Training College may disclose your personal information for these purposes to:

• Commonwealth and State or Territory government departments and authorised agencies; and
• NCVER

Personal information that has been disclosed to NCVER may be used or disclosed by NCVER for the following purposes:

• Populating authenticated VET transcripts;
• Facilitating statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage;
• Pre-populating RTO student enrolment forms;
• Understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information; and
• Administering VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation.

You may receive a student survey which may be administered by a government department or NCVER employee, agent or third party contractor or other authorised agencies. Please note you may opt out of the survey at the time of being contacted. If you are concerned about a survey please contact MTC for guidance.

NCVER will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the National VET Data Policy and all NCVER policies and protocols (including those published on NCVER’s website at www.ncver.edu.au).

All personal and sensitive information is held in Meerilinga archives for a reasonable period of time as per Australian Law dictates. Once this information is no longer required Meerilinga will take reasonable steps to destroy the information or to ensure it is de-identified. Meerilinga also uses an external provider, CTI Records Management, for secure and confidential off-site storage.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy.