Completion of CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is required prior to commencing this course.

New students who have not studied CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care must apply instead for the lower level qualification due to pre-requisite skills/knowledge requirements. 

Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We also seek expressions of interest from organisations for the placement of our students into work experience. In addition, this course involves work placement, giving you further opportunity to develop relationships with potential employers. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that employment is not guaranteed by us.

To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.

Become a specialist in your field with university study

The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.

Full time on campus study option

Attendance in class 

This course is equivalent to 2 days per week when studied full time across two semesters. This qualification has two stages - each a semester in length  including mandatory practical component in a regulated childcare setting.

At-home study

As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 15 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.

You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.

Students will be expected to access to online learning resources with either a laptop or an iPad. The purchase or an eBook or text is required.

Work placement

Both stage 1 and stage 2 of the Diploma have 360 hours of work placement which is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry if you are not already working in the industry. 

In order to undertake mandatory work placement, you must obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) (Not required for students under 18 years) . This form will be issued and completed at your orientation.

Please be aware that industries and employers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has meant that some work placements have been cancelled, put on hold or student places significantly reduced. While every effort is being made to work with our industry partners to secure work placements during this unprecedented time, there may be delays in students being placed. As a result of these delays some students may take longer than the expected time to complete their course. Lecturing staff will keep all students up to date and will inform students if this may affect them and cause a delay in finishing their course.

What you need for your first day of class

On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID and stationery (pen, notepad, two white lever arch files [2 ring] and two sets of file dividers [10 pack]).

Students will be expected to access to online learning resources with either a laptop or an iPad. The purchase of an eBook or text is required.

Part time online and on campus study option

Students who have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and/or are currently working in the early childhood sector can use this study option to attend workshops on campus, supplemented by online study at home.

Attendance in class

Rockingham students will need to attend evening classes on Wednesdays, 5pm to 8pm. 

Thornlie students are required to attend campus on Saturdays for 2 compulsory and optional monthly workshops, held from 9am to 12pm. 

Work placement

Your work placement arrangement will be used to satisfy the work placement for the course.

What you need to study online

To study online and on campus, you should be prepared to commit to independent study and to attend our campuses. To help you understand what it takes to study online and on campus at SM TAFE, download our info pack below.

Online and on campus study info pack - PDF download (337 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

• This qualification takes two semesters of full-time study to complete.
• Students must be proficient in written and spoken English, as the course requires communication with other students, lecturers and workers/clients in industry.
• Students must have the ability to set aside between four and five days per week for attendance at classes, work placement and study.
• Students will be required to provide personal care such as nappy changing or toileting for babies and children.
• Successfully completed either CHC30113 or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• To complete this course students must successfully complete an LLN test to ascertain the learner needs.
• If not already working in the Child Care sector applicants are required to do at least two days a week of placement at a Registered Child Care service over the semester.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) (Not required for students under 18 years) must be obtained prior to attending the mandatory work placement. This form will be issued and completed at your orientation.