Teacher aide inside an australian classroom.

About This Course

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support serves as an entry-level qualification for those interested in initiating a career in educational support. This course focuses on the essentials of working in a mainstream classroom under direct teacher supervision. It provides foundational skills but does not typically involve specialised support for children with additional needs. Given the prevailing job market, adult learners interested in more expansive roles should consider the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, as it is a requirement for the majority of educational support positions.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support covers key topics such as school policies, safety protocols, and small group management. It introduces foundational teaching techniques like the 3Ps (pause, prompt, praise). Assessments range from short-answer questions to practical, work-based tasks. A mandatory 100-hour work placement in a local school is part of the curriculum, offering hands-on experience and an entry pathway into paid employment. The course is designed for completion within 6-months; however an 18-month enrolment period accommodates various learning paces.

Inclusions and benefits:
  • All learning materials
  • Interest free payment plans
  • 30-day no-obligation period
  • Integrated structure: Time-saving
  • No exams, tests or essays
  • JobAssist Program
  • Australia’s largest provider
  • Links with 1000s of schools
  • Site visits to improve your skills
  • Friendly, local trainers
  • Unlimited support
  • Weekly catch-up webinars

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

  • Qualification:
    CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
  • Accreditation:
    Yes, Nationally Recognised
  • Availability:
    Australia-wide
  • Duration:
    26 weeks or 600 hours. Completion time may decrease for those with relevant experience or education, including parents and caregivers.
  • Topics:
    Foundational concepts including safety, policy, and general classroom support.
  • Placement:
    100 hours in a local school. [Visit Work Placement page]
  • Enrolment:
    18 months to accommodate for illness or other life events.
  • Online Mode:
    Enrol at any time
  • Class Mode:
    Yes, in WA. [View calendar]
  • Fast-Track:
    Offered for Certificate IV and TAC only. [Read more]
  • RPL:
    Available to experienced candidates. [Read more]
  • Integrated:
    Yes. [Read more]
  • Centrelink:
    Eligible for payments during studies
  • Payment Plan:
    Interest-free options available (Refer to Fees tab)
Standard Fee

Standard fee (Australia wide) - $3,500

Complete Cost Breakdown and Savings (Certificate III)
Enrolment Fee $180 Waived
Resource Fee $500 Waived
E-Learning Platform Fee $265 Waived
Class-based Fee (inc. Virtual) $650 Waived
Payment Plan Setup $160 Waived
Transaction Fees $89 Waived
Payment Plan Surcharge $800 Waived
Site Visit Fees $625 Waived
Priority Printing Fee $95 Waived
Student Services and Amenities $75 Waived
Career Counseling Service $140 Waived
Course Extension (from 12 to 18) $1,975 Waived
JobAssist Access ($120 pm) $2,160 Waived
One-on-One Consultation Fee $700 Waived
Certificate III Fee $3,500  
Total Value of Inclusions: $11,914  
Less Waived Items $8,414  
Total Savings $8,414 71%
Total Payable after Savings $3,500  

Payment Plan Options - Certificate III

Frequency Per Payment # Payments Total Cost
Weekly $67.31 52 $3,500
Fortnightly $134.62 26 $3,500
Monthly $292 12 $3,500
2 Payments* $1500 / $2000 2 $3,500

* Due to regulations ITAC cannot receive more than $1500 in advance. The second payment is scheduled soon after the 30-day census period. Students may request fees be paid over 3-6 payments.

What you need to know:

1. All fees marked 'Waived' are conditional on fair and standard use and subject to institutional policies. 2. Waived fees are part of the total course package and payable fees are not subject to reduction if unused or declined. 3. Services are subject to availability. 4. Transaction fees include standard card and transaction fees normally charged by vendors; it excludes dishonour fees and any additional fees charged by the student’s institution. 5. The total course value may include estimations and may vary depending on utilisation. 6. Small incidental costs may be occasionally incurred, such as the cost of applying for a clearance and minor resources for creating children’s activities. 7. Regulatory Compliance: All financial arrangements are compliant with Australian educational financial regulations. 8. Students are advised to read the Direct Debit TnCs, Enrolment TnCs, Student Handbook, and familiarise themselves with all Student Policies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Payment Plan Options - Certificate III RPL

Frequency Per Payment # Payments Total Cost
Weekly $48.08 52 $2,500
Fortnightly $96.15 26 $2,500
Monthly $208 12 $2,500
2 Payments* $1500 / $1000 2 $2,500

Units of Competency for the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
CHCEDS034 Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs
CHCEDS035 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains
CHCEDS036 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
CHCEDS037 Support the development of numeracy skills
CHCEDS057 Support students with additional needs in the classroom environment
CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
CHCEDS060 Work effectively with students and colleagues
CHCEDS061 Support responsible student behaviour
CHCEDS041 Set up and sustain learning areas
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans
Minimum requirements No previous qualifications or experience is required. Must reside in Australia.
Physical capabilities Ability to engage in learning activities (including games) inside and outside of the classroom.
IT resources Access to a functional computer with an internet connection, desktop applications, PDF reader and other basics.
IT skills Ability to complete basic tasks such as opening .pdf documents and watching online videos. As schools are heavily IT focused, learners should be comfortable assisting children with technology i.e. iPads.
Numeracy skills TAs require knowledge of basic mathematical concepts such as basic calculations, converting mm to cm, finding the average of a set of numbers, and drawing basic graphs - these skills are not taught as part of this course.
Language skills Ability to complete basic literacy tasks such as reading and comprehending a school policy. TAs need basic English language skills (given that they are teaching these skills to children) e.g. know the difference between 'their', 'there' and 'they're'.
Age Be turning 16 in the year of enrolment. Students under 18 are required to attend a career guidance interview with an ITAC trainer.
Clearances Students must obtain (early in their course or beforehand) the relevant clearance to work with children such as a Blue Card(QLD), WWVP(ACT, TAS), or WWCC(WA, Vic., NSW, SA, NT). Click here for details.
Visas ITAC are not registered to enrol learners on a student visa. If you are currently in Australia on a student visa, you can find CRICOS providers here.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support is a foundational course designed specifically for those new to the field of educational support. It equips learners with the essential skills needed to assist in classrooms, supporting students with diverse needs and enhancing the overall learning environment.

Opting for the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support guarantees training that covers critical aspects of educational support, including classroom management, understanding of special educational needs, and adherence to educational policies and procedures. Some prefer the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support to the higher level course as it may be easier in some regards, specifically in terms of the literacy requirements i.e. reponses to assessment questions are typically shorter in the Certificate III.

To become a teacher aide in Australia, you typically need to complete a nationally recognised course such as the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support. This qualification prepares you to support learning and assist teachers effectively in a classroom setting. The recommended option is the Certificate IV or Teacher Aide Combo as schools prefer and often require the Certifciate IV as a minimum.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support focuses on foundational support skills, while the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support covers more strategties techniques for assisting students with specific educational needs, such as those with ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities.

This qualification is ideal for individuals starting a career in educational support, including young learners, those improving their English proficiency, or anyone transitioning into the Australian education system.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support offers flexible study options, including online learning for those balancing personal and professional commitments, and in-person classes that provide valuable interaction and engagement. Accelerated Mode is also popular for those with work and life experience.

The course requires completing 100 hours of practical placement in a local school, allowing students to apply their learned skills in real educational settings and gain firsthand experience in the role of a teacher aide. This can be completed over a period of time, such as 1-3 days per week. ITAC visit every student on placement – an integral and very important part of your learning experience.

Typically, it takes about 26 weeks or around 600 hours to complete the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, although this can vary based on the student's pace, prior experience, and chosen study mode.

Yes, many students choose to further their education by advancing to the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support after completing the Certificate III, especially those interested in specialising in support for students with additional needs.

Assessments for the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support include practical assessments, written tasks, and evaluations during the work placement to comprehensively assess knowledge and skills.

Graduates are qualified for roles such as education assistants, school services officers (SSOs), and teacher aides, supporting teachers and students in a variety of educational settings across Australia.

Different regions in Australia use various terms for the role of a teacher aide. In Western Australia, they are often called Education Assistants (EAs), in South Australia School Services Officers (SSOs), in Queensland teacher assistants, and in New South Wales School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs). Other terms like educational aide and paraeducator are also used occassionally, reflecting the diverse nomenclature across the country and the industry.

Course Includes:

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