The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support is the introductory teacher aide course that covers all of the basics of working in a school under the direct supervision of a teacher. Most adult learners should enrol directly into the Teacher Aide Combo (recommended) or the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support as more than 80% of positions require the Certificate IV.
Key highlights of the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support:
Also unique to ITAC is our research-based curriculum, which means learning many of the foundational skills that teachers learn at university. Because schools now expect support workers to have these skills, ITAC's courses have become the industry standard when it comes to teacher aide training in Australia. Don't risk your career with the second best - enrol with the go-to provider for teacher aide courses in Australia - ITAC.
Don't like reading? Learn with audiobooks instead! Whether you’re driving, cleaning or walking the dog – save time and study no matter what you're doing.
Qualification
CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support |
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Nationally recognised
Yes. |
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Locations
Available Australia wide. |
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Distance/online mode
Structured, supported and flexible self-paced mode available Australia wide. See the flyer for distance/online mode here. |
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Class-based mode
Available in Perth (Cockburn). Attend a series of 10 introductory workshops held 1 day per week, plus self-paced study at home. Workshops begin every school term. For class-based mode we recommend the Teacher Aide Combo. See the class calendar here. See the class-based flyer here. |
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Recognition of prior learning
RPL is suitable for TAs with significant industry experience, current employment as a TA, and a history of ongoing professional development. See the RPL flyer here. |
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Time to complete
A learner with no experience with children, and no previous study or employment history, may take 26 weeks or 600 hours to complete this program. Learners who have experience with children (including parents and families), related 'people' industries, such as childcare and aged care, or who have studied at this level or higher may complete in a shorter period. |
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Enrolment period
Learners are initially enrolled for 18 months. This extended period provides additional time in the case of illness, travel or other unforeseen events. |
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Topics
Basic concepts such as hazards and risks, policies and procedures, building rapport and motivating students, basic teaching and learning concepts such as the 3Ps (pause, prompt, praise) and teaching phonics to small groups and individuals. |
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Learning
All resources included: world leading interactive e-learning modules, weekly live webinars, learner guide with audiobook for those who don’t like reading, and others. |
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Assessments
Theory assessments are mainly short answer questions. Students complete work-based tasks while on placement such as a portfolio, scenarios and demonstrations. There are no exams or essays. |
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Work placement
All learners are required to complete a 100-hour placement in a local school. Important: new laws require an assessor to physically attend your school (see example here). Don't risk having your qualification recalled (as has happened to 1000s of students) by enrolling with a provider who does not meet these requirements. |
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Trainers
ITAC only hires the best teachers from around Australia. Most have 20+ years of classroom experience and some have post-graduate qualifications such as master’s degrees. Many were also senior teachers, assistant principals etc. Before enrolling with any provider, ensure your trainer has ample school-based experience. |
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Certificate
Graduates are issued an embossed hardcopy certificate. Students may also earn printable certificates throughout their course. |
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Government payments (Centrelink)
Learners may be eligible for government payments. See Services Australia's website. |
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Employability
Graduates typically find work in a mainstream classroom setting. |
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Units of Competency for the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
1 | CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people |
2 | CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment |
3 | CHCEDS034 Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs |
4 | CHCEDS035 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains |
5 | CHCEDS036 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills |
6 | CHCEDS037 Support the development of numeracy skills |
7 | CHCEDS057 Support students with additional needs in the classroom environment |
8 | CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students |
9 | CHCEDS060 Work effectively with students and colleagues |
10 | CHCEDS061 Support responsible student behaviour |
11 | CHCEDS041 Set up and sustain learning areas |
12 | HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety |
13 | CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support |
14 | CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning |
15 | CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans |
Minimum requirements
No previous qualifications or experience is required. Must reside in Australia. |
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Physical capabilities
Ability to engage in learning activities (including games) inside and outside of the classroom. |
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IT resources
Access to a functional computer with an internet connection, desktop applications, PDF reader and other basics. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Language skills
Ability to complete basic literacy tasks such as reading and comprehending a school policy. TAs need basic Engliah language skills (given that they are teaching these skills to children) e.g. know the difference between 'their', 'there' and 'they're'. |
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Age
Be turning 16 in the year of enrolment. Students under 18 are required to attend a career guidance interview with an ITAC trainer. |
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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. |
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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. |
Included Extras and Value-Additions (Certificate III) |
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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 |
One-on-One Consultation Fee | $700 | Waived |
Certificate III Fee | $3,500 | |
Total Course Value | $9,754 | |
Less Waived Items | $6,254 | |
Total Savings | $6,254 | 64% |
Total Payable after Savings | $3,500 |
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 |
Available Australia-wide
This program provides $2,000 to help mature age Australians update their skills and remain in the workforce. You are eligible for the Incentive if you are:
Not sure if you are eligible? If you have any questions regarding this program please call Busy at Work on 1300 359 061 or email SCOW@busyatwork.com.au.
To apply, simply complete ITAC’s enrolment form and follow the instructions provided.
Note: the SCOW program requires students to pay the balance up-front. To apply, students complete several career-focused quizzes, which take about 30 minutes in total. The whole process is very easy and normally takes one-two weeks from initial enrolment until starting your course.
Teacher Aide Courses
View some of our most frequently asked questions.
View a sample of ITAC's course materials.
Enrol online and begin your new journey with ITAC.
Government funding Australia-wide to learners over 40.
Of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Australia’s only true Teacher Aide Combo – saving time and money.
Supported, self-paced online mode or class-based from 1 day per week.
So you can be sure that the course is right for you.
Select an interest free payment plan that suits your needs.
Free learner guides, audiobooks, e-books, live webinars & lecture library.
We visit every learner on placement to help improve their practice.
Australia’s only integrated course structure means finishing sooner.
Links with thousands of schools around Australia.
Friendly trainers with years of experience in local schools.
Learn the best practice skills that schools now demand.
In today’s busy and demanding world, adult learners are looking for more flexible ways to gain qualifications, increase their job prospects and improve their earning potential. Gone are the days where students can afford to spend 20 or 30 hours per week in classroom. Advances in technology now allows students to access high quality and engaging resources in their own home.
Many students prefer to study their course without coming into class on a regular basis. This is commonly referred to as distance learning but can also be called external, online, blended or flexible learning. These terms are very similar and generally mean that:
Flexible learning (also called blended learning) is a combination of class and distance and is where a student attends some online learning and some class based learning. There are many reasons why students choose to study by distance:
Many courses have a work placement requirement such as aged care and child care regardless of which mode of study selected however this is usually completed in the local area.
Even though students are not attending classes, they are still able to access support services including:
The online portal is a structured learning pathway. This means that students work though activities and assessments in a structured manner. This structure is easy to follow and explained step by step. Each topic has instructions on how to complete that particular topic. Resources in the portal generally include:
Online learning is becoming more and more popular each year and many courses now enrol more online students than class based students.
If you would like more information please speak to one of our student advisors or you can enrol using our online enrolment form at itac.edu.au
Class based learning is a popular study mode and is great for students who have not studied for a long period of time, who live closer to the training location or who simply enjoy being in class. We always recommend enrolling in a class based mode where possible as students who attend classes are typically more successful.
In today’s busy and demanding world, adult learners are looking for more flexible ways to gain qualifications, increase their job prospects and improve their earning potential. Gone are the days where students can afford to spend 20 or 30 hours per week in a classroom. Advances in technology now allows students to access high quality and engaging resources in their own home.
Flexible learning (also called blended learning) is a combination of class and distance and is where a student attends some online learning and some class based learning. Class based learning with ITAC involves the following:
Students tell us that they enjoy being in class for two main reasons:
Firstly, because they can easily ask questions and trainers can help students when stuck. Note that many courses have online lectures (recorded in class) for distance students.
Secondly, students enjoy the social aspect of class based learning: swapping stories, talking about the course and helping each other along the way. Many students make new friends and study together outside of class time.
There are many reasons why students choose a flexible class based study mode:
Many courses have a work placement requirement such as aged care and child care regardless of which mode of study selected however this is usually completed in the local area.
Even though students are attending classes, they are still able to access support services including:
The online portal is a structured learning pathway. This means that students work though activities and assessments in a structured manner as directed by their trainer. This structure is easy to follow and explained step by step. Each topic has instructions on how to complete that particular topic. Resources in the portal generally include:
Flexible learning is becoming more and more popular as people become busier.
If you would like more information please speak to one of our student advisors or you can enrol using our online enrolment form at itac.edu.au
Education Assistants work in schools such as kindergartens, primary schools, high schools and special needs centres.
Education Assistants work under the guidance and instruction of teachers. They can work with a single student for most of the day or float in a class or a number of classes helping many different students.
Education Assistants or EAs for short can also be called integration aides, teacher aides, support workers, teacher assistants, Aboriginal and Indigenous Education Officers or AIEOs, Home Economic Assistants, or school support officers.
Some of the main tasks of an EA includes:
Education Assistants are most often employed to work with students who need additional support in learning or due to a disability or behavioural issues.
EAs may also work in specialist positions such as in literacy programs or youth at risk programs.
To obtain work as an EA you will need to have the following:
Education Assistants undertake many community service work tasks including but not limited to:
Education assistants often work with children with disabilities including but not limited to:
It is generally easy to find casual and part time work as an education assistant by putting your name down at all schools in your local area. This often leads to more permanent employment. Many education assistants work part time.
When looking for work, don’t forget special needs schools which are schools within the main school that even have their own Principal, teachers and administration staff.
Over 90% of people who enrol in a course to become an education assistant are female and are often mothers who are looking for family friendly work hours.
Depending on the course and level, education assistants learn the following:
Working in the education sector is challenging, rewarding and is a never ending learning curve. Rarely will you be bored working as an education assistant as each day presents a new challenge.
If you would like more information, please speak to one of our student advisors.
The introductory teacher aide course covering all the basics of working in a school.
LEARN MOREThe industry standard TA course with a focus on disabilities and disorders.
LEARN MORESave time and money by completing ITAC's popular Teacher Aide Combo.
LEARN MOREBe sure to ask your provider for a sample of their resources and assessments before enrolling.
LEARN MOREThanks to my trainer and ITAC, I know made the right decision to change my career.
A wonderful course, awesome trainer and fantastic content!
I enjoyed the course content and the class dynamics. Thank you.
It was a great experience learning in a happy, fun and professional atmosphere.
This course has been a fun experience and I now feel confident and ready to begin my new career.
I had the best time doing my course. ITAC staff were all helpful and friendly. Thank you so much.
The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is the go-to provider for nationally recognised teacher aide courses. We provide a supportive, flexible and high-quality experience for busy adult learners.