Australian teacher aide supervising a classroom.

Understanding Your Qualification

The Early Childhood Education and Care Combo is a streamlined, dual-qualification pathway combining the CHC30121 Certificate III and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This integrated course prepares you for a wide range of roles in childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and family day care services, from foundational educator positions through to senior leadership roles.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop practical skills starting with core competencies such as supporting children's health and wellbeing, creating engaging play-based learning environments, building positive relationships with families, and meeting essential safety and regulatory standards. You’ll then progress to higher-level skills required in leadership roles, including curriculum planning, guiding staff, managing compliance, and maintaining quality practices.

Your study includes a structured 440-hour placement (160 hours at Certificate III level and 280 hours at Diploma level) in a registered early childhood service. You’ll gain hands-on experience working directly with babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, demonstrating practical skills in daily routines, educational planning, and professional leadership.

You’ll gain vocationally relevant skills including:

  • Supporting young children’s health, safety, and holistic development
  • Creating inclusive learning environments aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
  • Observing and responding effectively to children’s developmental needs
  • Managing compliance with the National Quality Standard and regulatory frameworks
  • Leading curriculum planning and implementing play-based learning experiences
  • Supervising, mentoring, and guiding teams of educators
  • Developing strong, collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Complete Your Course in Half the Time

Our integrated course structure means you can finish your qualification in just 9 months instead of the usual 24-36 months at other providers. By avoiding repetitive units, you'll build genuine workplace-ready skills faster, potentially earning $30,000–$60,000 more by starting your career sooner.

Early Childhood Education and Care Combo (CHC30121 Certificate III + CHC50121 Diploma)

  • Qualification:
    CHC30121 Certificate III and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Accreditation:
    Nationally Recognised
  • Availability:
    Western Australia, Victoria (other locations coming mid-2025)
  • Duration:
    9 months standard; commonly faster for students with prior study, childcare, parenting, or related experience
  • Enrolment:
    Flexible, 18-month enrolment window to accommodate life events
  • Content:
    Core educator skills including child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and relationships with families, progressing to curriculum planning, leadership skills, compliance management, staff supervision, and quality improvement practices
  • Placement:
    440 hours total (Certificate III: 160 hrs; Diploma: 280 hrs) with support from local trainers [Read more]
  • Study Mode:
    Online – enrol anytime, flexible self-paced study supported by expert local trainers [Read more]
  • Support:
    Experienced trainers in all major states for personalised guidance, weekly live webinars, tutorials in select areas, phone and email support [Read more]
  • Time-Saving:
    Integrated structure significantly reduces duplication, enabling faster completion of both qualifications [Read more]
  • RPL:
    Available for experienced learners [Read more]
  • Fees & Payment:
    $4500; Interest-free payment plans; eligible for Centrelink student payments; obligation-free 30-day trial; all materials included [See Fees tab]

The Early Childhood Education and Care Combo is ITAC's integrated program combining the CHC30121 Certificate III and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Instead of completing these qualifications separately over 2–4 years, our streamlined approach enables you to achieve both in approximately 9 months. This saves considerable time and allows faster entry into leadership roles within early childhood settings.

Upon successful completion, you'll earn two nationally recognised qualifications:

  • CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

These qualifications equip you with a broad range of skills, making you highly employable in both educator and leadership roles within childcare centres, preschools, family day care, and kindergartens.

Choosing the Combo offers significant advantages, including:

  • Time savings: Complete both qualifications in around 9 months rather than up to 4 years.
  • Cost-effective: Save significantly compared to enrolling separately.
  • Streamlined content: Our integrated approach reduces repetition, providing a more engaging and practical learning experience.
  • Faster career progression: Quickly advance from entry-level to leadership roles.
  • Enhanced employability: Gain skills and qualifications that are highly attractive to employers in the early childhood sector.

Most students complete the Combo in about 9 months. This includes 440 hours of placement, often completed as paid work. The course is fully self-paced, with up to 18 months allowed for completion. Students with prior experience in childcare, education, or a related industry may finish sooner.

The Combo includes a total of 440 hours of mandatory placement split between the Certificate III (160 hours) and Diploma (280 hours). Placement occurs in registered early childhood education services where you gain hands-on experience with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. You’ll develop skills in direct care, curriculum planning, regulatory compliance, and leadership tasks. ITAC trainers support you throughout placement, including workplace visits.

Yes. ITAC provides dedicated local trainers across Australia. You'll receive personalised support via email, phone, and weekly webinars. Trainers also offer on-site support during your placement, assisting with practical tasks, documentation, and workplace assessments.

The Combo uses practical, workplace-focused assessments without exams or essays. Assessments include:

  • Short-answer questions and scenario-based activities
  • Reflections on professional practice
  • Creative project tasks, such as designing a series of learning experiences focused on sustainability
  • Short video recordings and presentations
  • Workplace portfolios demonstrating direct care, leadership skills, and compliance management
  • Practical demonstrations assessed on-site by your trainer during placements

Yes. The Combo is designed specifically for busy adult learners, allowing you to balance your study around work, parenting, or other commitments. Paid employment hours in relevant childcare settings may also count toward your required placement hours.

Combo graduates are highly employable, qualifying for diverse roles from entry-level educator positions through to senior leadership and management roles, including:

  • Educator or Lead Educator
  • Room Leader
  • Educational Leader
  • Family Day Care Coordinator
  • Assistant Director
  • Centre Director

This extensive qualification range makes you exceptionally attractive to employers in the early childhood sector.

Yes. Both qualifications within the Combo are Centrelink-approved. Eligible students can access financial assistance such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Abstudy. Contact Centrelink directly to verify your eligibility.

ITAC is Australia's leading provider of early childhood qualifications. We offer:

  • Innovative, integrated delivery reducing study time significantly
  • Experienced local trainers in all major regions
  • Practical assessments directly linked to workplace activities
  • Flexible, fully online, self-paced learning options
  • Strong industry recognition and excellent graduate employment outcomes

Choosing ITAC ensures efficient study, enhanced employability, and rapid career progression within the early childhood sector.

CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
CHCECE054 Observe children to inform practice
CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
CHCPRT001 Work effectively in children’s education and care
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting *
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

* This unit is completed externally at the student's own cost.

BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
CHCECE041 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE042 Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE043 Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE044 Facilitate compliance in a children’s education and care service
CHCECE045 Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children
CHCECE046 Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE047 Analyse information to inform children’s learning
CHCECE048 Plan and implement children’s education and care curriculum
CHCECE049 Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCECE050 Work in partnership with children’s families
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE057 Use collaborative practices to uphold child protection principles
CHCINM002 Meet community information needs

Fees & Payments

  • Course Fee:
    $4,500
  • Payment Plan:
    Interest-free options available
  • Evaluation Period:
    30-day trial period
  • Centrelink:
    Eligible for student payments during study
  • Materials:
    Included – no additional costs
  • Textbook:
    PDF version provided free; optional paperback available for purchase
  • Transaction fees:
    None
  • Terms and Conditions:
    Enrolment Terms and Conditions
    Direct Debit Terms and Conditions

Interest-Free Payment Options

Frequency Per Payment # Payments Total Cost
Weekly (12 months) $86.54 52 $4,500
Weekly (9 months) $118.42 38 $4,500
Weekly (6 months) $173.08 26 $4,500
Weekly (3 months) $375.00 12 $4,500
Fortnightly (12 months) $173.08 26 $4,500
Fortnightly (9 months) $250.00 18 $4,500
Fortnightly (6 months) $375.00 12 $4,500
Fortnightly (3 months) $750.00 6 $4,500
Monthly (12 months) $375.00 12 $4,500
Monthly (9 months) $500.00 9 $4,500
Monthly (6 months) $750.00 6 $4,500
Monthly (3 months) $1,500.00 3 $4,500
Monthly (2 months)* $1500 / $3000 2 $4,500

* 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 2-3 payments.

Admission

Prerequisites No formal prerequisites specified in the accredited training package. However, students must complete the Certificate III component (CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care) and be issued the qualification prior to commencing the Diploma-level (CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care) phase of the program.
Language Requirements Students must demonstrate functional English suitable for early childhood leadership roles, including interpreting policies, writing curriculum documentation, communicating clearly with staff, families, and external parties, and understanding regulatory requirements.
Literacy Requirements Students must have the literacy skills required to read, interpret, and apply regulatory documents such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS), and operational policies, as well as effectively document observations, assessments, and quality improvement plans.
Numeracy Requirements Students must demonstrate numeracy skills sufficient for calculating educator-to-child ratios, interpreting basic operational budgets, accurately managing medication dosages, nutrition measurements, and recording children's developmental progress data.
Digital Literacy Requirements Students require regular access to a computer with internet connectivity and basic software (PDF reader, browser, word processor). Students must competently navigate childcare management systems, complete digital assessments, document children's learning electronically, and communicate effectively using digital technologies relevant to early childhood environments.
Physical Requirements Students must be physically capable of participating in all indoor and outdoor learning activities. This includes sitting on the floor, lifting small children, setting up equipment, responding quickly to emergencies, and actively supervising children's play. Reasonable adjustments may be available for physical limitations—contact ITAC before enrolling.
Age Requirement Students must turn 18 in the calendar year of enrolment.
Location Students must reside in Australia.
Visa Status This course is not available to student visa holders (subclass 500). All other visa types may be eligible. [Find CRICOS providers here]
Clearances Students must obtain the relevant working with children clearance for their state or territory (e.g. WWCC, Blue Card, WWVP).
[Click here for more information]
Disposition Requirements Students must demonstrate a suitable disposition for working at a leadership level in early childhood settings, including appropriate communication, professionalism, reliability, emotional maturity, respectful interactions, and commitment to ethical and safe conduct at all times.
Workplace Expectations Students must meet professional standards expected in early childhood services, including being drug and alcohol-free, dressing professionally, maintaining personal hygiene, and presenting in a professional, respectful, and safe manner during placement.
ITAC Discretion ITAC reserves the right to accept or decline enrolment based on any factor it reasonably considers relevant, including capability, support needs, conduct, or course suitability.

Course Includes:

  • Australia-Wide Support Yes
  • Interest-Free Plans Yes
  • Integrated Structure Yes
  • No-Obligation Period Yes
  • Flexible Learning Yes
  • No Exams or Essays Yes
  • Start Anytime Yes
  • Local Trainers Yes

Nation-wide Support:
Trusted by Thousands of Students Every Year

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