Compare our Early Childhood Education and Care Courses
KKTC trains only in early childhood education and care. We deliver two nationally recognised qualifications, both workplace-based over 18 months, with a KKTC trainer visiting you at your centre every 3–4 weeks. Start with the CHC30125 Certificate III to work as an early childhood educator, or take the CHC50125 Diploma to move into roles such as Room Leader and Educational Leader.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
For people starting out as an early childhood educator
- Leads to
- Early Childhood Educator, Assistant Educator, OSHC Educator, Family Day Care Educator
- Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements. KKTC checks your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills before you enrol.
- Work placement
- 160 hours
- Units
- 17 units: 15 core and 2 elective
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
For educators moving into leadership roles
- Leads to
- Room Leader, Lead Educator, Educational Leader and, with experience, Centre Manager
- Entry requirements
- A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121, CHC30125 or CHC30113), or another pathway listed on training.gov.au
- Work placement
- 280 hours
- Units
- 15 units: 12 core and 3 elective
Same for both courses
- Duration18 months
- How you learnIn a regulated early learning service, with theory on KKTC’s online learning platform
- Trainer supportA KKTC trainer visits you every 3–4 weeks for mentoring and assessment
- Start dateEnrol at any time. There are no set intakes
- FundingGovernment-subsidised training in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and the ACT
New to the sector? Start with the Certificate III. Already hold a Certificate III? Move on to the Diploma.
Meet Our Trainers
Hear From Our Course Trainers
In this video, KKTC’s trainers and assessors introduce studying to become an early childhood educator with KKTC, and how they support you at your workplace.
Why Choose KKTC?
KKTC Stands Out in Early Childhood Education and Care
KKTC Education specialises in early childhood education and care. We deliver the CHC30125 Certificate III and the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, plus short courses such as first aid and child protection that meet the sector’s compliance requirements. Because we train in one sector only, our trainers, learning resources and workplace support are all built around early learning services.
100% Focus on Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education and care is all we teach, so every resource and assessment is written for early learning services.
Trainers & Assessors with Sector Experience
Learn from trainers and assessors who have held senior roles in early childhood education and care.
Government-Subsidised Training in Five States
Government-subsidised training is available in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. Visit Fees and Funding to see what applies in your state.
Learn in Your Own Centre
Your training and work placement happen in a regulated early learning service, with a KKTC trainer visiting you every 3–4 weeks.
Childcare centres we train in
Across QLD, NSW, Vic, SA and the ACT.
Student Satisfaction
With exceptional training and support.
Source - NSW Smart and Skilled Student Survey, 2024
Of Experience
Delivering Excellence in Training.
Graduates since opening the college
We are committed to our students’ success
Looking for first aid or child protection training? See our short courses for the early childhood sector.
Questions
Choosing your course: frequently asked questions
Should I do the Certificate III or the Diploma?
If you are new to early childhood education and care, start with the CHC30125 Certificate III, the entry-level qualification for working as an educator. If you already hold a Certificate III and want to lead a room or an educational program, choose the CHC50125 Diploma.
Can I go straight to the Diploma?
Only if you meet the national entry requirements on training.gov.au. You need the CHC30121 (or CHC30125) or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or diploma or certificate III in Children’s Services together with either 12 months of cumulative full-time-equivalent employment in a regulated service in the last 5 years or the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma. If you don’t meet these, start with the Certificate III.
How long do the courses take?
Both the Certificate III and the Diploma take 18 months for domestic students. International students study face-to-face at our Southport campus on a different timetable; see our International Students page.
Can I study while I work?
Yes. Both courses are workplace-based. Domestic students spend at least 8 hours a week in a regulated early childhood service, trainees work at least 15 hours a week in their job, and theory is completed on KKTC’s online learning platform.
Is government funding available?
Government-subsidised training is available in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria (in partnership with Wodonga TAFE), South Australia and the ACT. Who is eligible, and what you pay, differs by state, so check your eligibility online.
When can I start?
Domestic students can enrol at any time. There are no set intakes, so you can start as soon as your enrolment is complete.