What if the childcare course you choose could impact not just how much you pay, but also where you can start, what roles you can work towards and what qualifications you can progress to next? So for students seeking government funded childcare courses in Queensland , knowing the difference between available qualifications and funding pathways before enrolling can save costly confusion later.
For people searching for government-funded childcare courses in QLD, there are two main training levels to understand. These are the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The Certificate III is often seen as an entry-level pathway into early childhood education and care, while the Diploma is a higher-level qualification with specific entry requirements.
Queensland Government funded training may cover some or all of the cost of eligible training. This means that a funded place is not to be automatically regarded as a “free course”; a co-contribution fee may still apply.
Which Childcare Course Can I Study in Queensland?
For students exploring early childhood education and care courses, the right qualification depends largely on their starting point.
CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
This course is a first qualification for the sector. The course at AdvancEd Education & Training runs for 52 weeks, including holidays, with options for classroom-based, workplace and virtual/blended delivery.
The qualification consists of 17 units of competency – 15 core and 2 electives. Students will also be required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical placement in a regulated children’s education and care service. A pre-placement working with children check is required.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course at Advanced Education Training. Students are required to complete a pre-training review and a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to commencement to assist with determining course suitability and any learning support required.
Through this qualification, students develop skills relevant to roles such as early childhood educator, playgroup supervisor, family day care provider and nanny. Employment outcomes may vary, and individual employers can have additional requirements.
How Does Career Start Childcare Training in QLD Work?
General eligibility: To be generally eligible, you must be at least 15 years old, not a student at a school, a permanent resident of Queensland, meet citizenship or residency requirements, and meet previous qualifications and current enrolment rules.
At AdvancEd Education & Training we offer CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care under the Career Start funding pathway. The current co-contribution fee is $34 for non-concessional students and $17 for concessional students (subject to eligibility). Eligibility for funding should be checked prior to enrolment, as personal circumstances may impact access to subsidised training.
Does the Childcare Course Include First Aid?
Yes. If you are looking for a childcare first aid course in Queensland, please be aware that HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is a core unit of this course.
This unit focuses on the first aid responses to infants and children in an education and care setting. Here it is part of the full Certificate III rather than a separate stand-alone course.
What Can I Study After Certificate III?
Students who successfully complete CHC30125 may consider the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as a further-study pathway.
The diploma develops higher-level skills applied in early childhood education and care, such as curriculum planning, compliance, professional practice and team effectiveness. The course duration is 52 weeks and includes 15 units of competency and a minimum of 280 hours of practical placement.
Entry requirements for the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and the following pathways are eligible: completion of the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, an accepted previous early childhood qualification or other recognised pathways with relevant qualifications and verified industry experience. There may also be an eligible pathway through CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Applicants should check the current entry requirements prior to enrolment to ensure the option best suits their qualifications and experience.
What Skills Will You Learn?
The Certificate III program, CHC30125, is a practical foundation for working with young children, while the Diploma CHC50125, builds on more advanced skills for planning, leadership and higher-level responsibilities in early childhood education and care.
Skills You Can Gain from Certificate III
- Supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of children
- Preparation of play-based learning experiences
- Understanding of child development
- Developing positive relationships with children
- Support diversity and inclusion
- First aid and safety awareness development
- Work effectively as a member of an early childhood education and care team
Skills You Can Get in the Diploma
- Plan and implement early childhood curriculum
- Supporting learning and development of children
- Developing stronger team management and leadership skills
- Supporting service compliance and quality practices.
- Working with families and communities effectively
- Creating inclusive learning strategies
- Development of professional and reflective practice
Is the diploma government funded in QLD?
Eligible students may access the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care through Career Boost at AdvancEd Education & Training .
Career Boost helps eligible Queenslanders to get higher-level skills. General eligibility requirements include: being aged 15 years or over; not being a school student; living permanently in Queensland; meeting citizenship or residency requirements; and meeting rules about current enrolment and qualifications completed in the last 10 years.
AdvancEd Education & Training’s CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is available through the Career Boost funding pathway with current co-contribution fees of $30 for non-concessional students and $15 for concessional students. The eligibility for subsidised training is subject to individual eligibility and the terms and conditions of the relevant Career Boost funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are government-funded childcare courses in QLD free?
Queensland Government funding may cover all or part of eligible training costs, and a co-contribution fee may still apply. Contact AdvancEd Education & Training to check your eligibility for available government-funded training options and understand the fees that may apply to you.
How long is the Certificate III in childcare at AET?
CHC30125 runs for 52 weeks, including holidays, with at least 160 hours of practical placement.
How long is the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?
CHC50125 runs for 52 weeks, including holidays, with at least 280 hours of practical placement.
Can I study for the Diploma straight away?
Only if you meet an accepted entry pathway. Entry pathways include CHC30125 and several alternative qualification, experience or skill-set pathways.
Which funding program applies at AdvancEd Education & Training?
CHC30125 is currently available under Career Start, while CHC50125 is available under Career Boost. Access to either subsidised training pathway remains subject to eligibility and applicable funding conditions.equirements.