This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.

Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.

To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Packaging Rules

Total number of units = 17

• 15 core units
• 2 elective units, consisting of:

• 1 unit from the list below
• 1 unit from the electives listed below, elsewhere in the CHC Community Services Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course.

The selection of electives chosen must be guided by the job outcome sought, local sector requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.