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Yes, we have a range of payment plans for the course. Contact training@ywca-canberra.org.au to find out more.

You may also be eligible for a User Choice traineeship, which provides Government funding for new and existing workers in the ACT. Learn more here.

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number you need to undertake nationally recognised training delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO). A USI gives you access to your personal account that contains your nationally recognised training records and results (from January 2015 onwards).

Your USI account is made up of 10 numbers and letters and will look something like this: 3AW88YH9U5.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge you have achieved outside the formal education and training system. It is available to all students who can demonstrate evidence of prior learning through training, work or life experience.

If you can identify that you have all the knowledge and skills for a unit, you will not need to do that training.

To get RPL, you must provide evidence to show you have sufficient, valid and current knowledge and skills equivalent to the qualification you are enrolled in.

If you believe you have the knowledge and skills, please contact us for an RPL kit by emailing training@ywca-canberra.org.au or calling 02 6185 2000.

Applying for RPL is no guarantee that you will receive credit for the course units. It is our responsibility to only issue qualifications to learners who can sufficiently demonstrate the required skills and knowledge for the unit.

Yes. The training rooms at YWCA Canberra’s Central office are fully accessible with lift access and new automatic doors that were installed in 2021.

Yes. Our Certificate III and Diploma courses in Early Childhood Education and Care are national recognised and approved by Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Yes, we hold information sessions before each intake. Look at our events page to find the next session.

Yes. To become an educator you must complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. This is a requirement for all students, as it confirms that you have the academic level to complete the course.

For the Certificate III, you need a minimum English proficiency ACSF level 3 to become qualified. For the Diploma, you need a minimum English proficiency ACSF level 4.

You must complete the LLN evaluation assessment before you enrol in the course.

Once you have completed the LLN assessment, our courses are designed to be accessible and inclusive for people who have English as a second language or who find reading a challenge, with our new Certificate III online content providing voiceovers.

The maximum duration is of the Certificate III in ECEC 12 months (including the required placement of 180 hours).

The maximum duration of the Diploma ECEC is 18 months (including the required placement of 282 hours).

You can complete the course at a faster pace if you need to.

Our workshops are held fortnightly.

1. Distance education means delivering educational content online, which allows students access to learning resources remotely. We recommend distance study for those who are already working in the industry. If you choose this method, your Trainer and Assessor will contact you regularly to help guide you through your training.
2. Face-to-face learning means you and the teacher meet in a set place for a set time, for either one-on-one learning or, most commonly, in group lessons. Face-to-face learning is an effective way to learn knowledge and skills because it often combines different ways of learning including writing, reading, discussion, presentations, projects, group work, short videos, demonstrations and practice. We recommend face-to-face workshops if you are starting out in the industry. Our workshops are held in the training rooms in our Central Office.
3. With a traineeship, your training and paid employment are combined, so you can develop your skills and knowledge while working in the sector. Your training will be provided at the workplace by both your employer and your Trainer and Assessor.

Yes. To work in the ECEC sector, you must be either fully qualified or enrolled in an ECEC qualification and actively working towards the completion of the qualification.

Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care can lead to a range of potential careers including:

• Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader
• Preschool and Children’s services Director/Manager
• Operational Manager (providing quality support, account, compliance)
• Policy or Compliance Officer
• Regulatory Authority/Body
• ECEC Trainer and assessor
• Childcare Assistant
• Teacher Assistant in public preschools
• Family Day Care Educator
• Playgroup Supervisor
• and more!

Yes. Family day care educators must have, or be actively working towards, an approved Certificate III level Education and Care qualification.

All assessments will be received through our new learner management system, aXcelerate.

You will complete your assessments and upload any documents you need through our new learner management system aXcelerate

You are responsible for finding placement in a centre. This is to ensure you can choose a centre that aligns to your values and location of choice. We can provide support if you have difficulty finding a centre.

We suggest that you create a list of services in your area and call or email them to introduce yourself. Once you have established contact and are invited to the centre, go and meet face to face. If you impress them during your placement, it could lead to an offer of paid work but there are no guarantees.

You will be expected to carry out the typical duties of an educator during your placement. You will start practical placement after you have completed the first three modules of the course. You must complete 100 hours with children aged three to five years and 100 hours with children up to two years old to complete your qualification.