How old do I need to be to apply?
Applications are open to people over the age of 16. Younger students are encouraged to speak to their school careers advisor and consider our VDSS programs
Do I have to complete the Certificate III before the Diploma?
If you have completed an older version of a Certificate III level qualification or have been working outside of the early childhood industry for a long time, you might need to complete the Entry to Diploma Skill Set course before undertaking the Diploma. This will ensure you meet all the pre-requisite requirements for study.
Is this a Free TAFE course?
Yes! This course is eligible for Victorian Government’s Free TAFE funding, making this course accessible for even more students.
Your eligibility cannot be determined until you have placed an application and undergone the Pre Training Review process and been made an Offer to study, once accepted into the course our Student Administration team will be able to determine your eligibility at time of enrolment. This depends on whether you meet the Victorian Government's eligibility criteria for Skills First Funding. Find out more on the 'Fees Information and Eligibility' webpage.
What are the costs for this course?
Even if you are eligible for Free TAFE funding or other subsidies, there are other costs associated with enrolling in this course which may include:
- Working With Children Check
- National Police Check
- Workwear requirements for work placement
- Travel requirements to placement.
How do I access the content and submit assessments during the course?
Wodonga TAFE uses a learning management system called Moodle. It's like an online hub where you can find course content, converse with fellow students and importantly, submit your assessments when completed.
Once your enrolment is fully finalised, your teachers will open up each unit as required and you'll be able to access them through a dashboard, making it easy to keep everything in one place!
I’m new to using a computer/internet for study – is there any support for me?
Wodonga TAFE has a dedicated Digital Skills team who are available to assist enrolled students with utilising technology to access study materials. If you need help with:
- installing or using applications on your device
- navigating cloud-based document storage
- getting the hang of Moodle
- creating and saving assessment material
Do I need to arrange my own placement?
No - when you study with Wodonga TAFE, we will arrange a placement for you. We work with you and local services to find workplace matches that best suit everyone's needs. We do our best to find placements close to where you live, but sometimes travel may be required. If you have concerns about meeting requirements for placement, please don't hesitate to speak with us prior to submitting your application.
How many hours per week do I need to study?
Each person's study needs will be different, but we recommend setting aside approximately 10-15 hours per week outside of scheduled class times to be able to complete your assessments, required readings etc.
Will I be able to continue working whilst studying an Early Childhood course?
Studying an Early Childhood course whilst working can be made easier with our online or traineeship models for those currently employed in industry. If you are working at least 15 hours per week at a registered Early Childhood service, you can complete your studies alongside your work.
This means you won’t need to undertake a separate placement and can attend online meetings and workshops outside of work hours. Each student's circumstances will have an impact on their eligibility to study online so your study mode options will be discussed at the pre-training review after receiving your application.
When can I apply for the next course?
Check the course information page for current intake details. If we’re not ready to take your application yet, you can submit an expression of interest, and we’ll contact you when applications are open.
I want to study this course through a traineeship – how do I apply?
If you’re currently working, your employer first needs to make arrangements through an ACAP (Apprentice Connect Australia Provider). If you’re not currently working, you can speak with an employment agency about getting assistance to find a traineeship. Wodonga TAFE does not facilitate employment opportunities.
What days do I need to be on campus? Can I study at my own pace?
Depending on your study mode (online, on campus or trainee/industry) each course will have its own unique timetable. Upcoming on campus study intakes have their scheduled days listed on the course information page. Online/industry students do not need to attend campus, instead attending online sessions at a scheduled time.
If you are enrolling as an on-campus student, attendance at all scheduled classes is mandatory. Students who miss a class will be required to review the missed learning content in their own time.
Students must complete the required units in the timeframe and order prescribed by their teachers. As this course required a set number of placement hours, it is not possible to complete the course at a faster pace. Students who have extenuating circumstances may receive extensions to their enrolments. Each situation is assessed by the course coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
What jobs can I do with a Certificate III in Early Childhood?
Once you complete your certificate, you can be eligible to work in a variety of children’s services such as Early Learning centres, long day care, family day care, after school care and more. If you would like to progress your career towards leadership roles such as Room Leader, Kindergarten teaching etc, you will need to complete a Diploma of Early Childhood.
What documents do I need to enrol?
Along with identification documents, students applying for an Early Childhood course will need to submit a Victorian and NSW Working with Children Check. These can be a volunteer check which is free in both states.
Applicants will also need to provide a National Police Check. Our Customer Experience team can provide instructions on how to access a reduced fee for these checks, so please contact us for more information on how to receive a reduced rate.
What do I have to wear to placement?
Each student in our face-to-face courses who undertakes a placement activity will be provided with a Wodonga TAFE shirt and name badge. This will be required uniform during your placement. Each workplace will have its own rules and regulations on uniform, but we recommend you have black pants and quality enclosed black shoes to ensure you meet safety requirements.
I still have more questions, what do I do?
Our customer engagement team are on hand to answer any of your questions during business hours, 5 days per week.
You can:
- Call us: 1300 698 233
- Message us on webchat - use the icon in the bottom right corner of your screen!
- Email us: info@wodongatafe.edu.au
- Enquire: Submit an Expression of Interest form using the Enquire Now button on the course information page.