Congratulations, you have completed Modules 1 - 4!
Now, it's time for you to begin work placement.
This module is dedicated to Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) – SWLA 1, and it aims to prepare you for a successful work placement experience. This module contains useful information about work placement requirements as well as tips and hints to get the most out of this period of time.
What is SWLA?
SWLA stands for Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment.
Swinburne Open Education offers students a unique opportunity to study in an online environment to develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen field at a time and pace that suit them.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care requires practical skill application as well to achieve competency. Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) offers students the opportunity to seek out a workplace where they can apply their learning in practical ways in order to expand on and demonstrate their skills.
You are required to complete a minimum of 200 hours for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, at an approved regulated early childhood education and care service.
The minimum number of hours is split across SWLA Group 1 (SWLA 1) and SWLA Group 2 (SWLA 2).
Your work placement is split into two (2):
- In SWLA 1, you are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours at an approved regulated early childhood education and care service. There is no age-group specification for SWLA 1.
- In SWLA 2, you are required to complete a minimum of 170 hours at an approved regulated early childhood education and care service. Activities within SWLA 2 will need to be completed with a variety of age groups, including babies and toddlers. (See further details in Module 13.)
Your Workplace Supervisor is required to sign off on all hours completed in both SWLA 1 and SWLA 2.
Once you have completed the learning and assessments for Modules 1 – 4, Module 5 (SWLA 1) will be unlocked.
At the end of your placement, you will be required to submit all SWLA 1 assessment documents and supporting documents to demonstrate competency in the units covered during SWLA 1.
Units of Competency
During SWLA 1, you will be required to complete a series of tasks to demonstrate competency in the following units of competency:
- CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
- CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
- CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
- HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
- HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices
When you have all theory and SWLA assessments marked as 'Competent', and you have completed the required 30 hours of work placement (recorded in the Logbook and signed off by the Workplace Supervisor), you will be deemed 'Competent' for the units listed above.
