Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Overview
Develop the knowledge, skills, and values to individually support students with literacy and numeracy as well as specific learning needs, in Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary settings. The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support gives you the skills to work alongside a teacher to help students reach their learning goals. You’ll gain hands-on experience through a practical placement to enhance your employability.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Your industry experience
Students will have the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills through 2 placements in a school setting: 137.5 hours in total.
Skills you’ll learn
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Learning need support
- Disability need support
Your career opportunities
- Education Support Worker
- Teacher's Aide
- Intergration Aide
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditation
The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) is a nationally recognized course. It is the highest level qualification for anyone seeking to work in an Education setting as a Support worker.
Admissions
Social/behavioural capability Students must have the social and language skills, be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions. Physical capability of managing children safely Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, eg:
For placement purposes, immunity to influenza is recommended. Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources:
Must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee); Must obtain a current Police Check prior to course commencement. |
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
Social/behavioural capability:
Students must be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical requirements of lifting/handling safely:
Students must be able to perform the physical activities required to assist a child or colleague in an emergency: an example would be that students must be able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor, as would be demonstrated in First Aid training.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Course structure
To be awarded this qualification, students need to complete 17 units, including 13 core and 4 electives. Delivery will be a combination of on-campus classroom learning and work placement in an educational setting. Students attend 2.5 days of classes throughout the duration of this course. Three block placements will provide opportunities for students to practice developing skills in a real school environment, with 3 weeks of placement in stage 1 and stage 2 of the course. This model enables students to engage in real learning situations and transfer knowledge into skills. It also enable students to develop relationships in their workplace setting that in many cases lead to employment
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
Core unit |
CHCECE054 |
|
Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
Core unit |
CHCEDS033 |
|
Support student mathematics learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS045 |
|
Support student literacy learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS046 |
|
Assist in facilitation of student learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS047 |
|
Work with students in need of additional learning support
Core unit |
CHCEDS048 |
|
Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
Core unit |
CHCEDS051 |
|
Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
Core unit |
CHCEDS056 |
|
Support the implementation of behaviour plans
Core unit |
CHCEDS058 |
|
Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
Core unit |
CHCEDS059 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit |
CHCPRT001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
Elective unit |
CHCEDS036 |
|
Support the development of numeracy skills
Elective unit |
CHCEDS037 |
|
Deliver elements of teaching and learning programs
Elective unit |
CHCEDS052 |
|
Participate in workplace health and safety
Elective unit |
HLTWHS001 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$9,940
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$4,870
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.