Get the skills and knowledge necessary for becoming a proficient educator.

On completion of this programme you will be able to provide and support the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children in a range of early childhood contexts.

Students learn about early childhood education and curriculum in Aotearoa, human development and learning, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, belonging and well-being and professional relationships.

Spend up to three days a week learning with a blend of classroom and online experiences and activities. You will also spend two days per week (12 hours) in an early childhood centre where you will apply classroom theory to practical scenarios.

In Semester 1 you will spend one week full time (35 hours) in your home centre. In Semester 2 you will also experience a three-week full-time (105 hours) placement in another early childhood setting. This placement will be organised by the School of Education Practicum co-ordinator. Get real experience working in an early childhood setting with four weeks of full-time placement.

On successful completion of the diploma programme, you will be eligible under specified criteria, to pathway into the second year of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (Level 7).

This programme has been developed to align with the first year of our Bachelor of Education (ECT) Degree. This programme does not lead to teacher registration, but it may provide opportunities for graduates, under specified criteria, to pathway into the second year of the degree. Students wanting to pathway to our Level 7 ECE initial teacher education qualification will need to; successfully complete this programme and meet all other entry criteria of the degree, including being interviewed and supplying new referee reports, and those who are EAL achieving Academic IELTS 7 in all bands.

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work in a range of early childhood contexts, such as centre-based, hospital-based (play specialist assistant), home-based, nanny, parent-led, or culturally-based contexts including Pasifika or Māori. Graduates may provide supervision or guidance of volunteers or other staff, in some early childhood settings. They may also be involved in voluntary roles in early childhood settings. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.