Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3)
Teaching
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
A practical certificate designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in early childhood education, supporting the learning and care of infants, toddlers, and young children, and providing a pathway toward further teaching qualifications.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 19 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Participate in care and education of young children
Demonstrate foundational skills to support the learning and development of infants, toddlers, and young children in entry-level carer roles.
Apply bicultural perspectives
Integrate basic Te Reo Maori and tikanga Maori principles into early childhood education and practice.
Promote health, safety, and wellbeing
Create and maintain healthy, safe, and supportive environments for young children.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) provides foundational knowledge and skills for working with young children in a variety of early childhood settings. Students explore learning and development, health and wellbeing, professional and ethical responsibilities, and bicultural practice relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand context. The programme includes classroom-based learning and a practical work placement. Completion prepares graduates for entry-level carer roles and further study in teaching.
Course Content
- Early childhood learning and development progression
- Bicultural framework for childhood learning in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Planning learning experiences for young children
- Health, safety and wellbeing in the early childhood environment
- Ethical responsibilities and professional practice
- Te Reo Maori and tikanga Maori specific to the early childhood environment
- Work placement practicum in an early childhood setting
- Child Learning and Development (ECEC301, 15 credits)
- Health and Wellbeing in Practice (ECEC302, 15 credits)
- Professional Practice (ECEC303, 15 credits)
- Community Engagement (ECEC304, 15 credits)
What you need to know first
Open entry (no academic prerequisites). English Language requirements apply.
Consent to Disclosure of Information: New Zealand Police vetting required.
Suitability interview (assesses suitability for working with children and compliance with the Children's Act 2014).
If English is not your first language: IELTS 5.0 Academic (with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Childcare
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles in early childhood education centres
Early childhood carer
Support roles in early learning services