New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Teaching
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Equips students to provide practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, covering curriculum, play, communication, Māori culture, and inclusive teaching, with practical placement opportunities.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year
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Develop professional practice in early childhood education
Provide high quality, practice-based education and care for young children in early childhood settings.
Understand early childhood curriculum and play
Demonstrate knowledge of the early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) and the role of play in child development and learning.
Demonstrate effective communication
Use effective written and oral communication, including te reo Māori, to engage with children, families, and colleagues.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) extends your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator. You'll learn to provide high-quality, practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, or pathway into a higher-level teaching qualification. The programme covers the New Zealand early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki), the role of play in child learning and development, effective communication (including te reo Māori), and bicultural infant and toddler care. Further, you will develop skills in observation, assessment, planning for teaching, and inclusive education. The programme includes two, three-week supported placement experiences totaling 180 hours, ensuring real-world application of your learning.
Course Content
- New Zealand early childhood education curriculum (Te Whāriki)
- Role of play in child learning and development
- Effective written and oral communication for early childhood educators
- Use of te reo Māori and understanding Māori culture and society
- Bicultural infant and toddler care and education strategies
- Creating inclusive and safe learning environments
- Skills in observation, assessment, and planning for teaching young children
- Professional practice experiences and placements
- Diversity in early childhood settings
- Language and literacy development in early childhood
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 OR New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) or equivalent
Two satisfactory character references addressing the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007
Consent to Disclosure of Information - New Zealand Police vetting
Interview to assess suitability for working with children
Alternative entry may be considered based on equivalent skills from study, work or life experience
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education and Training
Childcare
Future employment opportunities might be
Non-registered early childhood educator in childcare centres, hospitals, in-home or parent-led settings
Nanny or au pair
Supervise or guide volunteers in early childhood settings
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details