Early Childhood Teaching - Bachelor of Education
Teaching
A course by
AUT
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) at AUT prepares you for a career as an early childhood teacher, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and professional experience to teach children aged 0-5 in diverse educational settings.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Become a Qualified Early Childhood Teacher
Graduates are prepared to teach children aged 0-5 years, meeting educational, developmental, and curriculum standards for New Zealand early childhood education.
Develop Professional Practice
Gain over 25 weeks of practicum placements, developing teaching capability in authentic early learning environments—building skills in observation, curriculum planning, and reflective practice.
Understand Te Whariki & Bicultural Practice
Understand and apply the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whariki, and bicultural and multicultural education, including Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori, and inclusive practices.
What You're Signing Up For
This three-year degree is designed for students seeking a rewarding career as an early childhood teacher. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of early childhood education, including theory, curriculum (Te Whariki), and teaching practice. The program features extensive practicum placements in early learning services and offers an optional Pacific specialty pathway. Graduates are eligible to apply for provisional teacher registration upon completion.
Course Content
- ECE Practicum I – Professional Relationships
- ECE Practicum II – Teacher Identity
- Te Reo Māori and Tikanga (I–IV)
- People, Whānau and Communities of Aotearoa
- Development of the Child in Aotearoa
- Past and Present Perspectives of Aotearoa
- Te Whāriki (Curriculum for Early Childhood)
- Mana Atua | Wellbeing
- Mana Whenua | Belonging
- ECE Practicum III – Design for Learning
- ECE Practicum IV – Te Tiriti o Waitangi Partnership
- Ka Hāpaitia: Māori Success and Aspirations in Education
- Tapasā: Working with Pacific Learners (optional Pacific specialty)
- Ako: Learning and Teaching
- Mana Aotūroa | Exploration
- Mana Reo | Communication
- Mana Tangata | Contribution
- ECE Practicum V – Learning Focussed Culture
- ECE Practicum VI – Professional Learning
- Inclusive Education
- Global Citizenship Education
- Justice, Diversity and Curriculum
- Infants and Toddlers
- Option courses: Language and Culture, Pacific Gagana and Aganu'u, Integrated Curriculum Inquiry, Pacific Talanoa
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent
A clear criminal convictions check
English language competency
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Early Childhood Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Early childhood teacher (registered)
Teaching in early childhood centres, kindergartens, daycares
Centre management (with experience)