Are you passionate about looking after and teaching children? The NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) by NZSE prepares learners to become skilled early childhood kaiako capable of supporting and educating infants, toddlers and young children within diverse ECE contexts. The programme covers theory, best practices including the bicultural curriculum Te Whāriki, ethics, professional behavior, child development, and cultural competence such as tikanga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi. It includes 120 hours of work placement and offers online and in-class delivery options. Entry requires Level 3 ECE certification or equivalent experience, and it supports progression to a bachelor's degree for ECE teacher registration.

Course Content

• Te Whāriki bicultural curriculum

• Ethics and professionalism

• Professional behaviours in ECE

• Nutrition needs of infants, toddlers, and young children

• Parent and whanau communication

• Creating culturally safe environments

• Tikanga Māori and te reo concepts including ako and whanaungatanga

• Treaty of Waitangi and Whakapapa

• ECE philosophies and diverse ECE contexts in New Zealand

• Legislation and regulation of ECE services

• Relationships, attachment, and child transitions

• Child development and the value of play

• Observation, planning, and learning plans

• Pasifika Education Strategy

• Models of Early Childhood

• 120 hours work placement in licensed ECE services