New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Teaching
A course by
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Gain introductory skills to begin a career in early childhood education. This one-year diploma prepares you to work in a range of ECE settings and is also the first year of the early childhood teaching degree at Toi Ohomai.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Gain foundational ECE teaching skills
Develop practical skills for working in early childhood education, including lesson planning and classroom management.
Apply the principles of Te Whāriki
Understand and implement the New Zealand national early childhood curriculum to enhance child learning and development.
Support children's holistic development
Enhance young children’s physical, social, cultural, and educational growth in diverse care environments.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year diploma is designed for those interested in a career in early childhood education. It equips students with foundational skills to support the development of young children in educational and care settings. You'll study the principles of Te Whāriki (the national ECE curriculum), spend supervised placement time within early childhood centres, and cover topics such as communication, curriculum, infants and toddlers, diversity, and language and literacy. Graduates can work as non-registered educators, home-based carers or nannies, and the course is an entry pathway to a bachelor’s degree in teaching.
Course Content
- Ritenga Mātanga Tuatahi: Professional Practice 1
- Tauwhitiwhiti mō ngā kaiako kōhungahunga: Communication for ECE Teachers
- Tīmatanga Marautanga: Introduction to Curriculum
- Ngā Kōhungahunga: Infants and Toddlers
- Ngā Rereketanga-Ahurea: Diversity
- Te Reo me ōna Piringa: Language and Literacy
- Ritenga Mātanga Tuarua: Professional Practice 2
- Te Puawai
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori, OR
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3), OR
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4), OR
Evidence of ability to meet academic requirements
2 satisfactory character references addressing Education Council Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy
Minimum age 17 at course start due to placement requirements
Police vetting: satisfactory police check
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Early Childhood Education
Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Non-registered educator in early childhood setting
Home-based carer
Nanny
Centre-based ECE support roles
Hospital-based play specialist assistant
Parent-led educator
Culturally-based ECE educator
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Programmes span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.