Te Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (Level 7)
Teaching
A course by
Wintec
A 3-year, NZQA Level 7 degree preparing students for a career as a qualified Early Childhood Education teacher. Equips graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to teach young children, including extensive field-based experience.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Hamilton City Campus, Hamilton
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 39 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Understand early childhood learning and teaching
Gain knowledge of how children learn and what constitutes appropriate and effective teaching in early childhood contexts.
Develop professional relationships
Learn to build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, and educational communities.
Apply leadership and advocacy in professional settings
Develop the ability to lead, plan, and advocate for children, their families, and the teaching profession.
What You're Signing Up For
Te Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) degree designed to prepare students to become qualified early childhood education teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand. The degree is approved by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and integrates both theoretical study and extensive practical experience in ECE settings. Students spend significant time each week in licensed early childhood education environments, undertake block practicums, and are mentored by fully certified teachers. The programme develops professional knowledge, values, practical leadership, and advocacy skills required for teaching and leading in ECE contexts.
Course Content
- Professional knowledge: What to teach, how children learn, contextual factors, influencing teaching and learning, the unique place of Māori as Tangata Whenua
- Professional practice: Planning for safe, high-quality environments, evidence-based teaching, linking theory and practice
- Professional values and relationships: Building positive relationships, commitment to the profession
- Professional leadership and advocacy: Leadership strategies, child/family advocacy
- Field-based teaching practice and inquiries (multiple modules over three years)
- Māori knowledge and perspectives (Mōhiotanga, Mātauranga modules)
- Education in Aotearoa New Zealand: Historical, sociocultural, and policy contexts
- Pedagogy and understanding of teaching methods (Understanding Pedagogy, Pedagogy in Practice)
- Design Factory NZ (optional 30-credit third-year module on creative problem solving and industry collaboration)
- Three annual block practicums in varied ECE settings
What you need to know first
University Entrance (NCEA Level 3, 60 credits at Level 3 or above and 20 credits at Level 2 or above, including three approved subjects, literacy, and numeracy requirements)
Candidates must be 17 years of age at the start of the programme
Must be working (paid or voluntarily) for at least 12 hours a week in a licensed early childhood setting
Police vetting and safety checks required under Vulnerable Children Act 2014
Selection process including interview, written comprehension/literacy/numeracy test, and referee report
English language proficiency: IELTS 7.0 in all bands (for non-native speakers)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Early Childhood Education
Community and Social Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Early childhood education teacher
New entrant (primary) teacher
Home-based education and care visiting teacher
Head teacher or ECE manager
Roles in Ministry of Education and Education Review Office
Teaching Council and education advocacy organisations
ESOL/ECE instructor overseas
Tertiary certificate programme tutor