NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Entry criteria

Academic Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirement for the NZDipECE&C is one of the following:

• NCEA Level 3 (as defined by the NZQA), or equivalent (for international applicants not schooled in New Zealand); or
• New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education [Level 4]; or
• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation [Level 4].
• For applicants under the age of 20 years at the beginning of the academic year, who do not have NCEA Level 3 or equivalent, entry may be considered on a case-by-case at the discretion of EIT.
• For applicants over the age of 20 years at the beginning of the academic year, evidence of the potential to succeed in tertiary study at degree level, including demonstrated literacy and numeracy competence equivalent to that required for NCEA Level 3.

Additional Requirements

• All applicants must be over the age of 17 years at the beginning of the academic year.
• In support of their application, all applicants must supply a CV that includes a detailed account of their educational background, evidence of a commitment to the education of mokopuna, experience with children and an openness to learning.
• Applicants must authorise EIT to obtain a background check from the NZ Police Licensing and Vetting Agency Early Childhood Education and Care Setting Requirements.

Early Childhood Education and Care Setting Requirements

Prior to the beginning of the academic year to undertake field-based teacher education all enrolled student teachers must:

• Be working (employed or non-employed) for a minimum of 12 hours a week in a licensed early childhood setting, during the EIT term.
• Be supported at the setting by a qualified mentor teacher who is registered and holds a current full practicing certificate. Please Note: The Memorandum of Agreement between the setting and EIT must be signed by the setting and returned prior to commencement of the programme. As necessary, two copies of the Terms of Reference document for non-employed student teachers needs to be signed by the setting and student teacher prior to commencement of the programme. The setting keeps one copy, and the other is returned prior to commencement of the programme.
• Meet the requirements of the Children’s Act (2014), CA letter must be sighted by the setting and signed by student teacher.

Internal Selection Process

Entry to the programme may be limited by the number of places available.

Upon the application satisfying “eligibility to apply” requirements, applicants are then required to participate in an internal selection process.

Interviews will be conducted in conjunction with applicants for the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and include both a group and individual interview.

Selection decisions are based on the applicant’s submitted documents, a pass in the literacy assessment and their performance in the interview process.