Private Training Establishment

Cavalli College
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Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Level of Study

Graduate Certificate or Diploma

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Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is an intensive, future-focused pathway for learners who already hold a degree. Developed with sector leaders and grounded in research-informed practice, this programme emphasises hands-on professional experience supported by comprehensive wrap-around learner support. It combines intentional teaching with extended, practice-based learning to ensure graduates are confident, capable, and classroom-ready.


What you will learn:
  • Integrate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Whāriki, and local iwi histories into culturally responsive teaching practice.
  • Explore contemporary pedagogies and research, including the science of learning and neuroscience, to guide effective teaching strategies.
  • Apply practical, authentic assessment tasks that connect directly to your teaching practice.
  • Create inclusive, healthy, and safe learning environments that reflect the values of Hauora, Whanaungatanga, and Ako.
  • Gain sustained professional experience in quality ECE centres (minimum 18 hours per week) with block placements for depth of practice.
  • Work alongside approved teacher mentors and partner centres, with ongoing Cavalli College support visits.
  • Build professional and ethical competencies required for NZ teacher registration.
  • Access holistic learner support and blended learning, combining online flexibility with face-to-face tutorials and Regional Learning Hub engagement.
Hands-on, practice-based learning:
  • Weekly extensive classroom experiences in quality ECE settings.
  • Two 40-day professional experience placements aligned with NZ Teaching Council requirements.
  • Regional college classroom Learning Hubs.
Achieving this qualification will help you to:
  • Be a more informed, practice-based teacher of children in ECE settings.
  • Gain employment in ECE centres and other related services.
  • Positively contribute to teaching teams and communities.
  • Pathway to NZ teacher registration.

Entry criteria

Academic entry


Applicants must have:

  • New Zealand Diploma of Teaching (Primary) level 7, a Bachelor degree at level 7 (360 credits), a Bachelor degree with honours at level 8 (480 credits) or a Master’s degree at level 9 (240 credits) qualification OR
    An equivalent overseas qualification as assessed by an international qualifications assessment.
 

All applicants must meet the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 and its subsequent amendments, including:

  • Providing verified identification.
  • Providing evidence of previous education and work history in the selection process.
  • Providing at least one written reference.
  • Succeeding in a personal visual interview.
  • Attaining a New Zealand Police vetting report.
    • Entry for any applicant with any prior convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Cavalli College.


Cavalli College undertakes a risk assessment in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014 including the above information in order to select the applicants for the program.

 English language entry


Domestic applicants for whom English is an additional language and te reo Māori is not the first language:

  • Evidence of completion of at least three years of secondary education at schools where the learner was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
  • Must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to the Teaching Council’s Language competency for teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand; or
  • Other proof as deemed acceptable by Cavalli College.

 

International applicants:

  • Must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to the Teaching Council’s Language competency for teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand.
 Literacy and numeracy competency

  • All applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) must demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy as equivalent to or exceeding the minimum literacy and numeracy expectations associated with University Entrance prior to entry, as required by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Applicants who do not meet the required step level on their initial attempt may be offered targeted support and re-assessment opportunities prior to admission, subject to timeframes and overall eligibility.
 Credit recognition

  • Credit for prior formal study will not be awarded towards this qualification.

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Disclaimer

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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.