New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Field-based) (Level 5)

Summary

Get the skills and knowledge necessary for becoming a proficient educator.

On completion of this programme you will be able to provide and support the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children in a range of early childhood contexts.

Students learn about early childhood education and curriculum in Aotearoa, human development and learning, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Maori, belonging and well-being and professional relationships.

Spend up to three days per week in a classroom environment and two days per week (12 hours) in an early childhood centre where you will apply classroom theory to practical scenarios.

In Semester 1 you will spend one week full time (35 hours) in your home centre. In Semester 2 you will also experience a three week full time (105 hours) placement in another early childhood setting. This placement will be organised by the School of Education Practicum co-ordinator. Get real experience working in an early childhood setting with four weeks of full time placement.

On successful completion of the diploma programme, you will be eligible under specified criteria, to pathway into the second year of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (Level 7).

Career opportunities

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work in a range of early childhood contexts, such as centre-based, hospital-based (play specialist assistant), home-based, nanny, parent-led, or culturally-based contexts including Pasifika or Maori. Graduates may provide supervision or guidance of volunteers or other staff, in some early childhood settings. They may also be involved in voluntary roles in early childhood settings.

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below five courses (120 credits):

922.501 Tikanga Maori and te Tiriti o Waitangi (20 credits)

902.530 Belonging, Health and Well-being (22 credits)

922.531 Learning and Development 0-6 (20 credits)

922.532 Early Childhood Curriculum in Aotearoa (30 credits)

922.533 Professional Relationships (28 credits)

Further training or study

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (Level 7)