Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Introduction) (Level 4)

A New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-approved program

Are you returning to study after a long period away, or a new school leaver wanting to explore career options? The New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) 6 month Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 4) offers you an introduction into early childhood education to help you decide if it is the right career for you.

The Certificate (Level 4) is designed to give you an introduction to the theory and practice of early childhood education and a taste of academic learning at a tertiary level. You will also gain practical experience in early childhood centres.

Upon successful completion, you may apply for entry into the Certificates in Early Childhood Teaching (Levels 5 and 6) or Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). Entry criteria will apply.

Courses within the Certificate

Mode of study

The mode of study for this program is Distance Learning by correspondence.

Field Practice

To gain field experience, you will be required attend a licensed early childhood centre for 4 hours per week during your Certificate studies.

You will also be required to complete a one week full-time (40 hours per week) field experience placement at a home centre (your main centre, at which you may already be employed) and a further 2 weeks full-time placement at a different centre to your home centre. During your placement you will have the support and guidance of a teacher who is based at the centre.

Assessments

All courses within the program are internally assessed and include theory-based assessments and practical components. There are no exams.

Entry Criteria

This program is available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only.

Before being accepted into the program, candidates must:

• Turn 16 within one month of starting program

• Meet the New Zealand Teachers Council criteria for registration as a teacher

• Provide at least two written references

• Satisfy NZ Police clearance conditions

• Meet the staff health requirements for early childhood centres as outlined in the New Zealand Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations 1998

• Declare any physical or learning disability that may impair your performance as a student teacher

• Succeed in a personal interview

Please note: student teachers with English as a second language must have an English proficiency level equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 overall.

Adult applications (over 20 years of age)

We welcome applications from students aged 20 years old and over who may not have the formal high school qualifications required for entry. We will assess your work and life experience and make a judgement about whether you can meet the academic standards the program requires.