New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Apply NowLaying a strong foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of early childhood education, this program equips students to become resourceful and reflective professionals, competent in the key areas of learning. These include professional studies, development and learning, and early years’ pedagogy.
This course introduces you to the field of early childhood education in New Zealand. It discusses professional knowledge, skills and values, as well as examining the key documents that guide early childhood professionals in New Zealand. In particular, Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2017), the national curriculum framework for early childhood education, its overall intent, structure and the practices it promotes are introduced. Professional relationships, responsibilities and qualities of early childhood teachers are discussed and you will become familiar with the concept of reflection as a tool for growing your teaching practice.
This course introduces you to key concepts, theories and perspectives on child development. By covering the domains of cognitive, physical, language, social and emotional development, this course emphasises the importance of understanding child development from a holistic perspective. You are encouraged to reflect on your values, cultural understandings and beliefs about child development by being introduced to current developmental theories. Thus supporting your practice with children as unique individuals.
This course examines how play supports and fosters children’s learning and development. Theories and perspectives in relation to play are investigated and ways to apply these theories are suggested. You will explore how Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2017) guides holistic teaching and learning in order to support teachers to design and implement meaningful play experiences. Through a sociocultural approach to teaching and learning, this course discusses teaching approaches that enhance responsive learning environments, improve teaching practice and support child-centred pedagogy.
This course supports your growing understanding of concepts related to culture and cultural diversity in light of your own culture and early childhood education, including teachers, children and their families/whānau. It introduces you to the bicultural foundation of Aotearoa/New Zealand, including a brief introduction to The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and its influence on society and early childhood education. Multiculturalism and the growing cultural diversity of early childhood education settings and communities are examined in order to support you in becoming a culturally responsive professional who genuinely supports equitable education for all children.
This course focusses on the importance of a sociocultural approach to teaching and learning. The planning process is examined, with particular emphasis on assessment, evaluation, and reflection for guiding children’s learning. The process of documenting, interpreting and analysing the combined views of early childhood teachers, family/whānau and children for assessment purposes is explored in-depth. Theories of teaching and learning, including that of an emergent curriculum are examined and applied throughout this course.
In this course, you are introduced to the concept of social competence in early childhood and explore the key foundations for social development and learning. The effective teaching strategies that support and promote the emerging social skills and prosocial behaviour in infants, toddlers and young children are also considered. An important concept of including all children underpins the content of this course by suggesting best teaching practices and approaches in order to meet the diversity of children’s needs and encourage collaborative relationships and partnerships with families/whānau.
This course empowers you to practically apply the theoretical and conceptual knowledge gained from your academic courses. You develop a range of teaching strategies and practices, which provide an opportunity to explore and reflect on your own values and beliefs as you move towards becoming an early childhood professional. This course challenges you to make positive changes to your practice. You have the opportunity to work alongside skilled teachers who share their knowledge and experience with you. You are exposed to a range of skills, ideas, methods and resources, in order to foster your development as a teacher.
This course introduces you to effective practices that support the health, safety and wellbeing of infants, toddlers and young children in an early childhood education context. Key legal requirements and ethical principles that promote the protection of children’s rights, as well as practices that can be implemented to support health and wellbeing in an early childhood education setting are explored.
This course aims to provide you with the opportunity to reflect on and consolidate the learning you have gained through your academic courses and apply it to your early childhood education practice. This will contribute to your growing understanding of the holistic nature of child development and learning, and how it can be fostered through play. You will make important connections between your growing theoretical knowledge and the actual practice of being an early childhood teacher.
Academic Entry - all applicants
Domestic applicants need to be a minimum of 16 years old prior to starting the programme. International applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to starting the programme.
Applicants for the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) who are under the age of 20, must have one of the following:
a) A minimum of 48 NCEA credits at level 2 or higher, with the literacy credits required for University Entrance as per Universities New Zealand
b) International high school equivalency.
Applicants for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) over the age of 20 may receive special admission. Special admission is applied for, and granted, at the discretion of the College.
All applicants must declare any physical or learning disability, or diverse needs that may impact on their performance as a student.
Blended learning mode
Applicants must:
Provide at least one written professional reference.
Demonstrate their ability to meet the expectations of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand in terms of personal and professional qualities, based on the Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession (2017), through a personal visual interview.
Be assessed for their te reo Māori competency at Level 1 in the Te Aho Arataki Marau.
Have attained a New Zealand Police vetting report.
Note: Detailed academic entry criteria is determined by our admissions team.
English Language Entry
International applicants must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2025. Details of these requirements can be found HERE.
If at any point in the selection process New Zealand Tertiary College holds concerns about an applicant’s English language competency, the College will require the applicant to provide evidence of meeting English language requirements.
Students enrolled in the Blended Learning mode are required to undertake work experience (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for a minimum of 16 hours per week throughout the program
Engage in online discussions
International students will also be required to:
Attend tutorials for a minimum of four hours per week throughout the program
Students wishing to complete the Field Practice course are required to complete 40 days of full-time Field Practice during the program.
Centre-based learning
Applicable to all study programs operating under the requirements of The Teaching Council, this mode blends the flexibility of online learning with workplace learning and practical experience in an ECE centre or school. All students access the learning management system (NZTC Online) for course materials, research and support materials, and assessment submission and return, while learning in their workplace.
Online
Online is a flexible mode of learning without face-to-face attendance requirements. All study is conducted through our learning management system - NZTC Online. Courses are completed and assessed online, and you are part of an online learning community where you can interact with other students and lecturers through online discussion forums to assist your learning.
August 2025 intakes: | Monday, 4 August 2025 Monday, 11 August 2025 Monday, 18 August 2025 Monday, 25 August 2025 |
September 2025 intakes: | Monday, 1 September 2025 Monday, 8 September 2025 Monday, 15 September 2025 Monday, 22 September 2025 Monday, 29 September 2025 |
October 2025 intakes: | Monday, 6 October 2025 Monday, 13 October 2025 Monday, 20 October 2025 Tuesday, 28 October 2025 |
November 2025 intakes: | Monday, 3 November 2025 Monday, 10 November 2025 |
2025 Fees NZD
Domestic students - $6,848
International students - $26,000
The following fees are also required:
Student Fee Insurance $50
Covers the insurance to protect student fees. The fee is based upon one stage of study.Student ID card $30
One off payment at beginning of study. Students must submit a photo for a student card to be produced. Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards are $30.Police Vetting Fee $25
One off payment at beginning of study.NZQA Reporting Fee $10
Covers the cost of reporting qualification to NZQA.
If you are applying for Credit Recognition and Transfer (CRT):
CRT Assessment Fee $95
The fee is non-refundable even if no CRT credit is awarded.
International students may also be required to pay the following fees:
Homestay Placement $350
This fee is non-refundable even if no homestay is taken by the student.Medical and Travel Insurance $861 (approx)/annum
Insurance purchased from NZTC meets the conditions for insurance stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. All insurance submitted to NZTC will be evaluated to ensure it meets the conditions. If the insurance does not, no Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued. Please check HERE.
New Zealand Tertiary College qualifications have been designed to link easily into each other, providing you with a flexible range of pathway options into higher level study.
Upon completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) you may be eligible to apply for the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6), Bachelor of Education (ECE) or Bachelor of Teaching (ECE).
Graduation from the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) results in eligibility to apply for New Zealand teacher registration. Entry criteria and field practice requirements apply.
New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Download our ECE Study Prospectus
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If you're an international student, you can apply online with our online application form. Click here to apply as an international student.