Teaching
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Equips students to provide practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, covering curriculum, play, communication, Māori culture, and inclusive teaching, with practical placement opportunities.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year

Provide high quality, practice-based education and care for young children in early childhood settings.

Demonstrate knowledge of the early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) and the role of play in child development and learning.

Use effective written and oral communication, including te reo Māori, to engage with children, families, and colleagues.
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) extends your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator. You'll learn to provide high-quality, practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, or pathway into a higher-level teaching qualification. The programme covers the New Zealand early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki), the role of play in child learning and development, effective communication (including te reo Māori), and bicultural infant and toddler care. Further, you will develop skills in observation, assessment, planning for teaching, and inclusive education. The programme includes two, three-week supported placement experiences totaling 180 hours, ensuring real-world application of your learning.
What you need to know first

Education and Training
Childcare

Non-registered early childhood educator in childcare centres, hospitals, in-home or parent-led settings
Nanny or au pair
Supervise or guide volunteers in early childhood settings
Teaching
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Equips students to provide practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, covering curriculum, play, communication, Māori culture, and inclusive teaching, with practical placement opportunities.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year

Provide high quality, practice-based education and care for young children in early childhood settings.

Demonstrate knowledge of the early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) and the role of play in child development and learning.

Use effective written and oral communication, including te reo Māori, to engage with children, families, and colleagues.
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) extends your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator. You'll learn to provide high-quality, practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, or pathway into a higher-level teaching qualification. The programme covers the New Zealand early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki), the role of play in child learning and development, effective communication (including te reo Māori), and bicultural infant and toddler care. Further, you will develop skills in observation, assessment, planning for teaching, and inclusive education. The programme includes two, three-week supported placement experiences totaling 180 hours, ensuring real-world application of your learning.
What you need to know first

Education and Training
Childcare

Non-registered early childhood educator in childcare centres, hospitals, in-home or parent-led settings
Nanny or au pair
Supervise or guide volunteers in early childhood settings
NCEA Level 2 OR New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) or equivalent
Two satisfactory character references addressing the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007
Consent to Disclosure of Information - New Zealand Police vetting
Interview to assess suitability for working with children
Alternative entry may be considered based on equivalent skills from study, work or life experience
NCEA Level 2 OR New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) or equivalent
Two satisfactory character references addressing the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007
Consent to Disclosure of Information - New Zealand Police vetting
Interview to assess suitability for working with children
Alternative entry may be considered based on equivalent skills from study, work or life experience