NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Teaching
A course by
NZSE
This Level 4 certificate provides the skills and knowledge to become a competent Early Childhood Kaiako, equipping students to work in various childcare settings or progress to university-level studies in early childhood education.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Nationwide
It will take a total of 18 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Curriculum Knowledge and Implementation
Students will understand and be able to implement the Te Whāriki curriculum in early childhood settings.
Bicultural Practice
Students will learn bicultural approaches, including tikanga and reo Māori, relevant to early childhood education.
Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Practice
Students will gain knowledge of legislative and ethical frameworks governing ECE and apply them in practice.
What You're Signing Up For
The programme is designed for those passionate about caring for and teaching children. Delivered fully online over 18 weeks, the course covers curriculum implementation (Te Whāriki), bicultural practices, legislation, child wellbeing, professional communication, and includes a 64-hour work placement. It targets beginners, sector workers, and current home-based educators needing Level 4 qualification.
Course Content
- Understanding and implementing the Te Whāriki curriculum
- Bicultural practices including tikanga and reo Māori
- Regulatory, legislative, theoretical and ethical requirements
- Holistic and inclusive wellbeing of infants, toddlers and young children
- Strategies for personal health and wellbeing
- Learning and development philosophies and approaches for ECE
- Developing professional relationships with families, whānau, communities and colleagues
- Reflecting on personal skills and understanding through whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and Pasifika values
- Planning and evaluating a play-based curriculum ensuring safe and inclusive environments
- 64 hours of work placement in licensed home-based services, ECE centres, kindergartens or language nests
What you need to know first
Expected literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to NCEA Level 1 or higher
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Early Childhood Education
Childcare
Future employment opportunities might be
Home-based educator
Session leader in parent-led playgroups
ECE educator or support worker
Kaimahi in Māori or Pasifika centres