New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Teaching
A course by
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Gain introductory skills to begin a career in early childhood education. This one-year diploma prepares you to work in a range of ECE settings and is also the first year of the early childhood teaching degree at Toi Ohomai.
NZ$8,842
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Gain foundational ECE teaching skills
Develop practical skills for working in early childhood education, including lesson planning and classroom management.
Apply the principles of Te Whāriki
Understand and implement the New Zealand national early childhood curriculum to enhance child learning and development.
About This Course
This one-year diploma is designed for those interested in a career in early childhood education. It equips students with foundational skills to support the development of young children in educational and care settings. You'll study the principles of Te Whāriki (the national ECE curriculum), spend supervised placement time within early childhood centres, and cover topics such as communication, curriculum, infants and toddlers, diversity, and language and literacy. Graduates can work as non-registered educators, home-based carers or nannies, and the course is an entry pathway to a bachelor’s degree in teaching.
Course Content
- Ritenga Mātanga Tuatahi: Professional Practice 1
- Tauwhitiwhiti mō ngā kaiako kōhungahunga: Communication for ECE Teachers
- Tīmatanga Marautanga: Introduction to Curriculum
- Ngā Kōhungahunga: Infants and Toddlers
- Ngā Rereketanga-Ahurea: Diversity
- Te Reo me ōna Piringa: Language and Literacy
- Ritenga Mātanga Tuarua: Professional Practice 2
- Te Puawai
Entry Requirements
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori, OR
Build towards these roles
Non-registered educator in early childhood settingHome-based carerNannyCentre-based ECE support rolesHospital-based play specialist assistantParent-led educatorCulturally-based ECE educator
Build skills in these industries
Early Childhood Education
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Courses span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.
