Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
Teaching
A course by
UCOL
This Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for secondary school learners to explore a career in early childhood education through theory and practicum, developing foundational skills and knowledge in caring for young children.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 3 locations
This course requires 6 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Knowledge of children's development and basic needs
Demonstrate understanding of children's learning, development, behavior, nutrition, and environmental influences in an early childhood context.
Cultural competency and communication skills
Use culturally responsive strategies including basic te reo Māori and tikanga Māori to support diverse families and whānau in early childhood settings.
Awareness of legislative and ethical requirements
What You're Signing Up For
The Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) programme is a Level 3 qualification aimed at year 12-13 secondary school learners. It provides foundational knowledge in children’s learning and development, cultural communication, legislation, ethics, and practical early childhood care experience. Delivered on-site in three UCOL locations, it combines theory with practicum to prepare learners for entry-level roles and further tertiary study in early childhood education.
Course Content
- Early Childhood Learning and Development Theory (18 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29864 (Level 3) - Attachment theories and behaviour (3 Credits)
- Unit Standard 10026 (Level 3) - Children's development and learning (6 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29866 (Level 3) - Age-related nutrition needs (3 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29872 (Level 4) - Theories of holistic development (5 Credits)
- Culture and Communication in Early Childhood Setting (17 Credits)
- Unit Standard 32992 (Level 3) - Whānau and cultural diversity strategies (3 Credits)
- Unit Standard 32994 (Level 3) - Communicate using languages in ECE (4 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29876 (Level 4) - Culturally responsive relationships (5 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29877 (Level 4) - Engage and support children's social competence (5 Credits)
- Legislation and Ethical Practices in Early Childhood Context (14 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29869 (Level 3) - Ethical responsibility in practice (3 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29868 (Level 3) - Professional behaviour and wellbeing (3 Credits)
- Unit Standard 32995 (Level 3) - Knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi and legislation (4 Credits)
- Unit Standard 29879 (Level 4) - Child protection societal influences and legislation (4 Credits)
- Early Childhood Practicum (14 Credits, 60 hours) - Practical experience in ECE
- Unit Standard 26707 (Level 3) - Value of play and resource creation (4 Credits)
- Unit Standard 33034 (Level 3) - Te Whāriki curriculum knowledge (3 Credits)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Early childhood education
Child care
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level early childhood carer in early childhood centres
Home-based childcare assistant