Teaching
A course by
UCOL
This New Zealand Certificate Level 4 provides those working in or entering early childhood education and care with formal qualifications. It prepares learners to support holistic development, implement the New Zealand early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki), and work effectively in culturally inclusive early childhood settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Multiple UCOL campuses or workplace/home-based settings, Various locations across New Zealand
It will take a total of 19 weeks
This course requires 43 hours per week

Students will be able to explain and apply key early childhood theories to guide holistic development and learning of young children.

Students will plan, provide, and review enriching learning experiences incorporating multicultural and bicultural perspectives, including Te Whāriki.

The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) is designed for current workers in infant, toddler, or young children home-based sectors who lack a formal qualification. The programme formalises learner knowledge and enhances skills to achieve a Level 4 qualification, delivered through flexible options including online and local campus with tutorials. It covers socio-cultural theories of learning and development, bicultural and multicultural curricula, health and safety, legislation, and includes a 60-hour practicum within the learners' current workplace. The programme supports development of effective communication, ethical practices, and a personal philosophy aligned with New Zealand's bicultural context. Graduates can pursue further education like Level 5 Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and find employment in various early childhood roles.
What you need to know first

Early Childhood Education
Childcare
Education

Early childhood educator
ECE teacher
Home-based caregiver
Teaching
A course by
UCOL
This New Zealand Certificate Level 4 provides those working in or entering early childhood education and care with formal qualifications. It prepares learners to support holistic development, implement the New Zealand early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki), and work effectively in culturally inclusive early childhood settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Multiple UCOL campuses or workplace/home-based settings, Various locations across New Zealand
It will take a total of 19 weeks
This course requires 43 hours per week

Students will be able to explain and apply key early childhood theories to guide holistic development and learning of young children.

Students will plan, provide, and review enriching learning experiences incorporating multicultural and bicultural perspectives, including Te Whāriki.

The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) is designed for current workers in infant, toddler, or young children home-based sectors who lack a formal qualification. The programme formalises learner knowledge and enhances skills to achieve a Level 4 qualification, delivered through flexible options including online and local campus with tutorials. It covers socio-cultural theories of learning and development, bicultural and multicultural curricula, health and safety, legislation, and includes a 60-hour practicum within the learners' current workplace. The programme supports development of effective communication, ethical practices, and a personal philosophy aligned with New Zealand's bicultural context. Graduates can pursue further education like Level 5 Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and find employment in various early childhood roles.
What you need to know first

Early Childhood Education
Childcare
Education

Early childhood educator
ECE teacher
Home-based caregiver
Students will foster health, well-being, and care within early childhood settings that are inclusive to diverse cultures.
NCEA Level 2 or New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 3 or equivalent academic achievement
Police vetting and safety check as per Vulnerable Children's Act 2014
English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) for international students
Session leader
Support worker in early childhood settings
Students will foster health, well-being, and care within early childhood settings that are inclusive to diverse cultures.
NCEA Level 2 or New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 3 or equivalent academic achievement
Police vetting and safety check as per Vulnerable Children's Act 2014
English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) for international students
Session leader
Support worker in early childhood settings