Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Teaching
A course by
UCOL
This Level 7 Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at UCOL prepares students for a rewarding career as early childhood teachers, focusing on bicultural teaching practice and supporting diverse learners in New Zealand. It combines theoretical study with extensive practical placements and prepares graduates for teacher registration.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Teacher Registration Eligibility
Graduates will be competent and eligible for registration and provisional certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand to work as early childhood teachers.
Professional Practice
Demonstrate professional knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required for effective teaching in early childhood education settings.
Bicultural Competency
Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to teaching practice with an understanding of Māori history, language, culture and recognition of Māori as mana whenua.
What You're Signing Up For
The Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) Level 7 qualification provides students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become competent, registered early childhood teachers in New Zealand. The program includes on-campus classes, field placements in licensed early childhood services, and block practical experiences, with a strong emphasis on bicultural teaching guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting Pasifika learners. Graduates are eligible for provisional teacher certification and leadership roles within early childhood settings. The course connects theory with practice, is aligned to sector needs, and includes compulsory cultural experiences such as noho marae. Student safety checks and police vetting are prerequisites for practical placement.
Course Content
- Child Development (15 credits)
- Education and Society (15 credits)
- Professional Inquiry in Practice 1: Professional and Reflective Practice (15 credits)
- Professional Inquiry in Practice 2: Communication and Relationships (15 credits)
- Te Puna Reo (15 credits)
- Play, Curriculum, and Pedagogy (15 credits)
- Artistic Languages of Children (15 credits)
- Educational Approaches (15 credits)
- Field Base Experience Placements (multiple semesters)
- Practical Experience Placements (multiple semesters)
- Infants and Toddlers: First 1000 days (15 credits)
- Equity & Diversity (15 credits)
- Professional Inquiry in Practice 3: Assessment for Learning and Teaching (15 credits)
- Professional Inquiry in Practice 4: Personal and Professional Identity (15 credits)
- Te Puna Tikanga (15 credits)
- Emergent Literacies (15 credits)
- Early Mathematical and Scientific Concepts (15 credits)
- Introduction to Educational Research (10 credits)
- Holistic Wellbeing of Teachers (10 credits)
- Pedagogy, Policy, and Practice (15 credits)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Early Childhood Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Early childhood teacher in kindergarten, early childhood centres, home-based settings
Further study in education