New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 4 (In-work/home based)

Specifically designed for those already working in the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, this flexible programme offers various delivery options, including evening and weekend classes online study online. This course is currently delivered through one night a week tutorials (3 hours approx.) and six Saturdays (5 hours approx.).

You’ll deepen your understanding of child development, cultural diversity, and the bicultural principles of Te Whāriki, all while completing 60 hours of practicum without leaving your workplace.

With strong support from our experienced educators, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to create inclusive, nurturing environments for tamariki and whānau. Plus, this qualification opens doors to further study and career growth in early childhood education.

This programme runs for 19 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time - 15 hrs

Online and in-work

Industry Experience

12 hrs

In your current work place (in an ECE setting) as part of 60 hrs practicum.

Study Time

16 hrs

Study in your own time

This programme comprises 60 credits.

Learning and Development Theories (15 Credits)

Gain a broad theoretical understanding of the learning and development of infants, toddlers and young children. The course covers:

• Concept of Ako

• Significance of neuroscience

• Attachment relationships and transitions

• Socio-culture theories and holistic development

• Models of wellbeing

• Health, safety, care and nutrition requirements

Culture and Identity (15 Credits)

Learn to communicate and interact with a diverse range of cultural groups within Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional and Ethical Principles and Practices (15 Credits)

Gain an understanding of relevant fundamental legislative documents and their impact on ethical practice in an early childhood setting.

Early Childhood Practicum (15 Credits) (60 practicum hours)

You can complete the practicum hours required for this programme in your current place of work.

NCEA Level 2;

OR

equivalent academic achievement

OR
on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Non-Academic Requirements

Learners must authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicant’s enrolment into the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager.

UCOL will undertake a safety check of all learners to ensure UCOL meets the legislative requirements of the Vulnerable Children's Act, 2014. UCOL will do this on behalf of early childhood education institutions and providers of private childcare placements hosting UCOL learners. The safety check involves confirming the learner's work history, verifying their suitability to work with children with a trusted referee, and completing New Zealand Police vetting.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

International Learners under 20 years of age

In addition to this international applicants under the age of 20 must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care will be able to:

• understand key early childhood socio-cultural theories of learning and development to inform and guide the holistic development and learning of children in an early childhood setting;

• use knowledge of multiculturalism, family diversity, and the bicultural nature of the New Zealand early childhood curriculum framework, Te Whāriki, to plan, provide and review enriching learning experiences for infants, toddlers, and young children;

• contribute to providing a culturally inclusive early childhood environment to foster the health, holistic well-being, and care of infants, toddlers, and young children;

• communicate effectively and engage in respectful, reciprocal, and responsive relationships within an early childhood education and care community;
  implement strategies to manage personal health, wellbeing, and professional development in an early childhood setting;

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulatory requirements, and how community and government services impact on early childhood settings and guide practices, to protect and support the wellbeing of children and families;

• understand the diverse philosophical and cultural contexts and approaches informing early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand to develop a personal philosophy of practice;

• implement bicultural early childhood education practice and promote awareness of Māori as tangata whenua, through using te reo Māori and tikanga Māori with infants, toddlers, young children and families/whānau in early childhood settings.

Education pathway

Graduates who wish to further specialise can enrol in: 

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) or New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education Level 5

Employment opportunities include working in a range of early childhood education settings as educators (teachers), Kaimahi, support workers, session leaders or organisers in parent-led services or playgroups including Pasifika and Māori.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Teachers, visit tahatu.govt.nz 

Full attendance is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities and to optimise success for students. Completion of this programme is required within 3 years of the date of first enrolment.

Work experience

Learners will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL to achieve the required 60 hours of practicum if they are not already working within the sector.

Work placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and the ability of UCOL to place learners successfully.

Timetable

Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a commitment of:

• On-campus tutorials

• Self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

• 60 hours of practicum placement

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).