U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

Learn how to create meaningful educational experiences for infants, toddlers, and young children while gaining the skills to support whānau and parents.

This programme combines theory with hands-on practicum, giving you real-world experience. Plus, you’ll build essential literacy and numeracy skills for the industry - perfect if you’re serious about a career in early childhood education.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for this programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can use the form at the top of the page to apply.

Delivered from 9am - 3pm in both locations.

Palmerston North and Whanganui - Thursdays and Fridays

Masterton - Wednesdays and Thursdays

This programme comprises 63 credits.

Early Childhood Learning and Development Theory (18 Credits)

Gain an operational knowledge of children’s learning, development, growth and environmental influences in an early childhood and care context within New Zealand. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to demonstrate knowledge of children's development and their basis needs, explain the link between attachment behaviour and patterns of behaviour in young children, and demonstrate knowledge of the factors that influence nutrition and their effect on early childhood development.

Unit Standard 29864 (Version 2) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of attachment theories, behaviours and transition support in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 10026 (Version 7) (Level 3) (6 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of mokopuna/children's development and learning and their relevance to an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29866 (Version 2) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and reflect on age-related nutrition needs for a child in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29872 (Version 2) (Level 4) (5 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of how theories of children's holistic development and learning influence practice.

Culture and Communication in an Early Childhood Setting (17 Credits)

Develop a range of communication skills to enhance social competency when working with a diverse range of cultural groups within New Zealand. This includes using basic te reo Māori and tikanga Māori within a familiar early childhood context to promote awareness of Māori as tangata whenua.

Unit Standard 32992 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of whānau/families and cultural diversity strategies in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 32994 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Communicate and support the use of languages to develop and maintain relationships in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29876 (Version 2) (Level 4) (5 Credits)

Use culturally responsive strategies to build relationships and communicate effectively in an ECE community.

Unit Standard 29877 (Version 2) (Level 4) (5 Credits)

Use and evaluate strategies to engage in relationships and support children's social competence in an ECE community.

Legislation and Ethical Practices in an Early Childhood Context (14 Credits)

Develop an awareness of the legislative requirements that support early childhood services in New Zealand, including:

• Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

• Licensing Criteria for Education and Care Services

• Vulnerable Children Act 2014

• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

• Code of Ethics for Certified Teachers

• Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi

Unit Standard 29869 (Version 2) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of ethical responsibility to guide practice in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29868 (Version 2) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate professional behaviours and manage personal health and wellbeing in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 32995 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi, legislation services and support relevant to an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29879 (Version 2) (Level 4) (4 Credits)

Describe societal influences, practices and legislative requirements that support child protection in an ECE service.

Early Childhood Practicum (14 Credits - 60 hours)

Gain practical experiences within an early childhood setting to develop confidence, skills and cultural competency in working with children, families/whānau and fellow educators.

Unit Standard 26707 (Version 5) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Describe the value of play and create resources for children's learning and development in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 33034 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Describe Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early Childhood Curriculum.

Unit Standard 32990 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Develop skills to observe and analyse learning and development of a mokopuna/child in an early childhood setting.

Unit Standard 29865 (Version 2) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Describe and reflect on practices to protect and promote the health and holistic wellbeing of young mokopuna/children.

For year 12 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or students with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school), aged 16 years or over.

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Recommended school subjects include:

• Maths

• English

Learners will be required to complete a Police Vetting Check as deemed necessary by the Vulnerable Childrens Act.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS or equivalent, including TOEFL. Contact the info centre for more details.

Not applicable.

Successful completion of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will know what you need to do to pursue a career.

If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

• New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)

• New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
  

Successful graduates of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme have introductory knowledge of children's learning and development and will be able to contribute to the workplace as an entry-level carer. Job opportunities include:

• Early childhood centres

• Home-based childcare centres

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

This programme is part of a suite of 'Academy' programmes offered by UCOL to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and NCEA Credits.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school.

Cost

Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport

Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations

Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.

There are no additional costs associated with this programme. Simply, bring a pen, paper and your lunch each week.