New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Course details
| Domestic tuition | $3,313 per year |
|---|---|
| International tuition | $10,250 |
| NZQF Level | 4 |
About the course
Interested in working with infants toddlers or young children? Study the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.
The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care will provide you with the opportunity pathway into a rewarding career caring for infants, toddlers and young children.
You'll gain skills to work in multicultural settings, and play a key role enhancing family and community relationships.
New study options available: We are offering weekend study options for this programme in Palmerston North, specifically for those in employment and the homecare early childhood education sector.
Industry experience
As part of your studies, you'll participate in 60 hours of practicum studies in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL.
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)
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, see careers.govt.nz
About the provider
UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.
When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.
At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.
Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.
As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.
Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.
UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.
Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.