National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education, Pasifika) (Level 7)

The National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education, Pasifika) (Level 7) [Ref: 0983] recognises the skills, knowledge, and attributes required of a teacher involved in teaching infants, toddlers, and young children in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This diploma provides the teacher with particular expertise in working with Pasifika children, their families and communities in a range of early childhood services. It comprises a range of compulsory and elective standards that address the relevant curriculum documents of Aotearoa New Zealand. These standards allow a flexible and coherent programme enabling autonomy for local providers and candidates.

This diploma is designed for people seeking a career as an educator or teacher in early childhood education and for people currently working in early childhood services attended by Pasifika children: infants, toddlers, and young children.

Holders of the National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education, Pasifika) (Level 7) are able to:
. meet the generic Graduating Teacher Standards: Aotearoa New Zealand (2007) specific to professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values and relationships that the New Zealand Teachers' Council requires for teacher registration;
. demonstrate knowledge of
. children's learning and how learning theories influence practice
. the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum
. programme planning for learning
. environments that enhance children's health and safety
. child development and learning
. the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
. funding for ECE services
. demonstrate and use knowledge, skills, and attributes associated with the promotion and maintenance of Pasifika community structure and protocols, language, and traditional practices that encompass the cultural diversity of the major Pacific groups living in Aotearoa/New Zealand (elective 1);
. teach in any early childhood setting within Aotearoa/New Zealand.

This diploma is for people working in or intending to work within Pacific Islands early childhood education services. It is a professional qualification for teachers in Early Childhood Education centres attended by Pasifika children, and for those seeking a career in early childhood education. It prepares candidates for teacher registration and builds on the skills and knowledge acquired from any of:
. the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5) [Ref: 0430],
. the National Certificate in Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education (Pasifika Management) (Level 6) [Ref: 0982].