Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care

This one year full time programme allows students to complete a well-rounded introduction to early childhood education and care and focuses on the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by early childhood educators and carers. Students will gain a good understanding of early childhood development, learning and teaching, the sociocultural context of ECE in New Zealand and working as an educator or carer in a range of settings in the ECE sector.

The programme is a combination of theory and practical sessions on campus and supported practicum experience, completed in a variety of early childhood settings. Practicum placements extend the students’ understanding and application of their learning from their other courses, to ensure they are prepared for working in culturally diverse settings and across the ECE age groups. This qualification does not lead to teacher registration, but provides a pathway to initial employment or the opportunity to progress on to further study.