New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3)

This programme consist of 60 credits. The courses includes;

Early Childhood Learning and Development Theory (15 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.

Culture and Communication in an Early Childhood Setting (15 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.

Legislative and Ethical Practices in an Early Childhood Context (15 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 

Early Childhood Practicum (15 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.

Domestic Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 1

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

Students 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 onto the programme is at the discretion of the Head of School.

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

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.0 with no band score less 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). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

International Entry Requirements

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

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 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). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age

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

Domestic Fees: *
$3395.00

International Fees:*
$10,250.00

Successful graduates of UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) 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