HomeProgrammesEducationTe Tohu Paetahi Akoranga: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Level 7

Are you passionate about early childhood teaching? The UCOL Te Pūkenga Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 7 will prepare you to enter the highly gratifying career.

The UCOL Te Pūkenga earlychildhood class in progress
Quick info

Level: 7

Locations: UCOL Te Pūkenga Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Te Pūkenga Wairarapa in Masterton, UCOL Te Pūkenga Whanganui

Duration: 3 Years

Dates:
Palmerston North
Y1: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024
Y2: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024
Y3: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024

Masterton
Y1: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024
Y2: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024
Y3: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024

Whanganui
Y1: 26 Feb 2024 - 29 Nov 2024

Domestic Fees: *
Y1: $7,063.00 Y2: $7,062.00 Y3: $7,062.00

Scholarship info

International Fees:*
$25,000.00 per year + Student Services Levy $591.00 per year

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) Level 7, will provide ākonga (Students) with a recognised, qualification in the early childhood education industry. 

You will attend classes on-campus two days a week and undertake a minimum of 12 hours per week in a licensed early childhood education service, including block placements within a variety or early childhood settings. You will gain experience working alongside infants, toddlers and young children. 

Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) prepares graduates to teach in the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Graduates will use Te Tiriti o Waitangi to guide practice with an understanding of the history, language and importance of Māori and recognition of Māori place as mana whenua. The programme also prepares graduates to support the educational success of Pasifika learners in our rohe, as a significant ethnic grouping in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The course is designed to designed to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career as an early childhood kaiako (teacher). Successful completion means you'll be eligible for teacher registration and provisional certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Our courses connect theory with practice and are strongly aligned with local community and sector needs.  We ensure our graduates are work-ready and equipped with skills and knowledge to be employed within the sector.

 Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of this three-year Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (Level 7) degree will have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to be competent, registered teachers in early childhood settings in New Zealand. Employment options may include:

  • Kindergarten
  • Early childhood centres
  • Home-based settings
  • Or staircase to further study
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Teachers, see careers.govt.nz

 Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

All learners enrolled in Year 1 and 3 are required to participate in a compulsory noho marae. This noho is an overnight stay as per the following:

  • Wairarapa campus  - April 
  • Palmerston North campus - April
  • Whanganui campus - April
This programme comprises 360 Credits. 

Year 1


Child Development (15 Credits)
This course will introduce you to the theoretical perspectives of child development (from birth to six years) relevant to the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Education and Society (15 Credits)
This course examines underlying social and cultural contexts in education including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the implications for early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Professional Inquiry in Practice 1: Professional and Reflective Practice (15 Credits)
This course will introduce you to the knowledge, practice, values, and attitudes required to be an effective professional teacher in early childhood education. 

Professional Inquiry in Practice 2: Communication and Relationships (15 Credits)
This course will further develop your knowledge, practice, values, and attitudes as required to be an effective professional teacher in early childhood education. 

Te Puna Reo (15 Credits)
This course will introduce you to te Reo Māori me ngā Tikanga and their relevance to early childhood services. 

Play, Curriculum, and Pedagogy (15 Credits) 
This course will introduce the early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and explore the concept of play as a curriculum in early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Artistic Languages of Children (15 Credits)
This course will help you develop curriculum knowledge, skills, and an understanding of effective learning and teaching processes and strategies in visual arts, music, and movement. 

Educational Approaches (15 Credits)
This course will help you understand historical and contemporary educational ideas, philosophies and approaches that inform early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Field Base Experience Placement
Learners will need to source an early childhood service to support their Field base experience placement, prior to the course start date.

They will be required to complete a total of 14 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester one and 10 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester 2. Totaling 288 hours for the year. These hours are completed over 2 days in a week, either on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Practical Experience Placement
Learners will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL Te Pūkenga to complete 120 hours (4 weeks) of work experience in semester 2. Practical experience placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and our (UCOL Te Pūkenga) ability to place learners successfully.

Year 2


Infants and Toddlers: First 1000 days (15 Credits)
This course will critically examine the requirements for providing education and care for infants and toddlers in early childhood settings.

Equity & Diversity (15 Credits)
This course will help you understand historical and social issues connected to diversity and the achievement of educational equity for infants, toddlers, young children, and their families in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional Inquiry in Practice 3: Assessment for Learning and Teaching (15 Credits)
This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to assess learning in early childhood settings. 

Professional Inquiry in Practice 4: Personal and Professional Identity (15 Credits)
This course will help you develop a reflective practitioner's professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes within early childhood settings.

Te Puna Tikanga (15 Credits)
This course will enable you to apply concepts and knowledge of Tikanga Māori to reflective teaching practice, planning, implementation, and evaluation of early childhood curriculum. 

Emergent Literacies (15 Credits)
This course will help you develop content knowledge, skills, and understanding of effective learning and teaching approaches for developing and supporting young children’s emerging literacies. 

Early Mathematical and Scientific Concepts (15 Credits)
This course will help you understand how infants, toddlers, and young children learn mathematical and scientific concepts and apply this theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways within early childhood settings.
 
Introduction to Educational Research (10 Credits)
This course will introduce you to educational research methods and develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to be an effective practitioner-researcher.

Field Base Experience Placement
Learners will need to source an early childhood service to support their Field base experience placement, prior to the course start date.

They will be required to complete a total of 9 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester one and 14 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester 2. Totaling 276 hours for the year. These hours are completed over 2 days in a week, either on a Monday, Tuesday, or Friday.

Practical Experience Placement
Learners will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL Te Pūkenga to complete 150 hours (5 weeks) of work experience in semester 1. Practical experience placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and our (UCOL Te Pūkenga) ability to place learners successfully.

Year 3


Holistic Wellbeing of Teachers (10 Credits)
This course will critically explore contemporary issues that impact teacher well-being. 

Pedagogy, Policy, and Practice (15 Credits)
This course will help you apply critical reflection and analysis of societal structures and processes to complex political issues that affect the early childhood education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. 

Professional Inquiry in Practice 5: Professional Leadership (15 Credits)
This course will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to fulfil leadership roles and responsibilities within early childhood settings.

Professional Inquiry in Practice 6: Collaborative Partnerships (20 Credits)
This course will focus on blending the professional skills, knowledge, and attitudes of a graduating early childhood teacher.
 
Te Puna Mātauranga (15 Credits)
This course will help you understand Mātauranga Māori and its implications for future teaching practice. 

Environments and Learning (15 Credits)
This course will critically explore early childhood learning environments and the influence of historical and contemporary perspectives in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Whakatōpū Arotakenga (15 Credits)
This course will consolidate prior learning and demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and competencies of an effective reflective practitioner.

Teacher as Researcher (15 Credits)
This course will provide you with an opportunity to plan and implement an action research project in an early childhood education setting.

Field Base Experience Placement
Learners will need to source an early childhood service to support their Field base experience placement, prior to the course start date. 

They will be required to complete a total of 9 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester one and 7 weeks (12 hours per week) in semester 2. Totaling 192 hours for the year. These hours are completed over 2 days in a week.

Practical Experience Placement
In the third year, learners will complete a 7 week practicum in Semester 2. In 5 of these weeks, learners will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL Te Pūkenga to complete 150 hours of work experience. For the last 2 weeks, Learners will complete 60 hours of work experience in their field base service. Practical experience placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and our (UCOL Te Pūkenga) ability to place learners successfully.

 Domestic Entry Requirements

To be eligible to enter this programme, you must be 17 years of age at the start of the programme, and provide evidence that you meet Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Entry to the Programme requirements.

Academic Entry Requirements
a) If you are under 20 years of age:
  1. University Entrance or a recognised equivalent such as International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International, 
  2. or,

  3. Be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL Te Pūkenga that you have the skills and ability to study at a tertiary level. This may include successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 4.
b) If you are over 20 years of age and without University Entrance (or equivalent), be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL Te Pūkenga that you have the ability to study at a tertiary level. This may include successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 4.

Competency in English Language, te reo Māori, literacy and numeracy (English medium programmes)

English Language
All applicants who do not have English, Māori or NZ sign as their first language must demonstrate English language competency through one of the following:
  1. New Zealand University Entrance Literacy Credits at either NCEA Level 2 or 3, or
  2. New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 5 (Academic) as well as Unit Standards 22750, 22751 and 22749, or
  3. IELTS score of 7.0 in all bands (achieved in the past two years) or equivalent including TOEFL (refer to the English language competency table on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand website).
Māori Language
Applicants who will be submitting assessments in te reo Māori but do not hold University Entrance in te reo Māori are recommended to demonstrate Maori language competency through the achievement of Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori Level 2 (National Māori Language Proficiency Examinations).

For applicants who have studied full immersion in te Reo Māori may use the following evidence of language competency:
  • Achieved Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori level 2 (National Māori Langauge Proficience Examinations);
  • Undertook all primary schooling and at least 3 years of secondary schooling in te reo Māori;
  • Undertook five years of secondary schooling in te reo Māori.

Literacy and Numeracy Competency
Prior to entry, all applicants must pass a literacy and numeracy competency assessment. The pass level in literacy and numeracy must be no lower than the equivalent to UE in literacy and numeracy.

UCOL Te Pūkenga will use the Tertiary Education Commission on-line Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool to assess candidate’s literacy and numeracy competency prior to confirmation of enrolment. A score of Step 4 for Literacy and Step 5 for Numeracy plus a scale score of 571 for writing, 608 for reading and 596 for two of the numeracy standards will be considered to having met the literacy and numeracy credits. 

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 7.0 in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL).

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

Learners must authorise UCOL Te Pūkenga 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 Te Pūkenga will undertake a safety check of students to ensure UCOL Te Pūkenga meets the legislative requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act, 2014. UCOL Te Pūkenga will do this on behalf of early childhood education institutions and providers of private childcare placements hosting UCOL Te Pūkenga learners. 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.


 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

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

English language proficiency
If you are an international learner, you will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that you meet New Zealand University Entrance equivalency. In addition to meeting the academic entry requirements listed above, if your first language is not English, or you come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). 

The minimum requirements are: 
An IELTS score of at least 7.0 (Academic) in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL, NZ Certificate in English Language (Academic) L5), achieved in one sitting authorised by the awarding body (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). And which is within the preceding two years when the student’s application is received and stamped by Registry. 

 Advice & Guidance

Safety Check

UCOL Te Pūkenga holds a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of everyone within the early childhood sector. To uphold this commitment, we diligently carry out a thorough safety assessment once you have successfully completed your application for enrolment. This assessment includes the following vital steps: 

  1. Interview: We will engage in a thoughtful and informative interview to better understand your background and qualifications. 
  2. Confirmation of Work History: To ensure a comprehensive overview of your experience, we will verify your work history. 
  3. Two Trusted Referees: We kindly request the contact information of two trusted referees who can provide valuable insights into your qualifications and character. 
  4. Completing New Zealand Police Vetting: In line with our rigorous safety standards, we will facilitate New Zealand Police vetting to guarantee a secure and conducive learning environment for all. 

The safety and well-being of both our students and the young tamariki during your practical experience in the early childhood community are of the utmost importance to us. This thorough safety check stands as an essential component of our unwavering dedication to delivering an educational experience that is not only secure but also nurturing and supportive. 

Field-Based Experience

As part of your academic journey, you will embark on a field-based experience placement, overseen by a registered and fully certified teacher. This placement must be conducted within a fully licensed early childhood service, ensuring a robust learning environment. 

You have the flexibility to engage in this experience, whether in an employed or non-employed capacity, dedicating a minimum of two days (equivalent to 12 hours) per week throughout the academic year, except when you are involved in your practical experience placement. 

It's important to note that securing a suitable service to facilitate your field-based experience placement is a prerequisite. We kindly request that you finalise this arrangement prior to the commencement of the course, ensuring a seamless transition into this invaluable aspect of your education. 

Practical Experience Placement

In addition to your field-based experience, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a distinct early childhood service. This practical experience spans a duration of four weeks in year 1 and 5 weeks in year 2 & 3, with a commitment of 30 hours per week, involving full-time engagement across five days. 

Please be aware that as part of this practical experience placement, you may be required to travel beyond your district. Any associated expenses incurred during this period will be the responsibility of the student. 

Noho Marae 

It is important to note that all ākonga enrolled in Year 1 and 3 are required to participate in a mandatory noho marae experience, which includes an overnight stay. This enriching cultural experience is an integral part of the curriculum and enhances your overall educational journey. 

Academic Requirements for Admission 

To be eligible for entry to the programme, applicants must be 17 years of age at the start of the programme, and provide evidence that they meet Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's Entry to the Programme requirements.   

  1. For those under 20 years of age: 
  1. Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance (UE) 

or 

  1. Be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL that they have the skills and ability to study at a tertiary level. This may include successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care L4. Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at the tertiary level. 
  1. For those over 20 years of age, there are no academic requirements for admission.  However, applicants over 20 and without UE will need to be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL that they have the ability to study at a tertiary level. 
  1. For applicants for whom English is an additional language; must demonstrate their English proficiency with a band score of 7.0 or higher for each component of the academic version of IELTS or equivalent,  

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board.  In addition, all applicants are required to: 

  • Declare any previous criminal convictions (including international convictions) prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Executive Dean; and 
  • Authorise UCOL Te Pūkenga 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 Executive Dean; and 
  • Complete a Health Declaration Form  
  • Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation. 
  • Completion of Children's Act and Safety Checking Documentation.  
  • Participation in a Group and Individual Interview.  
  • Successful completion of Numeracy, Literacy, and Written Assessments.  
  • Completion of the Te Kākano cultural competency assessment.  

Our selection process is a pivotal part of ensuring that our program aligns with your goals and aspirations. During this process, a comprehensive interview will be conducted, allowing us to evaluate various aspects, including: 

  • Personal qualities 
  • Professional qualities 
  • Early childhood knowledge and experience 
  • Additional work and community involvement 
  • Cultural knowledge and understanding 

Rest assured, the interview panel will comprise dedicated UCOL Te Pūkenga early childhood kaimahi (lecturers) who possess extensive experience and expertise in this field. The interview itself is conducted in a fair and professional manner, with utmost attention to ensuring your comfort and ease throughout the process. We encourage you to invite family or whānau to provide support during this important step in your academic journey. 

In the event that the number of qualified applicants surpasses the available program slots, a waitlist will be created based on the date of completed and received applications. 

Recognition of prior learning 
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures

Application checklist 
To streamline and simplify the application process, we recommend that you prepare the following items before you apply

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.) 
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable) 
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme 
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).


 Additional Costs

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care as follows:  

Textbook : 

Upon your acceptance into the program, you will receive a comprehensive list of required textbooks. Further information will also be included in your acceptance letter. If you wish to access this list in advance, you can do so once you are officially enrolled. ' 

These required texts are essential reading materials for one or more of your courses, and most of them remain relevant should you choose to pursue the Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) program at UCOL Te Pūkenga. 

We recommend purchasing these required texts online, as they are available from a variety of suppliers, and prices may vary. Some texts may also be available as second-hand copies or in electronic format. When making your purchase, ensure that you acquire the most up-to-date edition. 

It's worth noting that the UCOL Te Pūkenga library houses at least one copy of all the required texts. These copies are accessible for short-term loan, providing a valuable resource for your studies. 

Please feel free to reach out if you require any additional information or assistance regarding textbook acquisition. 


 Accreditation

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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