Early Childhood Education
Take your passion for learning and teaching to new heights by gaining a nationally recognised teaching qualification at UCOL.
Learn from our expert educators, gain practical experience, and develop the skills to become a confident, world-class teacher for our tamariki and rangatahi throughout their learning journey.
Our programmes cover teaching best practices, education systems, culture, and society, with flexible options for certificates, diplomas, and degrees in early childhood education.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers - start your journey with UCOL today!
Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood programmes will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with young children, their parents, families and whānau, while gaining an in-depth understanding of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of teaching.
New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Full-time
Palmerston North
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Whanganui
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Want to be a part of shaping young lives? Gain the skills and knowledge to become a confident, skilled early childhood educator.
Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Palmerston North
Yr1, Yr2, Yr3: 23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
Yr1, Yr2, Yr3: 23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Whanganui
Yr1, Yr2, Yr3: 23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Passionate about inspiring young minds? Become a qualified early childhood educator and enjoy an exciting and rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
19 weeks full-time
Palmerston North
16 Feb 2026 – 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Whanganui
16 Feb 2026 – 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Passionate about shaping young minds and creating a positive impact in your community? Start your journey towards a rewarding career in early childhood education.
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 4 (In-work/home based)
19 weeks, full-time
Already working with infants, toddlers, or young children in a home-based setting? Take your passion for early childhood education to the next level by gaining a formal qualification.
U-Skills Academy Introduction to Early Childhood
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery day:
Palmerston North and Wairarapa - Monday
Whanganui - Friday
Get ready to spark your passion for working with tamariki! Discover if a career in child development, health and wellbeing is right for you, while still in secondary school
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North and Whanganui - Thursdays and Fridays
Masterton - Wednesdays and Thursdays
Passionate about shaping young minds? Discover if a career in early childhood education is right for you, while still in secondary school.
U-Skills STAR Early Childhood Education & Care
1 day per week over 5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Interested in early childhood education? Discover if a career into this rewarding sector is right for your while still in secondary school.
Profiles
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Erin Hall
Early Childhood Lecturer
As a teenager, UCOL Early Childhood Education (ECE) lecturer, Erin Hall, says she knew becoming a teacher was her calling and she hasn’t looked back since.
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Nova Doyle
3+2 ECE ākonga
Nurturing is just part of who Nova Doyle is, and it’s this strength that is driving her towards success.
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Tere Karaitiana-Bray
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) Wairarapa Lecturer
Tere's parents met as ākonga at Palmerston North Teachers' College, sparking a lifelong connection to education that shaped her journey.
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Esmay Krause
Early Childhood Education ākonga
“The universe is built on relationships. It’s about how stories are told and passed down. This is how we honour my culture and Te Tiriti.”
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Kayla Clark
Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Graduate
For someone who had never considered childcare as a career path, Kayla Clark has ‘absolutely loved’ her time studying the Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.