HomeProgrammesEducationAcademy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

Level 3

Discover if a career in early childhood education is right for you, while still in secondary school with the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school).

An early childhood class where students are interacting happily with each other and the male student has his hair with lot of knots.
Quick info

Level: 3

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

Dates:
Starting: Week of 12 Feb 2024
Finishing: Week ending 27 Sep 2024
Delivery days:
Palmerston North & Whanganui: Thursdays & Fridays
Masterton: Wednesdays & Thursdays

Domestic Fees: *
Some fees may apply to complete this qualification

Scholarship info

International Fees:*
Please enquire for details

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.

Learn how to provide quality educational experiences for infants, toddlers and young children, gain skills for supporting whānau/parents and acquire core literacy and numeracy skills for the industry. The UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme comprises theory and a practicum and is perfect if you are serious about early childhood and care as a possible career.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school)Programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can use the form below to apply.


 Course Hours & Duration

Delivered from 9am - 3pm in both locations.

Palmerston North & Whanganui: Thursdays & Fridays
Masterton: Wednesdays & Thursdays


 Career & Study Outcomes

Successful completion of the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will know what you need to do to pursue a career. If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

Successful graduates of the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme 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

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Teachers, see careers.govt.nz

 Course Information

This programme consists of 60 credits. 

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.

Unit Standard 29864 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of attachment theories, behaviours and transition support in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 10026 (Version 6) (Level 3) (5 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of children's development and learning and their relevance to an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29866 (Version 1) (Level 3) (2 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and reflect on age-related nutrition needs for a child in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29872 (Version 1) (Level 4) (5 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of how theories of children's learning and development influence practice in an ECE service.

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.

Unit Standard 29867 (Version 1) (Level 3) (5 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse whānau/families and use a range of effective communication strategies in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29876 (Version 1) (Level 4) (5 Credits)
Use culturally responsive strategies to build relationships and communicate effectively in an ECE community.

Unit Standard 29877 (Version 1) (Level 4) (5 Credits)
Use and evaluate strategies to engage in relationships and support children's social competence in an ECE community.

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
Unit Standard 29869 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical responsibility to guide practice in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29868 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)
Demonstrate professional behaviour and manage personal health and wellbeing in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29870 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi, legislation and organisations relevant to ECE services in New Zealand.

Unit Standard 29879 (Version 1) (Level 4) (4 Credits)
Describe societal influences, practices and legislative requirements that support child protection in an ECE service.

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.

Unit Standard 26707 (Version 4) (Level 3) (4 Credits)
Describe the value of play and create resources for children's development and learning in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 10013 (Version 6) (Level 3) (2 Credits) 
Explain the relevance of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum Te Whāriki as a framework for programme development.

Unit Standard 29863 (Version 1) (Level 3) (5 Credits)
Develop, implement and evaluate a learning plan based on observation of a child in an ECE service.

Unit Standard 29865 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)
Describe and reflect on practices to protect and promote the health and holistic wellbeing of children in an ECE service.

Previous Related Programme

The New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

  • National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

 Domestic Entry Requirements

For year 12 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or students with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school), aged 16 years or over.

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Recommended school subjects include:

  • Maths
  • English

Learners will be required to complete a Police Vetting Check as deemed necessary by the Vulnerable Childrens Act.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS or equivalent, including TOEFL. Contact the info centre for more details.

 

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

 International Entry Requirements

Not applicable.

 Advice & Guidance

This programme is part of a suite of 'Academy' programmes offered by UCOL Te Pūkenga to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and NCEA Credits.

How to apply
If you're interested in applying for the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (In-school) Programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. 

Cost
Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport
Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations
Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.

 Additional Costs

There are no additional costs associated with this programme. Simply, bring a pen, paper and your lunch each week.

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