New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)

This programme consists of 60 credits. 

Learning and Development Theories (15 Credits)
Gain a broad theoretical understanding of the learning and development of infants, toddlers and young children. The course covers:

• Concept of Ako
  
• Significance of neuroscience
  
• Attachment relationships and transitions
• Socio-culture theories and holistic development
• Models of wellbeing
• Health, safety, care and nutrition requirements

Culture and Identity (15 Credits)
Learn to communicate and interact with a diverse range of cultural groups within Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional and Ethical Principles and Practices (15 Credits)
Gain an understanding of relevant fundamental legislative documents and their impact on ethical practice in an early childhood setting.

Early Childhood Practicum (15 Credits) (60 practicum hours)
Participate in authentic practical experiences within an early childhood setting, engaging with children, families/whānau and fellow educators.

NCEA Level 2;

OR

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

OR

equivalent academic achievement on a case-by-case basis;

OR 

at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Learners 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 into the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager.

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

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

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

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 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).

Full attendance is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities and to optimise success for learners. Completion of this programme is required within three years of the date of first enrolment.

Work experience
Learners will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL to achieve the required 60 hours of practicum.

Work placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and the ability of UCOL to place learners successfully.

Timetable
Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a commitment of:

• On-campus tutorials
• Self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)
• 60 hours of practicum placement
  

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 student 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 relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following 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).

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, a business division of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.