New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

All students must attend two compulsory noho marae, one in your first semester and one in your second semester. These noho are overnight stays. The dates are:

• Wairarapa campus  - 21/22 August
• Palmerston North campus - 14/15 August
• Whanganui campus - TBC

This programme comprises 120 credits.

Early Childhood Learning Theories and Development (15 Credits)
Develop broad theoretical knowledge of early childhood education theories of learning and development to inform practice.

• Language and culture
• Brain development
• Significance of neuroscience & implications for practice
• Development theories and approaches
• Brain architecture
• Relationships/Attachment

Culturally Appropriate Practices in an Early Childhood Setting (15 Credits)
Learn to engage with confidence and competency in your use and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori within your local community. The course covers:

• The history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Local iwi and hapū within the early childhood context
• Te Ao Māori - building relationships, caring, unity, bonding, leadership, reciprocal learning
• Te Reo Māori me onā tikanga Māori - basic praise phrases, simple instructions, waiata, understanding of tapu and noa in early childhood centre practices
• Pasifika salutations and phrases
• Communication techniques

Communication in an Early Childhood Setting (15 Credits)
Develop a range of skills and observation techniques to effectively communicate and develop collaborative relationships in an early childhood setting.

History of Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand (15 Credits)
Develop a broad theoretical understanding of the historical context of early child education in Aotearoa New Zealand and its implications for practice, to inform your developing philosophies.

Legislative Requirements in an Early Childhood Context (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of professional standards, legal requirements and ethical principles within the early childhood education context.

Holistic Teaching and Learning in an Early Childhood Setting (15 Credits)
Develop a range of relevant pedagogies and assessment practices in regards to infants, toddlers and young children and their learning.

Te Puna Mātauranga Māori (15 Credits)
Create a collection of appropriate teaching resources that enhance cultural responsiveness within an early childhood education and care setting.

Advanced Early Childhood Practicum (15 Credits) (120 practicum hours)
Learn to effectively engage in an early childhood setting, displaying culturally and responsive practice.

NCEA Level 3

OR

New Zealand/National Certificates in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3 or Level 4),

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.

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 5.5 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 iBT testing centre. 

Under 20 years of age
For international applicants under 20 years of age who do not hold NCEA, International Academic Qualifications Entry Criteria apply.

Practicum
Students will be placed in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL to complete 120 hours of work experience across two semesters. Work placements and successful completion of the programme are dependent on a satisfactory police check and UCOL’s ability to place students successfully.

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
• Authorisation for New Zealand Police Vetting
• 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.

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 or unit standards have already been met.