NZ2851-V2 New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 5 FAQs

All workshops are compulsory. In exceptional circumstance such as serious illness an exemption may be considered but you will need to provide documented evidence e.g. Doctors Certificate.  

The 5 week practicum is a final course for this programme, and is usually completed towards the end of your programme of study. It's part of EDU508 Professional Practice 1.

Practicums are negotiated between the student, Regional Academic Staff Member and early childhood service with Open Polytechnic providing organisation and administrative support.

No, however we do recommend that you work or volunteer in an ECE setting.

Yes. These are programme requirements of this qualification.

The qualification is delivered using a mix of online learning and applied teaching. This includes access to courses online with academic support from staff and contact with your lecturers and other students. You will be expected to complete 3 workshops and an overnight marae stay.

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) will provide you with an understanding of the ECE sector as well as the skills and knowledge to become involved in a range of early childhood contexts. In addition, it will pathway you into high level study. It is not a teaching qualification leading to teacher registration. For this you need to complete the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). Courses in the certificate will cross credit to courses in our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) if you have successfully completed them.

It will be possible to cross credit into Op7031 Bachelor of Teaching (ECE).  Other cross credit may be possible. It will be dependent on a close match of learning outcomes, level and credits. Usual cross credit procedures will apply.

Visit this webpage for information on cross crediting.

Up to six years from the time you complete your first course within the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) qualification.

This is a trimesterised qualification consisting of eight courses that must be completed within one year (full-time) or 3 years (part-time) from the time of first enrolment in the qualification. A maximum of four courses can be enrolled in each trimester.

After your interview you will be notified within two weeks the outcome of your application.  

Your employment history, evidence of your previous qualifications, details of any criminal convictions or traffic infringements, a written piece about why you wish to be an early childhood teacher, your interests, hobbies, iwi and community involvement, two referees, verified identification and a consent form for police vetting.

The admission process includes completion of an online application for enrolment, shortlisting, interview and completion of a literacy and numeracy test. 

If you hold the level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Practice, provided you meet all of our other entry requirements, you can gain entry into the level 5 diploma.

This qualification is for anyone who is interested in the early childhood education sector. It is for those who are passionate about facilitating the growth and development of the community by investing in the young children of today.