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

All workshops are compulsory; however, you can attend a workshop in another area if preferred. In exceptional circumstance such as serious illness an exemption may be considered but you will need to provide documented evidence e.g. Doctors Certificate.  

You will complete the 5-week practicum in your second trimester of study as part of 65105 Professional Practice and Pedagogy.

Practicums are negotiated between the student, regional lecturer and early childhood service with Open Polytechnic providing organisation and administrative support.

No, as you will undertake practicums in early childhood centres.

Travel and accommodation cost for workshops is the responsibility of students and not included in the course fee.

Yes, this is a mandatory part of the qualification. 

The qualification is delivered using a mix of online learning and applied teaching. This includes access to courses online with academic support from lecturers and face-to-face contact with your lecturers and other students. You will be expected to attend 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. 

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 six 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 three courses can be enrolled in each trimester.

It will be possible to cross credit into the 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.

See this webpage for information on cross crediting.

 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 and an interview. Interviews are held throughout New Zealand. 

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.