For information about selecting courses to study towards this qualification, check out the Choose courses tab.

What you will learn

When you achieve this qualification you will know about:

• the basic needs of children in an early childhood service and the ethics involved in an ECE service 
• how to provide a safe environment and safe practices in an ECE service that contribute to children’s health, nutrition, wellbeing and hygiene needs
• the framework of Te Whāriki: Early Childhood Curriculum and its relevance to children’s learning and development in an ECE service
• child development and the development of children’s language
• attachment patterns and the significance of short term separation for young children in an ECE service
• the range and cultural diversity of ECE services and their influence on the provision of early childhood education. 

Employment pathways

Graduates will be prepared to enter the early childhood education profession as home-based carers/educators, nannies, educators working in education and care centres in a permanent or relieving position working under supervision of  fully trained and registered teachers; coordinators of certificated playgroups  For Māori speakers this qualification may provide entry into ngā kohanga reo.  This qualification will also be useful for people seeking employment in community service organisations that work to enhance the lives of young children and their whānau, families and communities.

Academic pathways

Graduates of this qualification will meet the entry requirements (subject to meeting to the selection criteria) for entry into the Level 4 OP4310 Certificate in Early Childhood Practice.