From 31 January 2018 we are no longer accepting new student enrolments in NC557304 National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3).
We have a new level 3 qualification that you can enrol in, NZ2849 New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3)
If you were already enrolled in NC557304 National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) by 31 January 2018, you can continue to enrol in your next course to complete your qualification.
Please note, you must be enrolled in your last course by April 2019, to complete your studies by November 2019.
If you are interested in working with infants, toddlers or young children the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 3 may be right for you. If you have NCEA Level 1 or equivalent this is a great way to start your ECE career. You will study three courses and volunteer or work in a licensed ECE service for four hours a week.
For each credit, allow about 10 hours of study. This may be higher near assessment due dates.
Approximate cost for the full qualification based on 2018 fee information, not including annual administration fees, fee increases, textbooks, course materials or external exam fees.
Eligible for student loans, if you meet the criteria. Student loans and eligibility
For information about selecting courses to study towards this qualification, check out the Choose courses tab.
When you achieve this qualification you will know about:
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.
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.
Our open courses are open for enrolment every month. Each open course starts on the first Monday of the month you choose for enrolment. You must complete your study within the given start and end dates.
Course EAC01 has two assessments and courses EAC02 and EAC03 have three assessments.
When your enrolment is confirmed you will be able to log in to My Open Polytechnic to view the assessment due dates. You must submit your assessments by these due dates.