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An early childhood centre teacher is inspecting a plant with three chidren (tamariki) in an outdoor environment

Early Childhood Education

Do you want to work with young children and make a difference in their lives? Early childhood teachers work in kindergartens, puna reo, and education centres. Study early childhood education and you’ll soon see the positive impact you can have on children, their whānau, and society.

Explore your options

Early childhood teacher education is practical and hands-on. You’ll build lots of experience from the very start, working in early childhood education centres for at least 12 hours a week, and you’ll perfect your skills with a full-time placement before you graduate.

But first, you’ll get a thorough grounding in educational theory, child development, and teaching techniques. You’ll also get a good understanding of te reo and tikanga Māori, and how to work with children and their whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand.

All this helps you build the confidence to set foot in an early childhood centre where the experience of teaching itself is invaluable. Back in the classroom, there’ll be lots of opportunities to reflect on what you’ve learnt with your teachers and classmates.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be eligible to apply for teacher certification with the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ Teachers Council).

Programmes and study path

Start with a programme that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
PROGRAMME LEVEL DURATION CAREER OPTIONS START DATES
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) 3 Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level. February or July
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) 7 Full-time for three years
Early childhood teacher, Head teacher in an early childhood setting, Home-based coordinator/educator, Manager in an early childhood education centre, Hospital play specialist, Nanny, Early year primary school teacher Starts February and July

Short courses

Start with a short course that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
Short courses   Description