Programme overview
In this practical, field-based programme, you will develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.
You can earn while you learn, by working at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre from day one, plus spending 2 days a week on campus where you will learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Teaching staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are also numerous student support services available on campus.
You will also experience a range of practicum placements at other early childhood centres for 16 weeks over three years. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to become a certified teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Highlights
- Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you will be able to apply for teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand;
- Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme;
- Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you will also take part in a practicum, at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week;
- Our graduates have had a 100% employment rate since 2014;
- A focus on research: you will design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it’s impacted on your practice;
- A strong emphasis on mātauranga Māori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach;
- Acknowledgement of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which prepares you to implement te reo me ngā tikanga Māori in your teaching practice.
Work Experience
You will complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week during term times. If you are not currently employed, we can help you locate an appropriate centre, which can be located close to your home if you’re not based in Auckland.
Practicums
Year One: You will complete one 2-week practicum in your first term at the centre where you are on work experience. You will also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.
Years Two and Three: You will complete one five-week practicum per year at two other centres, also chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.
TeachNZ Early Childhood Education Scholarships
As part of the government's support for equity in education, there are a range of TeachNZ scholarships available that you may be eligible for, especially if you're passionate about Māori or Pasifika cultures.
Applications for TeachNZ’s next round will open later in 2020.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
For this programme, the application process depends on your age:
If you are at least 20 years old, you need to:
- Be able to work for a minimum of 12 hours per week for the duration of the programme in a licensed early childhood centre;
- Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
- Consent to a Safety Check which meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act) and will be shared with a host institution as part of your practicum placement. This includes:
- Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes;
- Consent to a police vet check;
- Provide the names of two referees who Unitec or your placement provider can contact;
- Pass a mandatory interview process which includes a group and individual interview plus a short numeracy and literacy test;
- If required, provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of.
Please note: If you're 20 or over, you don't need to have any NCEA credits (or equivalent), however there is a short numeracy and literacy test during your interview process.
If you are under 20 years old:
In addition to the above requirements, you will need the following:
- Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
- University Entrance which requires NCEA Level 3 including:
- 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three different approved subjects;
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing);
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau;
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Foundation and Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- University Entrance literacy - 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing), or;
- Evidence of achieving an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of no less than 7.0 in each band of the test. For alternative requirements, please see the Teaching Council website.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we also have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Practicum (EDUC5519) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To demonstrate beginning teaching practice in a practicum setting |
| Te Kete Manaaki Tangata (EDUC5905) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To assist students to develop understandings of Maori values and tikanga through deepening understandings of Te Reo Maori me ona tikanga. |
| Contexts of Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa/ New Zealand (EDUC5911) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To examine the social, cultural and ecological contexts of early childhood education in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including the bicultural nature of Early Childhood Education and the diversity of early childhood services. |
| Partnership and Professionalism (EDUC5912) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To encourage the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for early childhood educators to work in professional partnership with whanau and community. |
| Human Development (EDUC5913) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To describe and analyse theories of development, in order to gain an understanding of human development across the lifespan and its applications to practice in community health or early childhood contexts. |
| Academic Literacy for Tertiary Studies (EDUC5914) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To explore a range of academic study, research, referencing and writing skills and tools in order to provide a foundation for research and study. |
| Introduction to Curriculum and Te Whariki (EDUC5915) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to examine curriculum, observation, planning and assessment in Early Childhood Education including the relationship between play and learning for young children. |
| Introduction to Work Experience (EDUC5919) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce the practice of teaching, with an emphasis on developing responsive and reciprocal relationships, through engagement in a work experience setting |
