NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Duration
18 weeks including holidays
Delivery
Online
Campus
Nationwide
Credits
60
Work placement
64+ hours
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
This programme is not available for international students.
The aim of this course is to give students the knowledge and skills to understand and implement the early childhood curriculum, Te Whariki. An introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi, Tikanga Māori, and Te Reo Māori, underpinning a bi-cultural curriculum within a multi-ethnic society. Knowledge of how to implement a holistic, inclusive curriculum.
Develop the student’s knowledge of the regulatory, legislative, theoretical and ethical requirements that impact on an early childhood kaiako’s practice. This course will equip students to contribute to an ECE environment that provides for the health and holistic wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and young children. Students will demonstrate their understanding of strategies for managing their own personal health and wellbeing.
Develop the student’s knowledge and skills of teaching and learning in an ECE setting. Students will develop an understanding of philosophies, theories and approaches of learning and development in providing a culturally inclusive curriculum. The concepts of Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Pasifika values will be used as a basis for reflection of own practice. A personal philosophy of practice will be developed.
Develop the student’s introductory knowledge of children’s learning, holistic development and the bi-cultural nature of Te Whariki within their own culturally responsive practice. Students will also be required to develop relationships
with families, whānau and colleagues exhibiting a range of communication strategies and social competence.
For Domestic Students
- Recommended either NCEA Level 1 or 2 or the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
- Compulsory Police Vetting
- Two referees (not family or friends)
- An interview and a short statement of intent on why the learner wishes to pursue an Early Childhood Education qualification
- This programme requires students to have access to a laptop/desktop that can connect to the internet with a web browser and a required minimum screen size of 10 inches. For device specifications, please talk to your Course Advisor.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
- Apply the principles of Te Whāriki, Tikanga Māori, and Te Reo Māori to deliver a bi-cultural and culturally responsive curriculum within a multi-ethnic early childhood setting.
- Demonstrate understanding of regulatory, legislative, theoretical, and ethical requirements, contributing to the health and holistic wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and young children.
- Implement inclusive teaching and learning practices, using culturally grounded approaches to support child development.
- Develop and apply knowledge of children’s learning, growth, and development, integrating holistic and culturally responsive strategies into daily practice.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with children, families, and colleagues, using appropriate communication and social skills to support learning and wellbeing.
Gain recognised expertise in ECE
Whether you’re already working in the sector, a home-based educator looking to gain a formal early childhood education qualification, or wanting to take the first step in your career, this accessible online programme will equip you to become a confident and capable Early Childhood kaiako. Through this certificate, you will undertake 64 valuable hours of work placement in either a licensed home-based service, an ECE centre, or a kindergarten.
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Schedule and Fees
- 27/10/25
- 2/02/2026
- 30/03/2026
- 22/06/2026
- 17/08/2026
- 13/03/2026
- 5/06/2026
- 31/07/2026
- 23/10/2026
- 18/12/2026
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
Looking for More?
Check out more of our Education courses here.