NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Duration
32 weeks + 2 weeks study break
Delivery
In Class & Online
Campus
Nationwide
Credits
120
Work placement
120+ hours
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
$18,900 NZD
Take the next step in your early childhood education journey with this diploma, designed to grow your professional capability and deepen your impact as a kaiako. Delivered online in a flexible, engaging format, this qualification equips you with the skills, cultural understanding, and theoretical knowledge to support tamariki and their whānau across a range of early learning contexts. You’ll explore key concepts such as tikanga Māori, child development, planning and assessment, the role of play in learning, and the diverse models that shape early childhood education in Aotearoa.
Learners will study the following eight courses (120 credits) over two semesters or one academic year.
Examine key historical and contemporary theories and models influencing early childhood education in New Zealand.
Discover Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, covering its history, development, and foundational role in education.
This course explores an early childhood educator’s role as advocates for children, families, and whānau, focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, legislation, ethics, UNCROC, and children’s rights in inclusive settings.
Examine the role of early childhood educators in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on collegial relationships, regulatory requirements, ethical responsibilities, and reflective practice.
Gain in-depth knowledge of high-quality care and education for infants, toddlers, and young children, incorporating Western and Māori perspectives.
Gain in-depth knowledge of high-quality care and education for infants, toddlers, and young children, incorporating Western and Māori perspectives.
Review theories and explore how different contexts impact the learning of young children, integrating perspectives from both Māori and Western traditions.
Connect classroom learning with placement experiences, working with teachers, infants, and families.
For Domestic Students
- Students enrolling are recommended to hold either NCEA Level 2 or 3 or the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- A compulsory criminal record check.
- 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 (Must have access to the internet at home) and a required minimum screen size of 10 inches. For device specifications, please talk to your Course Advisor.
- Work placement can be undertaken in a licensed home-based service, an ECE Centre, a kindergarten, or a language nest.
For International Students
- Students enrolling are required to have achieved a minimum of 48 NCEA credits at level 2 or higher, along with the literacy and numeracy credits required for University Entrance or;
- Hold a recognised qualification of at least 120 credits at level 3 or above or;
- Have relevant experience deemed to be sufficient for entry into the programme.
- A compulsory criminal record check
- 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.
- Work placement can be undertaken in a licensed home-based service, an ECE Centre, a kindergarten, or a language nest.
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, with an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or a PTE: Academic score of 42 with no band score lower than 36.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
- Apply the principles of Te Whāriki, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and inclusive practice to create safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive learning environments.
- Demonstrate understanding of child development theories, including Māori and Western perspectives, to support the holistic wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and young children.
- Communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, showing empathy, professionalism, and respect for diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood settings, maintaining the rights and dignity of all children.
- Reflect on personal teaching practice through observation and placement experience, identifying strategies for continued growth as an early childhood educator.
Advance your ECE career
As part of your studies in the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5), you’ll complete 120 hours of work placement across two stages of the programme. These placements offer valuable, hands-on experience in licensed home-based services, ECE centres, or kindergartens — helping you apply theory to practice in real learning environments. Whether you’re looking to grow within your current role or take the next step toward teacher registration, this online diploma provides the professional grounding and sector insight to support your long-term career in early childhood education.
Need help making your decision?
Schedule and fees
- 2/02/2026
- 13/04/2026
- 1/06/2027
- 9/10/2026
- 18/12/2026
- 26/02/2027
- 13/04/2026
- 22/06/2026
- 18/12/2026
- 12/03/2027
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
Fees *(GST inclusive)
Tuition Fees
NZD $18,900
NZD $2,000
Payment options
- Pay in 2 instalments
- 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.