New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)

If you meet the entry requirements, you can enter directly into Level 4, without needing to complete Level 3. This Level 4 programme includes 115 hours of work placements. You'll learn how to be an inclusive educator, promoting diversity and the place of Māori as tangata whenua. This programme can also act as a pathway into higher level learning, leading to a teaching qualification.

About the programme

Educators are always in demand and teaching skills are highly transferable.

Working with children is a rewarding, fun and diverse career and this certificate will prepare you for employment in the early childhood sector.

This Level 4 programme includes 115 hours of work placements in various early childhood settings. You'll learn how to practice as an inclusive educator, promoting diversity and the place of Māori as tangata whenua.

Career opportunities include a Childcare Support Worker, Childcare Worker, Home-based Carer or Nanny. This programme can also act as a pathway into higher level learning, leading to a teaching qualification to widen your employment options.

Courses and work placements

You will undertake 115 hours of work placements in various early childhood settings. 

Courses  

1. Sociocultural Theories and Practices

Explore the theories and philosophies relevant to the Early Childhood Education context.

2. The Effective Educator

Examine your personal philosophy of practice; use strategies to manage health, wellbeing, and professionalism. 

3. Bicultural and Inclusive Practice

Learn how to practice as an inclusive educator, promoting diversity and the place of Māori as tangata whenua. 

4. The ECE Profession

Engage effectively with stakeholders within the early childhood education context to protect and support the wellbeing of children and families. 

Further study options 

Graduates could choose to do further study towards the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) or proceed to commence a Level 7 teacher education (ECE) qualification. Otago Polytechnic currently doesn't offer either of these qualifications but if you wish to speak with someone about further learning opportunities, please email our career support team careers@op.ac.nz

A change for 2023 enrolments

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people.

This enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023 means you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

We are part of Te Pūkenga

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.