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.

Domestic

Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
Level
4
Credits
60
Fees
$3,964*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
July

International

Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
Level
4
Credits
60
Fees
$12,500*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
July

What You Study

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

Entry

Entry requirements 

Academic requirements 
  • 40 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 10 Level 2 literacy credits and 10 Level 2 numeracy credits OR the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) OR equivalent.  
Special entry
  • In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme. 
Other requirements
  • Learners must be at least 17 years old. 
  • For all applicants, an interview will be held prior to acceptance to assess your suitability for working with children in the community and to ensure Otago Polytechnic meets the legislative requirements of the Children's Act 2014. In accordance with this Act, you will be required to: 
    • complete a New Zealand Police consent to Disclosure of Information form 
    • supply the contact details of two referees who are willing to give a confidential report. Referees must be over 16 and cannot be related to you, be a partner/spouse/friend or live at the same address as you.
    • attend an informal interview to discuss your suitability for working with children in the community. 

Please note: All applicants with any convictions may be declined entry depending on the severity, recency, age at offending and pattern of offending.

English Language requirements

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Fees

Domestic fees

Full tuition
Standard
$3,964

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$12,500

Tuition fees

The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.

A change for 2023 enrolments

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.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz