New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Extend your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator.
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) will equip you to provide high quality, practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, and/or to pathway into higher level study leading to a teaching qualification.
Taught by supportive tutors in a practical learning environment, it covers the early childhood education curriculum (Te Whāriki) and the role of play in child learning and development; effective written and oral communication; and the use of te reo Māori. It also explores bicultural infant and toddler care and education strategies to create high quality, safe and inclusive learning environments. You’ll develop, reflect, and receive feedback on skills in observation, assessment and planning for teaching young children.
The programme includes a 180-hour supported placement experience, enabling you to practice behaviour guidance strategies in an authentic early childhood education setting. This will be undertaken in two, three-week blocks. When not on placement, you’ll attend classes for three and a half days a week, during which you’ll participate in active learning experiences, including group projects, presentations to peers, and practicing te reo and tikanga Māori.
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
NCEA Level 2
OR New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) or equivalent
Character Reference:
- Two satisfactory character references are required which address the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007.
- These should be from persons in positions of trust or responsibility such as an employer, pastor, kaumatua or kuia. References from family/whanau, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.
Consent to Disclosure of Information: Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
Interview: An interview will be held prior to acceptance to assess suitability for working with children in the community and ensure Ara meets the legislative requirements of the Children's Act 2014.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
This qualification will enable you to work as a non-registered early childhood educator in a range of settings (centres, hospitals, in-home, parent-led) or as a nanny or au pair. You'll also have the skills to supervise or guide volunteers in some early childhood settings.
Study pathways
Further study options include a Level 6 diploma or a degree in teaching (some providers accept the diploma as equivalent to the first year of a degree).
New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Extend your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Diploma |
| Code | NZ2851 |
| Next Starts | February 2025 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 5 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2851-STRU |
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
Character Reference:
- Two satisfactory character references are required which address the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007.
- These should be from persons in positions of trust or responsibility such as an employer, pastor, kaumatua or kuia. References from family/whanau, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.
Consent to Disclosure of Information: Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
Interview: An interview will be held prior to acceptance to assess suitability for working with children in the community and ensure Ara meets the legislative requirements of the Children's Act 2014.
See overview for moreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
Area of Interest
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