Early Childhood Education
Prepare for a rewarding career in Early Childhood. Graduates of our highly regarded programmes are qualified to teach in a variety of early childhood settings in New Zealand and are in high demand by employers.
Subject overview
An early childhood teacher plays a critical role in young children’s learning and exploration of the world. Studying early childhood education (ECE) with us means that you will be taught by outstanding academics and teaching professionals who have the latest knowledge of early childhood research and practice. You will learn to teach through a range of practical experiences in early childhood centres supported by leading practitioners. Your programme will include studies in the New Zealand early childhood curriculum and a range of theories and practices relating to ECE. Courses include studies in curriculum, theories of learning and development, diversity, Te Ao Māori and contexts of ECE. All our early childhood teacher education programmes emphasise practice, and are designed to provide you with skills to create positive learning experiences for young children and their whānau.
For those interested in early childhood outside of teaching, our Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies could be just what you're looking for.
Looking to qualify as a teacher but short on time? Our Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) could be the right option for you. Available full-time, part-time and now online from anywhere in the country, this programme prepares you to apply for provisional teaching registration after just one year of full-time study.
Where can Early Childhood Education take you?
Upon successful completion you will be able to apply for teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You may also wish to continue studying with us. We offer a range of postgraduate early childhood courses which can lead to careers in education management, policymaking and research.