Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (Level 7)
Schedule
Duration
One year full time or two years part-time
Delivery
Blended or online
Campus
New Lynn
Credits
120
Work placement
TBC
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
TBC
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (Level 7) is designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become confident, capable, and inclusive early childhood teachers. This one-year programme provides the same teaching outcomes as NZSE College’s Bachelor of Teaching, through an intensive blend of face-to-face and online learning, alongside 80 days of practical experience in an ECE environment. With a strong focus on bicultural practice and neurodiversity inclusion, the programme prepares you to create environments where every child is valued, included, and able to thrive.
This programme is structured through a blend of taught and professional experience placement papers. A student teacher must complete a minimum of 80 days professional experience placement across two block placements in Semester 1 and 2.
This course aims to introduce learners to the foundational principles and practices of early childhood education, with specific emphasis on the curriculum, the legal and regulatory requirements, and policy environment in ECE centres.
This course fosters cultural competence by exploring Māori and Pasifika perspectives in early childhood education, emphasising the importance of Te Āo Māori and te reo Māori.
This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming early childhood environments
In this course, students focus on developing their role as professional Kaiako, developing self-management/self-reflective skills, building relationships with children and other Kaiako. The focus will be on planning learning activities that link to Te Whāriki and how they can be implemented in accordance with the principles. Learners will also show the ability to link their actions and approaches to theories of child development and learning, apply regulatory requirements, including health and safety aspects, and kaiako ethical and pedagogical responsibilities.
This course aims to equip students with the skills to design and implement effective assessment and evaluation strategies in early childhood settings.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of notions of leading intentional learning strategies and practices appropriate to early learning settings in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This course focuses on developing and maintaining collaborative relationships in early childhood education, which involves creating strong partnerships with children, families, whanau, colleagues, and the community.
In this course, students will consolidate their identity and capability as professional ECE kaiako by integrating learning from across the programme in preparation for the Culminating Integrative Assessment. They will demonstrate leadership in areas of strength, apply advanced self‑management and reflective practice skills, build and sustain positive relationships with children, their families/whānau and other teachers, and enact a personal philosophy of professional practice.
Candidates enrolling in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) must have:
- Bachelor’s degree at Level 7
- OR
- A recognised equivalent qualification
- OR
- The relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience, at an additional level (min. 3 years in the last 5 years)
English Language entry requirements:
- IELTS score 7.0 or higher in listening, reading, writing and speaking across all bands. Requirements can be met by using results from more than one test within the last two years.
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed in English
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
- Integrate te reo and tikanga Māori into early childhood teaching practice, supporting Māori learners to achieve educational success as Māori, in accordance with the bicultural aspirations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in recognition of Tangata Whenua status, and the histories and cultures of Te Tiriti partners.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences based on comprehensive knowledge of early childhood curricula and pedagogical approaches that promote holistic development of young children.
- Create inclusive learning environments that respond to the diverse strengths, interests, needs, identities, languages, and cultures of young children, including neurodiverse needs.
- Plan and implement effective teaching strategies in ECE that set high expectations, advance learning progress for all children, and develop authentic, reciprocal relationships that empower children as active participants in their learning journey
- Create and maintain supportive early learning environments characterised by respect, inclusion, empathy and safety, implementing positive guidance strategies that foster children's social-emotional development and self-regulation.
- Apply appropriate assessment and aromatawai practices to document, analyse, and communicate young children's learning journeys, providing meaningful feedback to children and whānau that identifies progress and informs next steps
- Engage in ongoing professional inquiry and collaborative learning to continuously improve ECE practice, critically reflecting on teaching effectiveness and implementing evidence-based approaches to enhance outcomes for children
- Establish and maintain professional, culturally responsive relationships with children, whānau, colleagues, and community partners, communicating effectively to support children's holistic development and educational success as confident, capable learners.
Graduates of this programme will be well equipped to progress into a range of early childhood education roles. However, they may also continue to pathway into master’s level study or pursue qualifications in related fields like Special Education or Educational Psychology.
Start your career in ECE
Turn your passion for early childhood education into a rewarding career supporting young children during a formative stage of their development. Through professional placements in an early childhood centre, you’ll gain practical experience building relationships with children and whānau, responding to diverse learning needs, and contributing to inclusive learning environments. On completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for teacher registration and a Tōmua Provisional Practising Certificate, opening pathways into teaching and other opportunities across the early childhood education sector.
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Schedule and fees
- 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 $TBC
NZD $TBC
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.