The National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) is an introduction to the education and care of young children. It provides a foundation for employment and further studies in this area.

The programme is designed for people wishing to become early childhood educators, for parents, potential parents or any adult caring for young people.

The qualification includes a selection of unit standards from the fields of health, children and play, understanding parenting, child development and professional studies.

Subjects covered

• Communication with young children
• Te Whariki
• Young children's play
• Interact with young children
• Observation skills
• Play resources
• Guide young children's behaviour
• Provide a safe environment
• Hygiene practices
• Basic needs of young children
• Attachment behaviour
• Settling young children
• Promoting young children's health
• Child development
• Ethical behaviour
• Early childhood services
• Knowledge of parenthood and child rearing practices
• Planning programmes for young children in a home based setting

Entry Requirements

• Be a minimum age of 16 years old and have three years secondary education (NCEA 1) or be 20 years or over
• Be interviewed
• Complete a Ministry of Justice check**
• Produce a statement of personal interest in the qualification
• Supply two confidential referee reports
• Have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (International Students only)

Applicants whose first language is not English will be interviewed to assess their level of English competency and may be required to complete a placement indicator test.

Job Opportunities

• Early Childhood Education Centres
• Home based care
  

Further Study

• National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching Diploma
• Bachelor of Education

**International students are required
to obtain a police certificate from their country of origin.

Availability of subjects listed may vary.