The Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education (Te Reo Maori): Te Tohu Paetahi Whakaako Kohungahunga (Te Reo Maori) is a professional pre service qualification preparing its student teachers to be skilled and reflective practitioners who are competent, confident and equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that enable them to teach effectively in a range of early childhood education settings.
This aim is aligned to the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Graduating Teacher Standards in that this qualification will ensure that its student teachers "at the point of graduation will know, understand, be able to do, and have the dispositions that are likely to make them effective teachers" (Teachers Council, 2007).

The Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education (Te Reo Maori): Te Tohu Paetahi Whakaako Kohungahunga (Te Reo Maori) further aims to develop the student teachers' acceptance and appreciation of the concepts of Te Ao Maori (Maori world view) and Matauranga Maori (Maori Knowledge) so they graduate with the knowledge, understanding and commitment to biculturalism as defined by Waiariki Institute of Technology Te Kura Takiura o Waiarikis Bicultural Framework (Waiariki Institute of Technology, 2011). The qualification embraces Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its intrinsic values of participation and protection based on effective and equitable partnership between Maori and Pakeha, on the recognition and inclusion of both official languages and cultures of Aotearoa New Zealand and a commitment to fair and just practices, sharing power and resources in an effort to empower both signatories to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Graduates from this qualification will be able to teach in a variety of early childhood settings. All graduates will meet the requirements of the Graduating Teacher Standards: Aotearoa/New Zealand (Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, 2007).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education (Te Reo Maori): Te Tohu Paetahi Whakaako Kohungahunga (Te Reo Maori) will:
* be critically reflective practitioners who understand the value of theory informing practice and practice informing theory;
* be aware of the importance of research, and have the knowledge , skills and confidence of a beginning researcher;
* have knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and be able to translate this knowledge and understanding into their teaching practice;
* know, understand and be able to implement the principles and values underpinning bicultural sensitivity;
* have knowledge and understanding of the current early childhood education curriculum document of Aotearoa New Zealand and be able to implement this knowledge and understanding in a range of early childhood settings;
* know and understand what it means to be committed to the early childhood profession, the wider community and society;
* have knowledge and understanding of high quality early childhood education and care and be able to advocate for and apply this knowledge and understanding in practice;
* be committed to inclusive practice and be able to translate this commitment into their teaching practice;
* know, understand and be able to implement a rights-based approach;
* understand the importance of and be able to abide by the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Codes of Ethics;
* have knowledge and understanding of how early childhood education is shaped by the political, social, cultural, theoretical, and technological influences;
* be able to advocate for children, parents/family/whānau, as well as for the profession;
* understand the principles and values of a "community of practice" and be able to work effectively and appropriately with children, parents/family/whanau/caregivers, other teachers, and the wider community;
* be able to implement their knowledge and understanding of marae protocol;
* have an understanding of Maori social structure and norms both historic and contemporary;
* be aware of and responsive to the Maori world view and those that possess it;
* have a working knowledge of Te reo Maori and possess a vocabulary including and relevant to terms appropriate for the early childhood profession;
* be able to communicate effectively with children, parents and whanau where te reo Maori is the required or preferred language of communication;
* have knowledge of the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and it's relevance to the teaching profession; and
* have an awareness of the impacts of Te Tiriti o Waitangi on policy relating to the teaching profession and specifically early childhood education.

Students may move onto further learning in the fields of post graduate studies, level 8, at appropriate tertiary institutions and the Graduate Diploma in Mentoring and Professional Leadership offered at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Admission and entry requirements for this qualification are in accordance with the academic regulations and the following criteria: Applicants must be 17 years old or older; Applicants under 20 years old must meet academic requirements for New Zealand University Entrance or equivalent; Applicants under 20 years old must also have four NCEA Level 2 (or higher) credits in both reading and writing; Applicants must have evidence of academic ability (success at NZQA Level 4 or equivalent) and ability to succeed. This may be demonstrated through personal references or testimonials of life and work experience; and Applicants are required to pass a literacy and numeracy test or provide other evidence demonstrating ability to NCEA Level 2 or equivalent in literacy and numeracy. Additional Requirements Applicants must submit and pass a police check and declare any criminal convictions before enrolment; Applicants must provide two character references; and Applicants will be required to attend an interview. English Language Requirements Applicants must have an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 (Academic).