Qualification Overview

Qualification Title National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3)
Qualification Type National Certificate
Level 3
Credits 63
Subject Area
  • Society and Culture » Human Welfare Studies and Services » Nannying and Early Childhood Care
  • Education » Early Childhood Education and Care
Strategic Purpose Statement
The National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) recognises basic introductory skills and knowledge involved in the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children that are required to go onto further study in the education and care of children or the teaching of children; infants, toddlers, and young children in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It recognises basic knowledge, skills, and attributes required for early childhood education and care services across all early childhood contexts.

Holders of the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) are able to:
. demonstrate knowledge, describe, conduct, implement, and analyse aspects of educational theory relevant to early childhood education
. demonstrate knowledge of organisations, cultural diversity, and communication within the context of ECE services in Aotearoa/New Zealand
. demonstrate knowledge of ethics in ECE services
. describe professional image and demonstrate professional behaviours required of early childhood educators.

The requirements are all compulsory as the basic principles of early childhood education and care apply across all types of services. There are no electives in the level 3 qualification as basic principles of early childhood education and care apply across different settings.

This qualification leads to the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) [Ref: 0430].
Graduate profile
Holders of the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) are able to:
* demonstrate knowledge, describe, conduct, implement, and analyse aspects of educational theory relevant to early childhood education
* demonstrate knowledge of organisations, cultural diversity, and communication within the context of ECE services in Aotearoa/New Zealand
* demonstrate knowledge of ethics in ECE services
* describe professional image and demonstrate professional behaviours required of early childhood educators.
Education pathways
Graduates will be able to proceed to the New Zealand Nanny Certificate, Level 5, the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, Level 5, or, providing they have met the academic entry requirements, diploma or degree level study in early childhood education.
Employment pathways
Graduates of the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, Level 3 may pursue a career in early childhood centres and/or home-based settings.To find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
Completion of this qualification requires placements in early childhood services. These placements will require the candidate to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.
For more information on the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, safety checking regulations and guidelines see here.
Candidate entry will be provisional until the above checks or documentation have been completed.
Developed By NZQA National Qualifications Services
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 0403
Status Discontinued
Created November 1997
Last Reviewed February 2016
Last Date For Entry June 2018
Discontinued December 2019

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