Qualification Overview

Qualification Title National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Qualification Type National Certificate
Level 5
Credits 122
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 5) is designed for people considering a career in early childhood education and care, or contemplating further tertiary study towards completing a teaching qualification recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council for the purposes of becoming a registered New Zealand teacher. It recognises the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for early childhood education and care across centre-based, hospital-based, home-based, or the child's family environment within the sociocultural context of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This allows holders of the qualification to choose the service in which they wish to work as a supervised assistant in an ECE service or as an unqualified ECE educator.

Holders of the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) are able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas, within the context of ECE services:
. health and safety
. Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 and New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki
. age related nutritional requirements
. child development, behaviours, and environments that enhance child health
. pedagogy, theories, and implementation of teaching practice
. partnerships, organisations, and cultural diversity
. ethical behaviours
. communication theories
. protocols and roles associated with powhiri
. professional practice and development of own philosophy
. roles and responsibilities of adults and statutory agencies.

The requirements are all compulsory, as the basic principles of early childhood education and care apply across all services. The requirements include standards that recognise knowledge and skills related to the Aotearoa/New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whariki; observation techniques; programme planning; safe supervision; and the facilitation of early childhood education and care arrangements.

There are no electives as the principles of early childhood education and care apply across all services.

The qualification shares some credit with and builds on the introductory skills recognised by the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) [Ref: 0403] and may lead to further study at diploma or degree level in early childhood teacher education. Holders of the qualification who wish to work with Pasifika children should consider the National Certificate in Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education (Pasifika Management) (Level 6) [Ref: 0982] or the National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education, Pasifika) (Level 7) [Ref: 0983].
Graduate profile
Refer to NZQA qualification organiser
Education pathways
Work as a supervised assistant in an ECE service or as an unqualified ECE educator
Employment pathways
Further tertiary study towards completing a teaching qualification recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council for the purposes of becoming a registered New Zealand teacherTo find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 17 years of age 4 years secondary education or National Certificate in ECE Level 3 NCEA Level 2 Mature students who do not meet these requirements but have the equivalent ability and experience are encouraged to apply. Teachers' Council may require applicants to have University Entrance if they are under 20 at time that they start an Early Childhood degree. Applicants are more likely to succeed if they - have life and / or work experience which is relevant to the programme and - are able to demonstrate that they have the ability, interest and motivation to succeed in the programme. For applicants for whom English is not their first language (overseas students or new residents) evidence of language competency may be required. Level 5-6 programme IELTS overall score of 6 or a TOEFL score of 550 OR equivalent
Developed By NZQA National Qualifications Services
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 0430
Status Discontinued
Created 1998-02-17 00:00:00.0
Last Reviewed 2016-02-16 00:00:00.0
Last Date For Entry 2017-12-31 00:00:00.0
Discontinued 2019-12-31 00:00:00.0

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