The Certificate of Early Childhood Education (Level 4) is clearly defined as a preparation programe for students who seek to undertake further study in early childhood teacher education. On completion, graduates will have a range of knowledge and skills across key elements of early childhood education, allowing them to progress into further study and/or employment in early childhood. In particular the programme aims to provide graduates who: Are developing into independent learners and are able to identify and overcome barriers to their own learning and be able to develop appropriate solutions to those barriers to continue their on going learning. Have developed relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to use technology for communication, documentation, reflection and representation relevant to early childhood education. Have developed foundation skills in literacy and numeracy. Are able to demonstrate the ability to problem-solve, think critically and practice reflectively. Have developed a beginning understanding of the early childhood profession and be able to apply appropriate code of practice and ethical standards when working within the profession. Have developed appropriate strategies to communicate effectively with both adults and young children within a range of cultural contexts and teams. Can demonstrate and articulate knowledge and understanding of safe practices, curriculum and issues within early childhood settings in Aotearoa/ New Zealand. Have a commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi and be developing an understanding of its implications for early childhood practice. Have developed adequate skills and processes for preparation for employment into an early childhood environment as a nanny or in home based education and care. Have the potential to develop skills towards meeting the New Zealand Teachers Council requirements and entry standards (including language requirements and the qualities and disposit

On completion, graduates will have the academic entry requirements and a range of knowledge and skills across key elements of early childhood education and additional subject areas which will allow them to progress into further study and/or employment in early childhood education.

In particular the programme aims to graduate those who, within the context of preparation for early childhood teaching:

* Have a commitment to applying the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
* Are professional.
* Are independent learners.
* Can problem-solve, think critically and practice reflectively.
* Can communicate effectively with both adults and young children.
* Are sensitive to diversity and can work in multicultural environments.
* Are able to use technology for communication, documentation, reflection and representation.
* Know how to observe and listen to children.
* Have subject content knowledge to plan appropriate curriculum.
* Use knowledge of child development to plan appropriate curriculum.
* Can practice safely.
* Are ready for further study and/or employment

Successful completion of the Level 4 programme will provide graduates with the necessary academic entry requirements and confidence to apply for the MIT BEd (ECT).

Be aged at least 17 years by the end of the programme

Applicants to this programme must demonstrate the academic ability to complete University Entrance in one year.

This will be one of the following:

A minimum of NQF 20 credits from the NZQA approved subjects at level 2 which need to include
* 5 Literacy Credits that can be counted towards UE literacy
* 5 Numeracy Credits that can be counted towards UE Numeracy

Or
A minimum of 60 credits at level 3 from a tertiary institute

Or
Attested evidence that they have the early childhood experience or maturity to undertake study at level 4.

AND
Have English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) or equivalent. (Students who have resided in NZ for 1 year prior to attending the programme will not be exempted from providing this evidence).

AND
Undergo an Entrance Test (literacy and numeracy). Applicants who do not meet the required level of literacy will be referred to the School of Foundation Studies.

AND
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following attributes: a strong motivation to work with children; the ability to work in a team; the ability to communicate in groups and one on one; and a mature approach to study. This will be assessed in the interview and the referee process.

AND
Has a NZ Police Consent to Disclosure report satisfactory for work with children

AND
Display respect for others, for cultural and social values of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the law and for the views of others. This will be assessed by questions asked at the interview.

AND
Be reliable and trustworthy. This will be assessed through the referee process.

AND
Is mentally and physically fit to work with children safely and satisfactorily; this will be assessed through the referee processes.