Qualification Overview

Qualification Title New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Introductory Skills) (Level 3)
Qualification Type Certificate
Level 3
Credits 60
Subject Area
  • Society and Culture » Human Welfare Studies and Services » Nannying and Early Childhood Care
Strategic Purpose Statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide Aotearoa New Zealand with people who have introductory skills and knowledge to participate in the care and education of mokopuna - infants, toddlers, and young children, in an entry-level role in an early childhood context.

This qualification is intended for people who intend to work as entry-level carers or early childhood educators or proceed to further study. Graduates will contribute to improving society and community wellbeing outcomes and strengthening whanau/families.

Graduates will be able to operate under limited supervision. The ECE setting will determine the specific requirements and the level of supervision under which graduates will operate when employed, which will generally be direct supervision.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Apply introductory knowledge of Te Whāriki to contribute to a curriculum for mokopuna/children, supporting identified priorities for children's holistic learning and development.
- Demonstrate responsive care practices and contribute to an environment that provides for the holistic wellbeing of mokopuna - infants, toddlers and young children, including health, safety and basic needs, in compliance with regulatory requirements specific to an early childhood education and care setting.
- Communicate to develop and maintain respectful, reciprocal and responsive relationships with diverse whānau/families, colleagues and mokopuna/children, including to support the development of social, cultural and emotional competencies.
- Differentiate strategies that help manage personal health and wellbeing, and reflect on legal and ethical responsibilities that guide practice and professional behaviours in an early childhood setting.
- Use basic te reo and tikanga Māori, and develop knowledge of local iwi and hapū, to grow te reo Māori language skills within a familiar early childhood context.
- Identify community and government services and agencies and ways they are able to assist in the care and protection of mokopuna/children and whānau/families.
- Explore a range of ECE services and philosophies to illustrate diverse early childhood education and cae contexts in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Education pathways
This qualification leads to the:
-New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) [Ref: 2850]
-New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) [Ref: 2851]

Graduates who have appropriate te reo Māori skills may undertake further study towards:
-Te Puāwaitanga o te Mokopuna (Kaupae 4) [Ref: 2856] - New Zealand Certificate in a Maori World View of Early Learning (Level 4)
-Te Mana o te Mokopuna (Kaupae 3) [Ref: 2854] - New Zealand Certificate in a Maori World View of Early Learning (Level 3)
Employment pathways
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work as an entry-level carer in a range of early childhood contexts or as an ECE support worker, in paid or unpaid roles.To find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
Regulatory
Programmes leading to this qualification must reflect quality practice and maintain currency with amendments to, and replacements of, relevant legislation, regulations, Australia/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS), and security responsibilities including cyber safety (particularly related to young children).

- Current legislation and regulations can be accessed at legislation.govt.nz

- Current AS/NZS standards can be accessed at standards.co.nz

- Current regulatory framework and licensing criteria for ECE can be accessed from the Ministry of Education at education.govt.nz/early-childhood/

- Information on the Children's Act 2014, safety checking regulations, and guidelines can be accessed from orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-children/childrens-act-requirements/.
Education Organisation 16 Organisations can assist in gaining this qualification
Developed By Toitu te Waiora Community, Health, Education and Social Services Workforce Development Council
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 2849
Status Current
Created February 2016
Next Review April 2026
Content View full qualification details

Qualification Title

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Te Reo Maori Title

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Matauranga Maori Qualification

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Qualification Type

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Level

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Credits

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Subject Area

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Strategic Purpose Statement

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Graduate profile

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Education pathways

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Employment pathways

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Next Review

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Last Date For Entry

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Education Organisation

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Quality Assured By

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