The proposed Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) will prepare degree-qualified graduates to become kaiako/teachers, equipped for meaningful, values-based careers in the early childhood sector. Graduates will build on their existing academic foundation to develop the knowledge, capabilities, and dispositions required to engage tamariki in high-quality, culturally responsive learning environments. The programme provides an intensive ITE pathway that integrates advanced academic study with sustained professional experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for provisional certification and classroom practice.
This qualification responds to national priorities: increasing the supply of qualified early childhood teachers, strengthening bicultural and inclusive practice, and improving outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and communities. It aligns with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's expectations for ITE, supporting the development of graduate teachers who demonstrate the Ngā Paerewa|Standards for the Teaching Profession (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, 2026) and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The programme contributes to sector sustainability by preparing educators who are reflective, responsive, and confident in diverse learning contexts, while providing a coherent academic foundation further postgraduate study or professional development.

This Graduate Profile describes students graduating from the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) as:
1. Valuing Loving, Trusting, Safe Relationships
Graduates demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of relational and attachment theories, including the significant role of play, movement, and emotional wellbeing in human development, and apply effective communication and collaboration skills within professional practice to share professional knowledge, build trust, and sustain safe, caring early childhood environments across complex and diverse contexts.
2. Confident in Knowledge and Application
Graduates draw on deep knowledge of Te Whāriki, child development, and early learning pedagogies across curriculum domains to teach intentionally, using critical reflection, inquiry-informed practice, and assessment to enrich children's holistic learning and development.
3. Culturally Grounded
Graduates integrate cultural competence in te reo Māori, te ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and diverse cultural worldviews through culturally responsive professional practice, critically reflecting on culture and identity to embed values that ensure all tamariki and whānau feel safe, respected, and valued in diverse and multicultural contexts.
4. Champions for Inclusion
Graduates apply comprehensive knowledge of inclusive education and equity principles, working in partnership with families, whānau, and communities to build inclusive relationships and support inclusive transitions into, within, and beyond early childhood settings, using critical thinking and compassionate communication to address barriers, develop informed responses, and advocate for equitable and inclusive early childhood environments.
5. Future Focused
Graduates embed in-depth knowledge of sustainability, environmental education, and future-focused pedagogies within diverse and changing early childhood contexts, using critical thinking and professional collaboration to respond to emerging challenges and foster adaptability, resilience, and collective responsibility in a complex and evolving world.
6. Courageous Teacher-Leaders
Graduates demonstrate specialist knowledge of leadership theory and ethical principles, recognising the criticality of community-connected, authentic relationships, and apply highly developed leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to inspire others, uphold values and integrity, and model personal wellbeing as essential to a healthy, meaningful professional career of service.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) may progress to postgraduate study in education, including postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and Master's degrees in areas such as early childhood education, educational leadership, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education, or
culturally responsive practice.
The Graduate Diploma also provides a pathway for degree-holders from other disciplines who wish to enter the early childhood education sector, enabling them to gain an Initial Teacher Education qualification and provisional certification.

Academic entry
- Applicants under 20 years of age must hold:
- New Zealand Diploma of Teaching (Primary or ECE) level 7, a Bachelor degree at level 7 (360 credits), a Bachelor degree with honours at level 8 (480 credits) or a Master's degree at level 9 (240 credits) qualification
- Equivalent overseas qualification as assessed by an international qualifications assessment.
- All applicants must meet the requirements of the Children's Act 2014 and its subsequent amendments,
including:
- Providing verified identification.
- Providing evidence of previous education and work history in the selection process.
- Providing at least two written references.
- Succeeding in a personal visual interview.
- Meeting the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's criteria for determining good character and fitness to be a teacher.
- Attaining a New Zealand Police vetting report.
- Entry for any applicant with any prior convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Cavalli College.
Note: Cavalli College undertakes a risk assessment in accordance with the Children's Act 2014 including the above information in order to select the applicants for the programme.
English language entry
All applicants
- To meet the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's English language proficiency requirements
International Applicants
In addition to meeting the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's English language proficiency requirements stated above, international applicants:
- Must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the NZQA Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2022 for a Level 7 programme.