The purpose of this programme is to provide a professional qualification for people who wish to be employed to teach in early childhood education, primarily in the New Zealand context. Graduates will have the knowledge, capabilities, attitude, research and reflective practice to provide a sound base for early childhood teaching in a contemporary context. Graduates will be eligible to apply for teacher registration with the NZ Teachers' Council.

Graduates, as beginning early childhood teachers, will:
1. Be able to practice professionally as an early childhood teacher in a range of contexts, and be committed to the teaching profession
2. Behave ethically and meet the New Zealand Teachers Council Graduating Teacher Standards: Aotearoa New Zealand
3. Understand and apply professional knowledge of learners and how they develop and learn, teaching content, and pedagogical content knowledge.
4. Understand and apply professional knowledge of contextual factors, especially socio-cultural, that influence learning and teaching
5. Research, plan, implement and evaluate safe, high-quality teaching and learning experiences and environments
6. Encourage learner achievement by setting high expectations, and use evidence from assessments to promote learning
7. Value diversity and demonstrate inclusive practices for all children
8. Incorporate research and theory into their pedagogical practice
9. Incorporate knowledge of Te Whāriki into their pedagogy
10. Use knowledge of tikanga and te reo Maori to work effectively in bicultural contexts.
11. Use knowledge of Pacific cultures and language to work effectively in multicultural settings
12. Develop positive, respectful relationships and communication with learners, families, colleagues and other members of the learning community
13. Be proficient in oral and written language (Maori or English), numeracy and use of ICT.
14. Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness in a range of settings.
15. Contribute positively to the work of a teaching team and, with experience, take a leadership role
16. Be a self-managing, independent learner, able to articulate own educational philosophy and to reflect critically on current values, practices and research, and willing to seek opportunities for professional development
17. Contribute as a teacher to the diverse social, cultural, academic and economic life of New Zealand.

Postgraduate study

Whitireia degree entry requirements or equivalent study/work experience and evidence of suitability based on Education Council registration requirements, safety check and confidential references.

International: IELTS (Academic) 7, with no band score lower than 7, or equivalent (Appendix D).
English as a Second Language (EAL): An EAL candidate's first or primary language is other than English. EAL candidates must demonstrate competency in English as determined by the Education Council requirements (refer to Appendix D).

Academic entry:
Entry under 20 years of age: University Entrance (UE)
Entry over 20 years of age: Evidence of literacy and numeracy equivalence to UE
International applicants: Equivalence to UE
Applicants for entry into the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) must:
- Complete an application form, which includes a statement of any health issues that could preclude them from working with young children; a statement that they have a clean police record; and agreement, if accepted for the course, to a safety check as required by the Education Council
- Nominate two referees who will provide confidential reports

English as a Second Language (EAL): An EAL candidate's first or primary language is other than English. EAL candidates must demonstrate competency in English as determined by the Education Council requirements (refer to Appendix D).