Course Overview
Thinking about becoming an early childhood educator?
This one-year course sets you up with the introductory skills to begin a career in early childhood education (ECE). You could become a non-registered educator in an early childhood setting, a home-based carer, or a nanny.
You find out how to enhance young children’s physical, social, cultural and educational development. You learn about the principles of the national early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, and how to incorporate these into teaching and learning.
As part of the course you spend time on placement at an early childhood centre supervised by a registered teacher. We find the placements for you!
This course makes up the first year of our Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education. By enrolling in the diploma first, you can see if teaching is for you. If you’re ready for higher-level study by the end of the course, you can then apply to move into the degree for the remaining two years.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jul 2026 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $7,688 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Early childhood educator in a range of early childhood contexts such as:
- Centre-based
- Hospital-based (play specialist assistant)
- Home-based
- Parent-led
- Nanny
- Culturally-based
Topics you'll cover
- Building professional relationships and understanding ethical practice
- Exploring early childhood regulations, standards, and expectations
- Understanding curriculum and the principles of Te Whāriki
- Learning a range of teaching strategies and intentional teaching approaches
- Developing bicultural and multicultural teaching practices
- Reflecting on your learning through goal setting and e-portfolios
- Preparing for professional placement and real-world teaching experiences
- Strengthening te reo Māori development and understanding the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $7,688 for domestic students |
|---|
*Please note, fees for our 2027 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2027 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
If you are under 20 years of age or an international students you must have:
- NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori, OR
- New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3), OR
- New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4), OR
- Evidence of ability to meet academic requirements
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
Other Considerations
General
- Two satisfactory character references are required which address the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Good Character and Fit to be a Teacher Policy 2007
- These should be from persons in positions of trust or responsibility such as an employer, pastor, kaumātua or kuia
- References from family, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted
- Due to the requirements of the placement component of the course, you will need to be 17 years or older at the time of course commencement
Police Vetting
- You'll be required to provide a signed consent form which allows Toi Ohomai to check your record of convictions on entry, during and prior to completing the course
- You'll be accepted only after the Police check is satisfactorily completed
- ALL candidates with ANY convictions will be required to attend an interview with the Programme Manager or staff member from the Education teaching team and may be declined entry depending on the severity, recency, age at offending and pattern of offending
English language requirements
For applicants who come from non-English speaking backgrounds, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 6.0 is required, or an equivalent relevant English Proficiency Outcome.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) Timetable
Tuesday, 9am-3pm
Thursday, 9am-3pm
Practical placement in centre 4 weeks full-time is required in both full-time and part-time study.
*Please note: timetable is subject to change.
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 20 Jul 2026 | |
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 22 Feb 2027 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 22 Feb 2027 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- Part-time study available
