Study early childhood education (ECE)
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 17 teaching weeks, part-time available.
The maximum time to complete the programme part-time is 2 years. -
Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)Programme code: NZ2850 -
Credits
60 -
Locations
MIT Ōtara
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Domestic fees
$3,600 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $13,000 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Help give young children the best start in their education.
Become an early childhood educator.
You will learn how to care for children and support them to reach their next milestone.
This qualification is the best place to start if you want to get a job as an early learning centre educator, home-based educator, teacher aide, education support worker, kaimahi or nanny. Or, you could already be working in the industry and want to get your skills recognised.
You will also learn the fundamentals in early childhood development and get real-world experience working or volunteering in an early childhood centre or home-based care setting.
Entry requirements
General
Be 17 years of age or over at the commencement of the programme.
Safety checks
To satisfy the risk assessment and safety check required in compliance with the Vulnerable Children Act (2014) the following requirements are in place:
- Provide a New Zealand Police Check (using the NZ Police and Vetting Consent to Disclosure of Information form) that demonstrates that the applicant has no criminal record and thus meets the requirements to work with at-risk and vulnerable children as required by the Vulnerable Children Act (2014)
- Attend a face-to-face interview (or equivalent)
- Sign a statement agreeing to the release of pertinent information relevant to the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 that a Childcare centre may request
- Provide two satisfactory written referee reports
- Provide one photograph that meets the criteria defined by the New Zealand passport office: https://www.passports.govt.nz/Passport-Photo-Requirements
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below three courses (60 credits):
902.434 Learning and development theory (22 credits)
Develop your understanding of learning and development theories and characteristics of infants, toddlers and young children to enhance effective teaching techniques to support children's learning through play.
902.435 Curriculum in ECE (22 credits)
An introduction to the Early Childhood Curriculum document Te Whāriki and how you may use this to observe, plan, review and respond to children's learning.
902.436 Cultural partnerships in ECE (16 credits)
Learn about ethical practice and professional behaviour in working with diverse cultures while developing in your personal and professional journey through reciprocal relationships with the families and whanau in an ECE setting.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
- New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Field-based) (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (Level 7)
Career opportunities
Entry-level early childhood educator (centre or home-based), teacher aide, education support worker or nanny. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
“I want to become a qualified teacher, to have more knowledge to support children in early childhood, That's the purpose I wanted to pursue. Early childhood education is regarded as a key factor in a child's growth development and shaping their futures. I chose this course because I feel like I can make the world and society better for future generations.
The support from the teachers and my centre teachers to actively help me with this course, and help with assignments, has been the best part of my student journey at MIT. I feel like I have a lot of support, and without them, I couldn't reach where I am right now.
I'm originally from China, a lot of students studying are from different cultures and backgrounds. MIT accepts everyone and they give everyone equal education, and I think that’s unique. There are not too many male students in the class, I feel really proud of myself to be one of them.”
Lu Lu
MIT student
“We have early childhood programmes from level four to level seven, including a 6-month certificate, a one-year diploma, and a three-year bachelor of education. All are field-based, which means students are learning in centres as well as in our classrooms, - this is almost like doing a practical job interview. Centres can't wait to employ our students, so they often get snapped up and employed well before they finish.
What's beneficial about the suite of programmes we have in early childhood is, students who potentially haven't enjoyed school, or maybe didn't attain the required NCEA literacy credits or UE, there are still other pathways for them into the programmes. There are lots of alternate ways that we can assist students to help them pursue ECE.
So, if you're thinking of studying early childhood education, if you’re passionate about working with children, and if you're passionate about pursuing a career that leads to practical job skills, then MIT is the place for you. We have classes, you're not sitting in a lecture theatre with 100 other people. We want to personalise your learning journey. Part of that is getting to know you well, but also having the opportunity for you to know us too.
What I love about the school is a lot of our teachers are graduates of our program. I'm a graduate of the early childhood program. I came back here because I love this place. You really develop a sense of belonging here that this is your place. Many of the team have studied here, they're always researching, finding the best ways of teaching, engaging the community, making sure they are staying current and active as well as teaching subjects they are passionate about. I think that's a big drawcard for any student who would want to come to MIT because we want to be able to provide them with not only the best experience but the best teaching.”
Kylie Smith
Head of school - education
“I have a passion for working with children. I have worked with children for a while and I thought getting qualified would give me more knowledge and techniques to do better in my job. I also have children and this journey has really helped me to become a better person as well.
I thought MIT would be the best choice for me because I was close to home and it turns out it was the best choice that I made. The support is amazing. The lecturers are very approachable, the environment, the people that you work with, it's got a very family approach. I love it. The lecturers are always there when you need them. They're always there to guide you, nurture you, and send you in the right direction.
What I enjoyed the most here is getting to work together with my group, my peers, we get a lot of interaction. We help each other a lot. I didn't have that support before and I'm really glad that I have chosen MIT.
MIT is very hands-on, so when you finish here there's not much change or difference when you go into the workplace. You just fit in because you've already gained the knowledge and what is happening in the field because of what you've already done in the classroom. I just blend in with all the other qualified teachers, because that's what MIT has equipped me with. You will never be supported as much as this place.
This qualification will take me anywhere. My dream job is to become a tertiary lecturer. I know this qualification will take me there because of what I have learnt from the lecturers. They give me so much support, they give so much energy, and the knowledge is just impeccable. I know it will take me a long way, I have no doubt.”
Alisi Latu
MIT student
“I'm a stay-at-home mom of six children. I spent a lot of time in the education system with my own children and had the opportunity to come and do relieving at the centre where I work now. After working there for 18 months the other teachers there recommended that I become qualified, partly because it was better for my practice to have that knowledge because I could then cover qualified staff members as well.
Being at MIT doing this degree has really helped me. It's given me the confidence to pursue my practice and share my knowledge with others.
My biggest challenge that I had to overcome was probably time management. I still have children at home, our own business, and I still work. Fitting in study was quite challenging for me in the beginning, but the support from the lecturers and my classmates have made it a lot easier.
The thing that I've enjoyed the most about my journey with MIT is the relationships. I'm one of the oldest in my class, but that hasn't made any difference, everyone has been really supportive and encouraging, including the lecturers.
The flexible study options offered at MIT have been really invaluable. Being able to attend class but also do them online if need be, and being able to be in contact with the lecturers all the time.
I think the best thing about a career in early childhood is the children. I absolutely love working with them, they teach me something new every day. It's pretty hard to have a bad day when you're working with kids because they always make you laugh.”
Cindy Biddle
MIT student
"My experience at MIT has been really cool. The lecturers were helpful and supportive. My favourite thing about MIT would be the hands-on placements we did. I got to go into different centres and get proper work experience.
My advice to anyone looking to study would be just hang in there. It's worth it in the end, and you deserve it."
Jasmine Bellamy
MIT graduate
“Before I started studying I was working for Air New Zealand at the International Airport as a Load Foreman.
My wife chose MIT and encouraged me to apply after I missed out on being accepted by Auckland University. I love MIT because they have given me my second chance to help my family and give back to my community here in South Auckland.
MIT is unique and different because it is based in South Auckland. I love the free car park for students!
MIT will help in any way to get you where you want to go, it is very welcoming, and the staff are very friendly. It is a very hands-on experience which I love because we get to put theory into practice, from day one.
I want to help children have a better future in education.
Come and help, come and stay, come and belong!”
Hans Aiono
MIT student
"I was on maternity leave after working at the same company for 11.5 years. I had always wanted to be a ‘great teacher' and as a migrant in this country, I wanted to learn more about this amazing Kiwi culture to embed it into my whānau and my life.
My friends encouraged me to study at MIT. The lecturers here are amazing. I have never met lecturers that are so enthusiastic. I love the ako in our classrooms and the diversity of our lecturers who bring fun, wisdom and knowledge to our classroom. The best part is the way they encourage student relationships with each other. I value my classmates and we are an amazing team together.
It is an eye-opening experience working alongside an Associate Teacher. Assisting and engaging with the Tamariki is the highlight of my week. If you want adventure in a classroom, excitement from engaging with the Tamariki, and linking your theory to your school-based learning, nothing beats that. I am already building lasting relationships with my principal, the teachers and the students.
I encourage you to come along and be a part of this great course.
Go for gold, it is the best place.
MIT will change your life."
La-Rochelle Bernstein
MIT student
"Being a teacher is something that I have always been inspired to be. It gives me an opportunity to give back and create a safe and nurturing space for all students – something I had missing in my early stages of growing up.
I chose the Primary Pasifika course because as a pākehā I have noticed there is not enough cultural awareness within schools, we need more of it. This course provides an opportunity for us to deepen and enrich our understanding and create a safe space for students to bring who they are into the classroom, and not leave their culture at home.
MIT provided the exact course I was looking for – ticked all the boxes and exceeded well above my expectations. This course provides a hands-on approach to learning. I know I will be a great teacher because of it.
What I also love is the community they have built and the ongoing support and encouragement they give to help us achieve, not because they have to, but because they want to. They support us every step of the way and treat us not just as a student but as part of their whānau. I can't think of any other place that would provide this much support.
We need more Primary Pasifika teachers; it does not matter where you come from if you have the opportunity to change a life and make a difference in this world for our tamariki, take it.
Be brave, be bold, our tamariki need you more then you realise.”
Lexi Williams
MIT student
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 17 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.