Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 5 Faqs

The Open Polytechnic NZ2851-V2 New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) is for people interested in the early childhood education sector. It provides understanding of the ECE sector and the skills and knowledge to become involved in a range of early childhood contexts, and it can pathway into high level study. It is not a teaching qualification leading to teacher registration.

Programme delivery uses a mix of online learning and applied teaching. Students complete three workshops and an overnight marae stay. The 5 week practicum is a final course for the programme and is part of EDU508 Professional Practice 1. Practicums are negotiated between the student, a Regional Academic Staff Member, and an early childhood service, with Open Polytechnic providing organisation and administrative support.

Modules

• EDU508 Professional Practice 1

The admission process includes completion of an online application for enrolment, shortlisting, interview and completion of a literacy and numeracy test.

• Provide employment history, evidence of previous qualifications, and details of any criminal convictions or traffic infringements.
• Provide a written piece about why you wish to be an early childhood teacher, your interests, hobbies, iwi and community involvement, two referees, verified identification, and a consent form for police vetting.
• If you hold the level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Practice, provided you meet all of the other entry requirements, you can gain entry into the level 5 diploma.