Learn in-demand skills relating to the education and care of infants, toddlers and young children in an early childhood setting in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas.
Our Diploma graduates have further studied their Level 6 Early Childhood Education at Unitec, AUT, NZ Tertiary College and other reputable providers. Our employment rates are high and students are well respected in the early childhood sector.
DISCLAIMER: The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) is a programme designed and owned by Ashton Warner Academy and marketed by the Future Skills Academy. Students enrolled in this programme are students of the Ashton Warner Academy and upon successful completion will graduate as students of the Ashton Warner Academy.
12+ hours of work experience per week. In weeks 19-22 and weeks 41-44, you will do 30 hours of work experience per week.
Work opportunities
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are a range of early childhood settings such as early childhood centres, kindergartens, playgroups, kohanga reo, language nests and home-based education and care where graduates could work. Currently, the need for early childhood teachers is high in both Aotearoa New Zealand and in Australia.
High Job Prospects
The number of jobs available is high due to a shortage of teachers throughout the country. In 2023, Early Childhood had over 33,000 teaching staff, which was a three percent increase on 2022. Teaching numbers are expected to increase further in 2024.
As the cost of living rises, many households have both parents working full time, so need to send their children to daycare from a very young age. The government announced 20 hours of funding for three to five-year-olds in 2007, and from March 2024, this was extended to include two-year-olds as well. The government has also introduced a “Family Boost” for low to middle-income families with children under five years of age to help them manage the cost of ECE.
The subsidy means more parents are sending their children to centres, and there is more demand for services. The number of children attending licensed early childhood services increased by 6 percent from June 2022 to June 2023 and is expected to increase again in 2024 and in the coming years.
96 percent of education and care centres have opted into pay parity for teachers, with 42 percent on full pay parity, with average salaries ranging between $60,000 and $75,000.
Upon completion of the Level 5 qualification, students may be able to cross-credit into the first year of a teaching degree, and then apply for a teacher’s registration for higher pay and senior roles. See where you might sit in the pay parity scheme.
Source: Education Counts
You will need to currently be working or volunteering in an approved early childhood setting and complete the required work experience hours.
You will need to provide a Work Experience Agreement from your employer or Centre Manager.
You will need to be physically able to perform the work duties of an early childhood educator or professional nanny.
You will need to have NCEA Level 2 if you are under 20 or four years’ secondary education or equivalent and evidence of your potential to study at tertiary level. You will also need a police vet report with no convictions of concern as well as previous experience with children and involvement in a range of cultural, social, sporting or community services.
You will be interviewed to assess your suitability for the role and motivation to study the programme. You will need to provide the contact details for three referees and permission to contact them.
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
You will be interviewed to assess your suitability for the role and motivation to study the programme. You will need to provide the contact details for three referees and permission to contact them.
A history of successful study will help your application.
About the curriculum
The Aotearoa New Zealand Early Childhood Education Curriculum – Te Whāriki – was introduced in 1996 and revised in 2017. Te Whāriki translates into “The Woven Mat” which symbolises all strands of a child’s well-being and development being interwoven with each other. This bi-cultural document introduced a holistic approach of caring for children in an ECE service.
Early Childhood Education
You will study learning through different types of play, the structure and roles of helping agencies and Te Whāriki or The Early Childhood Curriculum. Learn about programme planning and practical skills as well as changing parenting and child raising patterns.
Professional Development
You will learn about the role of an early childhood educator and professional ethics along with culturally appropriate relationships and learning activities for young children. You will gain knowledge about Te Tiriti O Waitangi, and learn to use simple phrases in Te Reo Māori in early childhood settings.
Development and Learning
You will discuss major theories of human development and learning including the implications of neuroscience and their implications for practice. You will learn how to support families and children with special support needs, as well as gain a range of techniques to observe children’s learning and development.
Health and Safety
Gain the skills to provide a healthy, safe and inclusive environment for the protection, care and education of diverse learners. You will learn how to minimise risks and recognise signs and symptoms that can indicate health problems from common childhood illnesses.
Communication
You will learn to use effective oral communication as well as use of cultural protocols, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga to develop and maintain professional relationships. You will study written communication using effective information and communication technology, literacy and fundamental research skills where appropriate.
This Level 5 programme provides the skills and knowledge needed to work as an unqualified teacher in early childhood settings. It is also the first year of an early childhood degree. You can move on to other tertiary providers to complete your degree online or face-to-face.
This diploma will give you credit for the first year of an early childhood degree through the NZ Tertiary College. You can also expect substantial credit towards the first year of an early childhood degree at AUT if you decide to study more later.
Teacher registration is available on completion of an early childhood degree.
You will attend online tutorials each week where you can ask your lecturers any questions about your assessments and learning. We also have a dedicated Student Success Team who can help you with any academic or personal issues you face during your time with us.
Will this qualification be recognised in the education sector where I will work?
Yes, this qualification is NZQA approved and recognised by New Zealand employers.
How can I afford the tuition fee?
Student loans and allowances are available for learners meeting the StudyLink criteria. Find out if you are eligible by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.
You may also be eligible for fees-free. Talk to our friendly Student Services team to find out more.
I have so many commitments. I am concerned I may not be able to complete the programme.
Please feel free to reach out to our Student Services team and find out how you will be supported during your learning.
What is the application process?
You can find an easy step-by-step guide to applying and enrolling in a programme.
What if I miss some classes?
You will have access to all the learning material on our learning management system, Moodle however we strongly encourage you to attend most of your classes. Every learning session is essential to your learning and attendance is important.
Will I be able to manage my time?
We acknowledge there may be times when it becomes difficult to juggle your priorities. If you face any struggles, our supportive lecturers and Student Services team are here to help you.
Do I need to have any computer skills?
Yes, you will need basic computer skills to be successful in the programme.
What will my salary be if I gain this qualification?
Nannies and childcarers usually earn $23 to $30 per hour.
What are my job prospects like after graduating?
Demand is high for educators in early childhood centres around New Zealand. In recent years, entry to this profession has become very competitive with supply outstripping demand. The increasing focus on the value of early childhood education, and the increasing participation of women in the workforce are factors that improve job prospects for this occupation. The demand for early childhood teachers who are speakers of Māori and Pasifika languages is particularly strong. Source: Occupation Outlook, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Where can I work after graduating?
You can work in early childhood settings.
Do I have to do a work placement?
Yes, it is compulsory.
I don’t have any resources for working with children.
Not a problem. During the course, you will make a variety of practical resources for fun learning activities with children.
Is there cultural support for me?
Yes, we have activities and cultural events to celebrate the many diverse ethnicities at our campuses. You are also welcome to join our Māori and Pasifika committee for students.