The Level 4 Early Childhood Education and Care programme is designed for students who want to start a career working with infants, toddlers, and young children (tamariki) in New Zealand.

It gives you practical and theoretical skills to support children’s learning, development, safety, and wellbeing in real early childhood settings.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Learn how children grow, learn, and develop
• Hands-on childcare experience through work placement
• Study Te Whariki (NZ Early Childhood Curriculum)
• Build communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues
• Flexible study model (campus + home learning mix)
• Pathway to Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Internationally recognised qualification (useful for nanny/au pair work overseas)

Programme Structure / Topics Covered

Child Development & Learning

• Child growth and development stages
• Infant, toddler, and young child learning
• Observation and assessment of children

Curriculum & Teaching Practice

• New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum: Te Wh?riki
• Play-based learning techniques
• Creating learning resources

Professional Practice

• Health and safety in childcare settings
• Communication with families and wh?nau
• Professional ethics and behaviour

Cultural & Inclusive Education

• M?ori perspectives in early childhood education
• Bicultural practice in NZ classrooms
• Inclusive learning environments

Work Placement

• 4-week supervised ECE placement
• Real childcare experience in licensed centres

Disciplines / Specialisations

This programme prepares students for roles in:

• Early Childhood Educator Assistant
• Childcare Worker
• Nanny / Au Pair (international recognition)
• Home-based Childcare Support
• Playgroup Assistant
• Early Learning Centre Support Worker

Highlights

• 19-week fast-track ECE qualification
• Study + work placement combination
• Learn NZ’s official curriculum
• Internationally recognised childcare qualification
• Flexible learning (12 hours/week campus study + home learning)
• Pathway to Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 5)
• Suitable for career starters in childcare

Career Outcomes

Graduates can work as:

• Early Childhood Educator Assistant
• Childcare Worker
• Nanny / Au Pair (international opportunities)
• Early Learning Centre Assistant
• Home-based Caregiver
• Playgroup Coordinator Assistant

Work Settings

• Early childhood centres
• Kindergartens
• Home-based childcare services
• Private childcare roles
• Community childcare programmes

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme remains open to international students
• Includes 4-week practical placement
• Blended learning format (flexible study + classroom)
• Police vetting required due to childcare work
• Strong focus on Te Wh?riki curriculum and cultural inclusion
• Designed as a direct pathway into Level 5 Early Childhood Diploma 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New Zealand, students require a Student Visa.

Required Documents

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Valid passport
• Proof of funds for living expenses
• Medical & travel insurance
• IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent)
• Police clearance (for childcare placement suitability)

Programme Highlights (Quick Summary)

• NZQF Level 4 qualification
• 19 weeks duration
• Open to international students
• 4-week childcare placement
• Study NZ curriculum (Te Wh?riki)
• Flexible blended learning format
• Strong pathway to Level 5 ECE Diploma
• Entry-level childcare career pathway in New Zealand