Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) - Coming soon
- 1.25 years (Full time)
- Level 7
- 150 Credits
- 2 x 40 day blocks
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is an intensive, future-focused pathway for learners who already hold a degree. Developed with sector leaders and grounded in research-informed practice, this programme emphasises hands-on professional experience supported by comprehensive wrap-around learner support. It combines intentional teaching with extended, practice-based learning to ensure graduates are confident, capable, and classroom-ready.
* This programme is pending approval from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
What you will learn:
- Integrate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Whāriki, and local iwi histories into culturally responsive teaching practice.
- Explore contemporary pedagogies and research, including the science of learning and neuroscience, to guide effective teaching strategies.
- Apply practical, authentic assessment tasks that connect directly to your teaching practice.
- Create inclusive, healthy, and safe learning environments that reflect the values of Hauora, Whanaungatanga, and Ako.
- Gain sustained professional experience in quality ECE centres (minimum 18 hours per week) with block placements for depth of practice.
- Work alongside approved teacher mentors and partner centres, with ongoing Cavalli College support visits.
- Build professional and ethical competencies required for NZ teacher registration.
- Access holistic learner support and blended learning, combining online flexibility with face-to-face tutorials and Regional Learning Hub engagement.
Hands-on, practice-based learning:
- Weekly extensive classroom experiences in quality ECE settings.
- Two 40-day professional experience placements aligned with NZ Teaching Council requirements.
- Regional college classroom Learning Hubs.
Achieving this qualification will help you to:
- Be a more informed, practice-based teacher of children in ECE settings.
- Gain employment in ECE centres and other related services.
- Positively contribute to teaching teams and communities.
- Pathway to NZ teacher registration.
Why study with Cavalli College?
Learn from leading experts
Engage with passionate, experienced educators who are recognised leaders in the ECE sector.
Cutting-edge curriculum
Newly developed programmes, connecting theory to real-world teaching through practical, relevant assessments and a strong focus on intentional teaching.
Designed with the sector, for the sector
Programmes are shaped through deep consultation with trusted ECE organisations and leaders across New Zealand.
Wrap-around support
Personalised academic and pastoral support every step of the way. Your success is our priority!
Hands-on, practice-based learning
Professional experience placements enabling you to put theory into practice.
More information:
Entry criteria
Academic entry
Applicants must have:
- New Zealand Diploma of Teaching (Primary) level 7, a Bachelor degree at level 7 (360 credits), a Bachelor degree with honours at level 8 (480 credits) or a Master’s degree at level 9 (240 credits) qualification OR
An equivalent overseas qualification as assessed by an international qualifications assessment.
All applicants must meet the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 and its subsequent amendments, including:
- Providing verified identification.
- Providing evidence of previous education and work history in the selection process.
- Providing at least one written reference.
- Succeeding in a personal visual interview.
- Attaining a New Zealand Police vetting report.
- Entry for any applicant with any prior convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Cavalli College.
Cavalli College undertakes a risk assessment in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014 including the above information in order to select the applicants for the program.
English language entry
Domestic applicants for whom English is an additional language and te reo Māori is not the first language:
- Evidence of completion of at least three years of secondary education at schools where the learner was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
- Provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the NZQA Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2025 for a Level 7 programme; or
- Other proof as deemed acceptable by Cavalli College.
International applicants:
- Must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the NZQA Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2025 for a Level 7 programme.
Literacy and numeracy competency
- All applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) must demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy as equivalent to or exceeding the minimum literacy and numeracy expectations associated with University Entrance prior to entry, as required by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Applicants who do not meet the required step level on their initial attempt, targeted support and re-assessment opportunities may be offered prior to admission, subject to timeframes and overall eligibility.
Credit recognition
- Credit for prior formal study will not be awarded towards this qualification.
Fees
For information about programme fees contact us.
Courses
- EC601 Child Development and Teaching
- EC605 Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Place-Based Education
- EC701 Teaching with Purpose
- EC702 The Thriving Child
- EC703 Inclusive Teaching and Learning
- EC706 Teaching and Leading from Within
- EC709 The Child’s World: The Arts, Language and Literacies
- EC710 The Child’s World: Science, Technology and Mathematics
- EC711 Professional Experience: Engaging as a Professional
- EC712 Professional Experience: Research Inquiry – CIA Planning and Implementation
Total Credits: 150
Pathways
Achieving this qualification will help you to pathway to:
- NZ Teacher Registration
Study dates
2026 pending NZQA approval
Downloads:
Ready to take the next step?
Complete your details below, and one of our friendly team members will be in touch to guide you through the enrolment process.