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Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) – Coming soon

  • Duration: 1.25 years
  • Level: 7
  • Credits: 150
  • Practical experience: 18 hrs/week, 2 x 40 day blocks
Apply today

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:

Through Cavalli College’s blended study modes of learning, including online access, face-to-face and practice-based classroom teaching experiences, along with our unique student support, you will:

  • Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Whāriki, and diverse cultural perspectives to your teaching practice.
  • Explore contemporary pedagogies and research in neuroscience, the science of learning, and movement, recognising that moving is learning and central to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
  • Apply practical, authentic assessment tasks that connect directly to your teaching practice.
  • Develop intentional teaching and collaborative leadership skills.
  • Participate in extended professional experience placements (minimum 18 hours per week) supported by two 40-day block placements across the programme.
  • Be supported by a registered Teacher Mentor, experienced Cavalli Lecturers, and wraparound pastoral care.

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 Aotearoa.

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.

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:

  1. Apply for a provisional practising certificate with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  2. Work as a qualified early childhood teacher in centres across New Zealand.
  3. Positively contribute to teaching teams, tamariki, whānau, and communities.
  4. Pathway to further learning, leadership roles, and ongoing professional growth.

Download more information:

Why study with Cavalli College
Frequently asked questions
Programme details

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 two written references.
  • Succeeding in a personal visual
  • Meeting the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s criteria for determining good character and fitness to be a teacher.
  • 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 programme.

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 2022 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 2022 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.

For information about programme fees contact us.

  • 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

Achieving this qualification will help you to pathway to:

  • NZ Teacher Registration

2026 pending NZQA approval

Not sure which programme at Cavalli College is right for you?

Get in touch with our friendly enrolments team for assistance.

Find out more

Qualifications

Important

Contact Us

Phone: 09 486 3000
Mobile: 021 395 901 (within NZ)

              +64 21 395 901 (outside NZ)
Email: info@cavallicollege.nz

Address:
91 Shakespeare Road
Milford,
Auckland 0620,
New Zealand

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