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New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6)

  • Duration: 1 year (Full time)
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 120
  • Practical experience: 18hrs/week, 2x20 day blocks
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This programme empowers learners to develop in-depth pedagogical knowledge across key curriculum areas, including language and literacy, the creative arts, mathematics, science and technology, and family and community engagement – building essential skills to thrive as a progressing early childhood student teacher in early childhood settings, supporting children, whānau, and communities with confidence and care.

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:

  • Learn intentional teaching techniques in all areas of curriculum, including languages, literacies, and the arts for infants, toddlers, and young children.
  • Explore effective planning, assessment, and teaching approaches that foster the development of mathematics, science, and technology in early childhood education.
  • Gain skills to support the holistic health and wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and young children in early childhood education, focusing on teaching practices, educational policies, and community initiatives.

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 20-day professional experience placements aligned with NZ Teaching Council requirements.
  • Regional college classroom Learning Hubs.

Achieving this qualification will help you to:

  1. Be a more informed, practice-based teacher of children in early childhood settings.
  2. Gain employment in early childhood centres and other related services.
  3. Positively contribute to teaching teams and communities.
  4. Pathway to higher learning and teacher registration.

Download more information:

Why study with Cavalli College
Frequently asked questions
Programme details

Academic entry

Applicants must have:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) OR
  • An equivalent overseas qualification as assessed by an international qualifications

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
  • 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 6 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 5 programme.

Credit recognition

  • Credit for prior formal study may be awarded towards this qualification. Recency is at the discretion of Cavalli College.
  • Applicants who have gained their qualification outside New Zealand may be required to provide an International Qualifications Assessment.
  • For this programme, credit can only be awarded if there is at least an 80% match with learning outcomes and assessments passed. This includes professional experience placements.

For information about programme fees contact us.

  • EC601 – Child Development and Teaching
  • EC602 – The Child’s World: Creativity in the Arts
  • EC603 – The Child’s World: Science and Technology
  • EC604 – The Child’s World: Mathematics
  • EC605 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Place-Based Education
  • EC606 – The Relational Teacher EC607 Professional Experience: Science, Technology, Arts and Mathematics
  • EC608 – Professional Experience: Inclusion and Collaboration

Total credits: 120

Achieving this qualification will help you to pathway to:

  • A Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
  • NZ Teacher Registration

September and October Intakes

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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