Early Childhood Education

Outcome Statement

The National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) is designed for people contemplating further tertiary study or considering a career in early childhood education and care. It recognises the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for early childhood education and care across all early childhood services and settings within the sociocultural context of Aotearoa/New Zealand and allows flexibility for the holder to choose the setting in which they wish to work.

Holders of this qualification will have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of: educational theory and practice; family, whanau, community and society; home-based caregiver management; professional practice; interpersonal communication;  food technology and nutrition.

The requirements are all compulsory, as the basic principles of early childhood education and care apply across all settings. The requirements include credit for unit standards that recognise knowledge and skills related to the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whariki; observation techniques; programme planning; safe supervision; emergency plans and procedures; and the facilitation of early childhood education and care arrangements.

The qualification shares some credit with and builds on the introductory skills recognised by the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) [Ref: 403] and may lead to further study at diploma or degree level.

Entry Requirements

(1) A minimum age of 16 years old and have secondary school graduation certificate
(2) Have an avademic IELTS score of 5.5 overall or equivalent
(3) Supply two confidential referee reports
(4) Complete a police check form

Career Opportunities

A career as an early childhood teacher, nanny or kindergarten teacher with further professional qualifications.

Study Pathway

Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) is available at some New Zealand tertiary institutions. Please contact the ICA Marketing Department for further information.

Domains and Unit Standards

Domain    Early Childhood: Educational Theory and Practice

9301    Demonstrate knowledge of DOPs (1-5) for learning and development in a chartered EC service    
9302    Demonstrate knowledge of learning for young children    
9306    Demonstrate knowledge of the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki    
9312    Implement observation techniques in early childhood educational practice    
9314    Demonstrate knowledge of programme planning in an early childhood setting    
9321    Practise safe supervision of young children in an early childhood setting    
9324    Develop emergency plans and procedures for early childhood settings    
9325    Demonstrate knowledge of an environment that enhances young children’s health    
10014    Participate in young children’s play    
10025    Demonstrate knowledge of protection for young children from abuse    
10026    Demonstrate knowledge of child development    
10029    Demonstrate knowledge of human development across the lifespan    
21327    Demonstrate knowledge of assisting with the implementation of early intervention programmes in ECE    

Domain    Early Childhood: Family, Whānau, Community and Society

9331    Demonstrate knowledge of implementing partnership with family/whānau in an early childhood setting    
9332    Facilitate early childhood education and care arrangements with parents, family, and whānau    
10034    Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood services in the local community and in Aotearoa/New Zealand    
10036    Demonstrate knowledge of parenthood and child rearing practices    
10611    Relate knowledge of organisations which impact on early childhood services    
12734    Relate knowledge of families in New Zealand to early childhood education and care    
20406    Describe the benefits of effective communication with parents, family and whanau    
20407    Demonstrate knowledge of cultural sensitivities in a specific early childhood setting    

Domain    Early Childhood: Home Based Caregiver Management

12735    Demonstrate knowledge of Education (Home-Based Care) Order, 1992 and amendments    

Domain    Early Childhood: Professional Practice

9293    Develop and review own philosophy of professional practice in an early childhood setting    
9297    Apply knowledge of and reflect on own safety and protection as an early childhood practitioner    
10032    Demonstrate knowledge of ethical behaviour in early childhood    
10033    Demonstrate knowledge of Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations, 1998    

Domain    Interpersonal Communications

9694    Analyse and apply principles of communication process theory    

Domain    Food Technology and Nutrition

6632    Apply knowledge of age-related nutrition needs in providing food for a child