Is Early Childhood education for me?
As an early childhood teacher, you might inspire children's imaginations through building blocks and play dough one day, and the next day support the development of social skills and cooperation with group activities like gardening, playing musical instruments or preparing a meal.
With support from whānau you will be able to make a difference at this key stage of development. Through guided play you can help tamariki gain the skills they need for holistic development. It’s a very challenging and satisfying career where you can make a real difference to the lives of our tamariki.
Early Childhood Teacher Education students:
- Are interested in working with infants, toddlers, young children, whānau and their communities
- Are patient and creative
- Are good at communicating
- Are passionate about nurturing and cultivating a love of learning in others
Some students go straight into teacher education after secondary school because they love working with young children while other students start their studies after having their own children and realising the importance of early childhood education on young children’s development.
What will I learn at UC?
You'll learn about the theory, practice and management of teaching, including the place and role of education, the characteristics of learners and the teaching-learning process. You'll also learn about Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood curriculum, to prepare you for the profession of teaching.
You will spend numerous weeks placed in a centre where you can developing your teaching and putting your learning into practice. By the end of your time at UC you will be ready to begin your career as an Early Childhood teacher.
Pathways to becoming an Early Childhood teacher
There are three qualification pathways for Early Childhood Teaching at UC:
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
The Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) prepares you for a teaching career in different early childhood settings. This pathway is available on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch by or distance study. The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to six years.
If you would like to study by distance you will need to attend on-site intensives (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch, one of which is a two-week OSI at the beginning of the programme.
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Mātauranga Māori)
The Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Mātauranga Māori endorsement prepares you for a teaching career in different early childhood settings. The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to six years. This pathway prioritises te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and is founded on mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), Māori philosophies, and values.
The Mātauranga Māori Initial Teacher Education pathway will equip you to work in whare kōhungahunga (early childhood) and/or kura tuatahi (primary) settings working at level 2 (51–80% te reo Māori immersion) or higher. A graduate of the Mātauranga Māori programme has the ability to work in bilingual English medium educational settings, where knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, bicultural practice, and culturally empowering pedagogies are valued as a means to support child development.
- He ako ā-rorohiko, ā-kanohi kitea hoki te momo ako, nā reira, ka taea te ako mai tawhiti. Heoi anō me matua tae ā-tinana mō ētahi wāhanga o ia tau, he noho marae ki te hau kāinga o Kāi Tahu ia tau.
This is a mixed method style of delivery with content being available online, therefore there is the ability to learn from anywhere. Kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) delivery will also be included in the programme through scheduled block wānanga each year and one noho marae each year.
For more information, kōrero with a Student Advisor.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
If you already have a Level 7 NZ bachelor's degree or equivalent, you can apply to enrol in the one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning Early Childhood. This programme can be studied full-time or part-time by distance (Flexible Learning Options). It includes 15 weeks of professional practice placements in early childhood centres. Distance students study their programme off campus, and attend on-campus intensives.
Which pathway is for me?
Successful completion of any of these pathways lead to eligibility to apply for Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand registration. However, there are differences in the duration, focus and qualification awarded. Specifically, the Ako: BTchLn is a three-year undergraduate programme, while the GradDipTchLn is a one-year programmes for those with a bachelor's degree. Below is a quick overview of the differences between the programmes.