Make a difference
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.
Is Early Childhood teaching for me?
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 and how will I learn?
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.
There are two qualification pathways for Early Childhood Teaching at UC:
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 whilst the GradDipTchLn is a one-year programmes for those with a Bachelor degree. Below is a quick overview of the differences between the programmes.