This programme is designed for those currently working in the ECE sector who are looking to complete a higher-level qualification, those needing to upskill as home-based early childhood educators, those looking for a career change, and students who have completed a Level 3 ECE certificate wanting to move into higher levels of study. This programme equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to work in a range of roles within the early childhood sector.
This is a distance learning programme that is delivered online. Students are guided by unit standards, and workbooks. Learning can be self-paced, although students will work with our tutors and other learners through emails and online meeting to gain peer support and a sense of community. Theory is delivered online through workbooks, short videos, and online tutorials through the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). Practical learning is delivered in the form of exercises, simulated scenarios, and projects to be completed in paper format or online.
There is a practical workplace component that requires students to attend an early childhood setting for a minimum of 4 hours a week on average in either; a licensed early childhood centre, licensed home-based centre, or certified playgroup setting. Students are encouraged to practically apply their learning within their home-based practice or work placements as practical training.
Graduates of this programme will be able to operate as home-based educators, pathway into employment as ECE educators within a centre context, become ECE support workers or even volunteer workers within a range of ECE settings. Graduates may also pathway into further study towards qualifications such as the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 5).
Click HERE to download the Application Booklet. This will give you a clear understanding of all of the required documents and the process to follow to enable you to enrol.
NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
FEES FREE
This programme is currently being offered FEES FREE when it is your first year of study* or you have money left on your Fees Free balance. Ask us for help or, to see if you are eligible, click here for details.
What the FEES FREE offer covers
The FEES FREE offer only applies to the programme’s tuition fee. It does not include provision of any textbooks or any other additional costs incurred by a student. These will remain the responsibility of the student.
*If you are not eligible for FEES FREE we have a limited number of scholarships available through Vision College.
Note: Scholarships are only available to New Zealand and Australian Citizens, and New Zealand Permanent Residents.
Applicants should apply on the Scholarship Application form, which is available from the website: www.visioncollege.ac.nz/scholarships/ECEL4.
Applications to be sent to National Administrator, Vision College, 21 Ruakura Road, Hamilton 3216 or email g.bishop@visioncollege.ac.nz.
Fees listed are indicative only and may vary with course selection. Exact fees can be confirmed when you
enquire or apply.
Health and Safety
Curriculum
Diverse Cultures
Professional Responsibility
Learning and Development
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
International Students:
Our Early Childhood Education programmes require you to bring your own device (BYOD) for study at Vision College.
Below are the minimum specifications required for this course, anything less than this will not open the programmes required.
Windows 10 Operating System (from January 2020 any Windows version less than 10 will not be able to connect to the ATC Vision College wireless network)
Intel Celeron
4GB of memory
320GB+ Hard Drive or 128GB+ Solid State Drive
Across our programmes we use Microsoft Windows based applications.
You will also be required to download Adobe Acrobat to complete assessment tasks and you will also be required to have access to a webcam to complete online activities.
Early childhood teachers educate and care for young children in kindergartens, kōhanga reo or childcare centres. Kōhanga reo kaiako also help children learn te reo Māori and tikanga Māori (culture and customs).
Nannies/child carers are responsible for the care, wellbeing and education of infants, toddlers and children in the home.
Teacher aides assist teachers in a classroom by working with students on a one-to-one basis, or in groups.
There is a practical workplace component in the programme requiring students to complete supervised practice in an early childhood setting for a minimum of 4 hours a week (on average) in one of the following types of New Zealand settings:
Home-based educators will be visited monthly by a registered teacher from their provider where observations can occur, and relevant guidance and support is provided.
Work placements will require the student to undergo police vetting consistent with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.
Yes. The New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 4) is a distance Early Childhood Education Programme that is delivered online while you continue to work in the homebased childcare industry.