Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Summary

In this practical, field-based programme, you will develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.

You can earn while you learn, by working at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre from the beginning of your degree, plus spending 2 days a week on campus, where you will learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Our staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are also numerous student support services available on campus.

You'll also experience a range of practicum placements through 10 week placements at your own early childhood centre and 12 week placements at our designated early childhood centre over three years. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Highlights

• Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you will be able to apply for teacher registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand;
• Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a local licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme. This means that there will be a 50:50 ratio of theory to practice, ensuring our graduates are industry ready.
• Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you will also take part in a practicum, at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week;
• Our graduates had an employment success rate of over 90% in the past years;
• A focus on research: you will design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it's impacted on your practice
• A strong emphasis on mātauranga Māori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach

Professional Work Experience Requirement

You will complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week, over 22 weeks during term times. If you are not currently employed, we can guide you to locate an appropriate centre close to your home.

Practicum

Year One: You will complete one 2-week practicum in your first semester at the centre where you are on work experience. You will also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.

Years Two and Three: You will complete two four week practicum per year, one in your home centre and one in another centre, as chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.