NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE (L3)
Level 3 - NZQA Ref: 2849
The purpose of this qualification is to provide Aotearoa New Zealand with people who can participate in the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children in an entry-level carer role in a range of early childhood contexts, and/or who can proceed to further study. Graduates will contribute to improving society and community wellbeing outcomes and strengthening families. The ECE setting will determine the specific requirements and the level of supervision under which graduates will operate, which will generally be direct supervision.
1 Programme
Option
There is one possible option to achieve the graduate outcomes of this qualification. If this option does not suit your unique needs then select individual standards from the list below. You can then determine your own additional specific content to ensure your programme will meet the required qualification outcomes.
Gaining Programme
Approvals
We have developed a separate technical specification to include in your programme approval documentation to help save time and ensure requirements are met.
Linking standards to qualification outcomes
Our technical specification clearly shows how each standard (or set of standards) directly links to each graduate outcome. This linkage is provided in detail where needed down to the level of ER, Explanatory Note etc.
Entry Requirements
There are no mandatory prerequisites to meet regulatory body or legislative requirements for this qualification. Completion of this qualification requires practical experience within an early childhood setting. These placements will require the candidate to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.
Employment Pathways
Graduates of this qualification will have the introductory skills and knowledge to work in an entry-level carer role in a range of early childhood contexts, such as centre-based, home-based, hospital based, parent-led, or culturally-based environments. Graduates may be involved as a home-based educator in sole charge under specific supervision; as kaiāwhina to provide support for preparing and implementing activities; in paid or unpaid roles.
Pricing Options
Different price options are available based on the unit standards selected.
Contact us for a customised quote based on your unique needs.
Pathway to higher
level qualifications
Graduates of this qualification may undertake further study towards the following:
- New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) [Ref: 2850]
- New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) [Ref: 2851]
or proceed to commence a Level 7 initial teacher education (ECE) qualification under specified criteria.
Graduates that have appropriate te reo Māori skills may undertake further study towards:
- Te Puāwaitanga o te Mokopuna (Level 4) [Ref: 2856]
- Te Mana o te Mokopuna (Level 3) [Ref: 2854]
This qualification may contribute to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3) [Ref: 1039].
Transition Information
This qualification replaced the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3) [Ref: 0403].
| List of all Unit Standards | Level | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culturally Responsive Practice | |||
| 10013 Explain the relevance of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki, as a framework for ECE programme development | View details | 3 | 2 |
| 10026 Demonstrate knowledge of children's development and learning and their relevance to an ECE service | View details | 3 | 5 |
| 26707 Describe the value of play and create resources for children's development and learning in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 4 |
| 29863 Develop, implement and evaluate a learning plan based on observation of a child in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 5 |
| 29864 Demonstrate knowledge of attachment theories, behaviours and transition support in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 3 |
| Health and Wellbeing | |||
| 25459 Provide first aid for young children | View details | 2 | 1 |
| 29856 Describe and demonstrate care practices for infants and toddlers | View details | 2 | 2 |
| 10019 Describe and contribute to safe practices and a safe environment for children in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 3 |
| 29865 Describe and reflect on practices to protect and promote the health and holistic wellbeing of children in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 4 |
| 29866 Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and reflect on age-related nutrition needs for a child in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 2 |
| Develop and maintain respectful relationships | |||
| 26708 Develop respectful, reciprocal and responsive relationships with children in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 4 |
| 29867 Demonstrate knowledge of diverse whānau/families and use a range of effective communication strategies in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 5 |
| Professional Practice | 29868 Demonstrate professional behaviour and manage personal health and wellbeing in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 4 | 29869 Demonstrate knowledge of ethical responsibility to guide practice in an ECE service | View details | 3 | 3 | 29870 Demonstrate knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi, legislation and organisations relevant to ECE services in New Zealand | View details | 3 | 4 | 29871 Describe and compare a range of ECE services and philosophies in Aotearoa New Zealand | View details | 3 | 3 |
| Tangata Whenua | * Use basic te reo Māori and tikanga Māori within a familiar early childhood context to promote awareness of Māori as tangata whenua | View details | 2 | 3 | * Use basic te reo Māori and tikanga Māori within a familiar early childhood context to promote awareness of Māori as tangata whenua | View details | 3 | 4 |
* For a range of unit standard options, see our ECE Level 3 brochure: http://www.instant.org.nz/total-solutions/new-zealand-certificates/