惠靈頓維多利亞大學

If you want develop a love of learning and discovery in young children and be part of laying the foundations for their success, then this is the right degree for you.

Discover early childhood education

This three-year undergraduate degree will give you the skills to provide quality education and care to New Zealand's young children.

You'll learn the art of being flexible, adaptable and resourceful, able to work not only with young children but also with a wide variety of adults in the community. Discover the importance of wellbeing and explore the concept of play as a valuable learning tool. Gain the skills to create healthy, safe learning environments for children, their caregivers and whanau.

Your degree will focus on four areas curriculum, culture, professionalism and practical teaching experience.

Designed to prepare you for an exciting and stimulating career as an early childhood teacher, successful completion means you'll be eligible for provisional teacher registration with the New Zealand Teachers Council.

Graduate with the tools and knowledge you need to work in early childhood education services like kindergartens, early childcare centres, Pacific Island language nests and home-based care.

First year

In your first year you'll take eight courses in a range of subjects that will give you a solid foundation in the techniques and principles behind quality early childhood education.

You'll study the theories behind the way children learn and get an introduction to teaching practices in New Zealand. You'll also discover the history and philosophies of early childhood education and care around the world.

Gain an understanding of Te Whariki the Ministry of Education's early childhood education curriculum framework and examine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Maori in relation to teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Second and third years

In your second year you'll go deeper into how young children develop—including learning about the different ways to connect with them, facilitating their development. Look at how to use the curriculum to support their learning and examine differing teaching models and the debates surrounding them.

In your third year you get more into the practical side of teaching. You'll learn your professional responsibilities and the demands of teaching in New Zealand. Gain the skills to think critically about your practice and learn from experience.

By the end of your degree you'll be eligible for provisional teacher registration with the New Zealand Teachers Council. You'll have the confidence to manage and monitor the learning and development of children. You'll know the curriculum and how to develop skills and knowledge in each area.

Keep on learning

At the end of your three-year BEd(Tchg)EC you can choose to continue your learning with postgraduate studies. Give your career options a boost and choose from a range of postgraduate programmes offered by Victoria University of Wellington.