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New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Level 5

This course is the first course we offer, it is the equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor degree. To enrol in the Level 6 you need to complete the Level 5 first. The course has 4 modules; Biculturalism, Learning & Development, Inclusive Practice and Professional Practice. For each module there are written assessments as well as field based key teaching tasks that need to be completed, Weekly forums are mandatory to promote teina/tuakana learning within the learning cohort.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) 120 Credits.
  • 40 week full time course (35 hours per week).
  • 2 x 2 week holidays.
  • Online via distance learning.
  • February & July Intake.

Field Based component
14 hours per week must take place in a licensed early childhood service.
1 x 4 week in-home field based block (35 hours per week).


Entry Criteria
  • NZ Citizens / Permanent Resident.
  • Met ‘fit to be a practitioner’ criteria.
  • Competent computer skills.
  • Satisfactory Police Vetting Check.
  • Entry Test.
  • Achieved a minimum of NCEA level 2, or demonstrate knowledge and experience at this level.
  • Succeed in an interview.

Fees (2023): $5480.00
Field Based Definitions.

Supervised: - the learner will have a suitable qualified/experienced supervising/supporting mentor who will assess the student’s practice against requirements. For students in a licensed based service, supervision will be an Associate Tutor belonging to the service, and a visiting tutor from Bodhi. Those students in a home-based situation will be mentored by an Associate Tutor from Bodhi Ltd, who will also act as their visiting tutor.

ECE setting – this must be a recognised early childhood education (ECE) service, which may include a certificated playgroup or a licensed centre-based service, parent-led service, hospital-based service, home-based service; or culturally-based environment. The home-based service may be the child’s own home, or the home of the educator.