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

Programme Overview

120 Credits | 40 Weeks Full-Time | Online Distance/Blended Learning
February & July Intakes

Are you passionate about working with tamariki and want to begin your journey in Early Childhood Education (ECE)?
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) is the first step. This nationally recognised qualification is equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s degree and provides a strong foundation in early learning theory, pedagogy, and practice. Completion of this programme is a prerequisite for entry into the Level 6 Diploma.

At Bodhi, you’ll study in a small, connected cohort with one-to-one support from a dedicated tutor. You’ll learn through a combination of weekly Zoom classes, collaborative online forums, written assessments, and field-based practice - ensuring that your knowledge is deeply grounded in real-world ECE settings.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in this programme, applicants must:

  • Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Meet the ‘fit to be a teacher’ criteria
  • Hold competent computer skills
  • Pass a Police Vetting Check
  • Pass an Entry Test
  • Have achieved NCEA Level 2, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge/experience
  • Provide satisfactory referee reports
  • Succeed in an interview with Bodhi

'Fit to be a Teacher' Criteria

Prospective students must:
1. Physically perform duties that contribute to caring for infants, toddlers, and young children.
2. Be willing to learn new skills and absorb new information.
3. Have an acceptable Police Vetting Check (no history of child abuse or serious criminal offences).
4. Effectively communicate both verbally and non-verbally.
5. Demonstrate genuine respect for others.
6. Maintain professionalism at all times.
7. Complete the practical work experience component of the course.

Minimum Technology Requirements

To successfully participate in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), students must have:

1. Internet Access
Reliable broadband internet connection with sufficient speed and data to support video conferencing, streaming lectures, and uploading assessments.

2. Computer / Device
A modern computer or laptop (less than 5 years old) capable of running current software.
Minimum specifications:
Operating system: Windows 10 or later / macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
Processor: Dual-core, 2 GHz or higher.
Memory: 8 GB RAM minimum.
Storage: 256 GB minimum, with regular backups recommended.

3. Software
Microsoft Word (or equivalent word processing software compatible with .docx format).
Adobe Acrobat Reader (for viewing PDF documents).
Updated web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox).
Access to email (for all programme communications).

4. Audio-Visual Capability
Webcam (built-in or external) for tutorials, assessments, and mentor meetings.
Microphone and speakers/headset for participation in Zoom tutorials and online discussions.

5. Additional Requirements
Ability to install and use the following platforms:
Moodle (Learning Management System, browser-based).
Zoom (for synchronous tutorials and meetings).
Kaiako Kete (e-portfolio platform for practicum evidence and mentor sign-off).

Course Structure

The programme consists of six integrated modules that reflect the competencies required to work effectively in early learning environments:

  1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Exploring partnership and obligations in ECE practice
  2. Contexts of Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa – Understanding the history, philosophy, and diversity of ECE
  3. Understanding Te Whāriki – Applying Aotearoa’s early childhood curriculum in practice
  4. Health and Wellbeing in ECE – Creating safe, healthy, and nurturing environments
  5. Promoting Identity, Language & Culture – Supporting each child’s uniqueness in a bicultural and multicultural context
  6. Personal & Professional Growth in ECE – Developing reflective, ethical and culturally competent teaching practice

Each module includes:

  • Written assessments
  • Field-based key practice tasks
  • Weekly online Zoom hui
  • Compulsory forums to encourage tuakana-teina learning within your cohort

Practicum Information

This programme includes a field-based learning component to strengthen your practical skills and professional identity as a kaiako.

  • You must complete a minimum of 14 hours per week in a licensed early childhood service
  • You will undertake two 4-week full-time in-home field placements (totalling 40 days)
  • Field-based work must take place in a recognised ECE setting.

Supervision Structure:

  • In licensed services: You will be supported by a qualified and registered Mentor at your centre and a visiting tutor from Bodhi.

Programme Delivery

  • Duration: 40 weeks full-time, 35 learning hours per week.
  • Study Mode: Online, with regular Zoom sessions and field-based learning
  • Break: 4 weeks in total
  • Start Dates: February and July each year
  • Tuition Fees (2026): $6,325.00

FAQs

Do I need experience in early childhood to enrol?
Not necessarily. If you have NCEA Level 2 or equivalent experience with children and meet the other entry requirements, you are welcome to apply.

Can I work while studying?
Yes, absolutely, your 14 hours can be completed either in a paid position or voluntarily within a licensed ECE service. You’ll also need to allow additional time for assessments and online participation.

What happens after I complete Level 5?
You’ll be eligible to apply for the New Zealand Diploma in ECE & Care (Level 6) with Bodhi, which builds on your foundational learning and takes you one step closer to teacher registration.

Do I need to find my own placement?
Yes, but we’ll support you in this process. Your placement must meet the criteria for a recognised ECE setting and provide appropriate supervision from a Registered Teacher.

Fees Free?

Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme. Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.