Programme Overview

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

The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6) builds on the foundational knowledge gained in Level 5 and is designed to deepen your understanding of professional practice, leadership, and curriculum in early learning settings. This qualification equips learners to take on greater responsibility in ECE environments and prepares graduates to progress into their final year of teacher training.

This programme is the equivalent of the second year of a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). It is aligned with Teaching Council expectations, enabling our graduates to seamlessly cross-credit into the third and final year with an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provider.

At Bodhi, we support our students every step of the way. You’ll be part of a small, connected learning cohort, supported by a dedicated tutor, and engaged in a learning experience that is personal, practical, and grounded in bicultural and sector-responsive pedagogy.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in this programme, applicants must:

• Meet all Entry Criteria to the New Zealand Diploma in ECE & Care (Level 5)
• Have successfully completed the New Zealand Diploma in ECE & Care (Level 5)

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 Level 6 diploma extends and deepens your learning across critical areas of early childhood education. The programme includes four integrated modules, each designed to enhance your competence, confidence, and leadership in ECE settings:

1. Culturally Responsive Practice
   Explore how to uphold and promote te ao Māori and multicultural perspectives in your teaching, building strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and communities.
2. Contexts of Early Childhood Care & Education in Aotearoa
   Examine the evolving landscape of ECE in Aotearoa, including policy, leadership, socio-political influences, and ethical decision-making in practice.
3. Planning & Assessment for Teaching & Learning
   Strengthen your ability to plan intentional, responsive learning experiences that reflect the principles of Te Whāriki, and to assess learning in meaningful, authentic ways.
4. Ethical Professional Care & Responsibility
   Reflect on your professional identity and responsibilities as an educator, with a strong focus on relational practice, wellbeing, leadership, and ethical conduct.

Each module includes:

• Written assessments aligned with advanced learning outcomes
• Field-based key practice tasks assessed in real-world settings
• Weekly Zoom classes with your tutor and cohort
• Active participation in online learning forums

Practicum Information

This programme includes a significant field-based component to enhance leadership and professional capabilities in authentic early learning environments.

You must complete:

• 14 hours per week in a licensed early childhood service throughout the programme
• 1 x 4-week in-home field-based block (20 days in total)
• 1 x 4-week out-of-home field-based block (20 days in total)

In-home placements is at the licensed centre that you complete your 14 hours per week.
Out-of-home placements must be in a different early learning centre to broaden your experience, especially with age/stage of tamariki.

All placements must be supervised by qualified and registered Mentors, with ongoing support and assessment from your Bodhi tutor.

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

Is this qualification enough to be recognised as a fully trained ECE teacher?
Not on its own. The Level 6 diploma is equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). To gain teacher registration, you’ll need to complete the third year of study through an ITE provider. Bodhi’s programme is designed to prepare you for this next step and aligns with cross-credit agreements.

Can I transfer into a Bachelor programme after this?
Yes. Our graduates are supported to cross-credit into the third and final year of a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) with a recognised ITE provider, giving them a direct pathway to becoming a fully qualified and registered teacher.

Will I receive the same level of support as in Level 5?
Absolutely. You’ll continue to receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Level 6 tutor, participate in a small cohort, and engage in rich learning experiences that extend your personal and professional growth.

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.