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Early Childhood Education - NZ Cert Level 3

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) level 3 programme is intended for people who want to participate in the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children in an entry level career role.

ECE level 3 is aimed at people who want to learn who to nurture the development and learning of young children, gain the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education L3 and progress into a career or higher level study in ECE.

ECE Level 3 is a fee paying programme which we run from our site in Tauranga (CBD).

Early Childhood Education

Learn about:

  • Child development
  • Care for infants and young children
  • Health, safety, and well-being
  • Positive relationships with children
  • Real-world skills

Enrol in our ECE Programmes to:

  • Gain your NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education – Level 3
  • Learn how to work safely and effectively in an early childhood context
  • Learn how to support play, feeding, and sleeping routines for children in your care
  • Prepare you to pathway into higher level ECE study and become a qualified ECE educator

Course Details:

  • You can start every Monday or as agreed.
  • 8:30am – 3:00pm Monday to Friday
  • Duration is 20 weeks, including a practical placement at a local ECE centre.
  • Graduates will receive the “NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education – Level 3.” All of your 60 credits will also go towards your NCEA Level 3.

Entry Prerequisites:

  • Applicants may either have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Learning and Care (Level 2) and/or have NCEA L2 and/or work experience in the sector which demonstrates capability and motivation to succeed at level 3.
  • Applicants must be capable of passing a police vetting check

For more information please use our Enquiry Form.

Course Locations

This course is a full time, face to face course delivered from these EmployNZ sites:

  • 94 Second Ave, Tauranga

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Tuition Fees

Programme Tuition Fees – TBC for 2025.

This programme is approved for Student Loans and Allowances with StudyLink.

Domestic Student eligiblity and suitability criteria applies.

Fees Free

The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.

If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.

For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit  Fees free website.