Diploma in ECE now available on West Coast

Tai Poutini Polytechnic and the NZ College ECE of Christchurch are making it count for nanny students who want to further their career with a Diploma in Teaching (ECE) now available on the West Coast.

Students who have successfully completed the one year NZ Certificate in Nanny Education will be eligible to apply to the NZ College of ECE to enter stage two of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE), which they can study on the Coast as a field-based programme. This requires the student to work at least 15 hours per week in a licensed early childhood centre.

Students must have successfully completed Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s NZ Certificate in Nanny Education, which is the equivalent of Stage One of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) delivered at the polytechnic.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic tutor, Maureen Simpson, says the affiliation will be a huge incentive for students to stay on the West Coast, “This arrangement between Tai Poutini Polytechnic and the NZ College of ECE enables students to fast forward into a diploma of teaching (ECE) should they want to pursue further learning in this field.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for those who aren’t ready to leave the West Coast because now they can work and study on the field-based programme of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE).

The draw card is that we have some of the lowest fees in NZ making it a more affordable option too,” Simpson says.

The polytechnic’s highly reputable NZ Certificate in Nanny Education is delivered at the Greymouth campus and teaches students specialized areas of ECE including child development, play, first aid, baby care and children’s health and nutrition. On completion, students receive their qualification enabling them to pursue several ECE options.

Simpson also says she has noticed a changing attitude to mothers returning to work soon after birth, fuelling demand for educated childhood teachers. “Whether it is home-based or centre care, this is a growing industry with huge potential for employment,” Simpson says.

Having a nanny can be a slightly more expensive option, however many parents get their children together and share the cost of full-time nannies.

The NZ Certificate in Nanny Education teaches students to care for children from birth to eight years old. Students have a period of practical placement, which helps them learn firsthand in a context of different family dynamics.

“Our students range from school leavers upwards, age is no limit. We only take 12 students every year, which makes for a great learning environment as they receive a lot of one-on-one tutoring,” Simpson says.

The programme is offered to school leavers with NCEA Level 2 and older people who have experience and a passion for children. The programme is ideal for school leavers wanting to get some skills behind them before they go travelling; or for older people with no qualifications wanting to up skill.