New early childhood degree offered in 14 regions

New early childhood degree offered in 14 regions across NZ

Early childhood education needs well qualified and well-prepared teachers says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) Chief Executive Nancy Bell, as they ready for the launch of their new Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 14 regions from Kaitaia to Dunedin.

“NZCA has been an established national provider of level 7 teacher education diplomas for many years. However, teachers increasingly see a degree as the entry level to their profession. An early childhood degree brings teachers into line with their primary and secondary counterparts.”

“As well as including the international theory and research underpinning the field, our degree has a unique Aotearoa focus which brings Māori and Pasifika knowledge to the foreground. Students learn while they work in centres, maintaining a strong relationship between theory and practice so our graduates are highly employable” says Nancy. “All of NZCA’s programmes are delivered on day-release schedule, students work four days a week and attend classes on one day with assignments completed outside of class.”

“ECE teachers need a qualification that is research informed if they are to stay up-to-date with the current thinking in early education. Many go on to higher degrees and we need this capability in a sector which currently serves over 180,000 children.”

“We are very proud to be able to offer this qualification in Kaitaia. We want to offer the opportunity for students to study face-to-face just about anywhere in the country. Students are inspired by the commitment of our organisation to high quality ECE and the feeling that together we are making a difference for young children, they find our lecturers passionate and knowledgeable and our classes supportive and welcoming.”

NZCA’s Academic Leader for the new Bachelor of Teaching, Lesley Rameka is very impressed with the qualification, “the degree is an amazing programme that is perfectly suited to New Zealand’s unique cultural landscape.”

Studying at one of NZCA’s 14 regional teaching bases is a great way to get qualified says Nancy, “Our well appointed teaching bases offer intimate class sizes, and a welcoming supportive learning environment. Students can access library and learning resources online 24/7 via our e-learning site.”

“We expect to take around 300 applicants nationwide into the first year with classes starting across the country from February 2011. Competition for places will be high despite the recent ECE funding changes.”

Applications for the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) open on the 1st September. For more information on applying to study in 2011, call 0800 CHILDCARE or visit www.nzca.ac.nz

ENDS