Open Polytechnic
Media Release: Immediate
Date: 3 November, 2016
Open Polytechnic Launches New Early Childhood Education Diploma
The launch of the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) by Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s
leading provider of distance learning, is aimed at upskilling students who want to pursue a career in the early
childhood education sector.
The new diploma extends Open Polytechnic’s suite of ECE qualifications that include the Bachelor of Teaching (Early
Childhood Education), the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3), and the Certificate in
Early Childhood Practice (Level 4), which provides a pathway into the new Level 5 diploma.
The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) gives graduates the skills and knowledge they
need to work in a variety of early childhood settings such as centre-based, hospital-based, home-based, nanny and
parent-led services including culturally based early childhood contexts.
Throughout the diploma, which is offered through distance learning backed up by face-to-face workshops and a five week
practicum, students learn skills in using a range of learning theories to promote children’s learning, biculturalism,
and how to apply professional standards and reflective practice when working in an early childhood setting.
“The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a perfect way to build your career and prepare for higher level
study while making a real difference to the education and care of young children,” says Senior Lecturer, Sonja
Rosewarne.
Graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care who want to progress on to becoming an early childhood
education teacher may be eligible to cross-credit into the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood
Education).
Enrolments are now open for Trimester 1, 2017 until 25 January, 2017. For more information on the New Zealand Diploma in
Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5), visit http://bit.ly/2dtMmmS.
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About Open Polytechnic
The Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s specialist provider of open and distance learning, enrolling over 30,000 part-time
students per year. The majority of students are adult learners combining work and study, making the Open Polytechnic one
of New Zealand’s major educators of people in the workforce.
Website: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz