Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Te Kura Whakaakoranga Kōhungahunga

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TE KURA WHAKAAKORANGA KŌHUNGAHUNGA

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Te Tuku Tono

How To Apply Applying for a programme is easy - follow these five steps.

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Find your thing

Start your application

Upload documents

Go to the Unitec website to find the programme you’re interested in studying. You can also call or visit us to talk about your study options.

When you’ve found your programme on the Unitec website, click Apply Now. You’ll enter your personal details and create an account with Unitec, so you can track your application.

You’ll need to complete your application tasks, including uploading documents such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate, and academic or work history.

Offer to study at Unitec

unitec.ac.nz

We understand that choosing what to study is a big deal!

We are here to help you at every step of the way. You can talk with us about your study options and all aspects of student life.

We can help you with the application process, sorting your fees and getting ready to start class.

CONTACT US

Our team will assess your application and if all goes well, you’ll receive an offer to study at Unitec. We will notify you by email.

Call us 09 815 4321 or 0800 10 95 10 Email us study@unitec.ac.nz Visit us on campus at student central - maps are on our website unitec.ac.nz/map

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05 Complete application tasks There are still a few things to do before you’re enrolled, such as choosing your classes. Some programmes also need you to attend an interview or audition.

YOUR TIMETABLE

Once you’re enrolled and have selected your classes, your timetable will be created. We’ll send you an email so you can log in to your Student Portal to see your timetable.

Around this time, we will email you an invoice, which will explain your study costs

You can look forward to attending your programme Orientation Week and pōwhiri :)

REQUEST AN UPDATE

When you have submitted your application, you can log in to your application Enrolment Dashboard to ‘Request an Update’. You can also call us, email us, or come and see us on campus to talk about your application.

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Te Tahua Akoranga

Funding Your Studies Studying is an investment in your future and a great way to ensure you remain work-ready in today’s ever-changing world.

4. Once you’re eligible with TEC, you can apply to study at Unitec.

If you get a maybe, you’ll need to submit a statutory declaration form at feesfree.govt.nz as soon as possible, so there are no disruptions to your studies.

Here are some of the options for funding your studies:

For up-to-date information on fees-free study including eligibility criteria, visit feesfree.govt.nz.

FEES-FREE

YOUTH GUARANTEE SCHEME

If this is your first time studying at tertiary level, you might be eligible for fees-free study support. Fees-free (administered by the Tertiary Education Commission) covers your tuition fees, compulsory course costs and compulsory student services fees.

To receive fees-free support, you need to be eligible and enrolled in an eligible programme.

If you’re between the ages of 16 and 19, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and enrolled in an eligible 6 or 12-month Level 3 programme, you might be able to apply for funding under the Youth Guarantee Scheme to cover your compulsory tuition fees.

Checking your eligibility

5. Apply online for an eligible course or programme.

To check whether you’re eligible for fees-free study, follow these steps: 1. Go to feesfree.govt.nz and enter your National Student Number (NSN). If you don’t have this handy, there are additional instructions on the website.

2. Make sure you choose the eligibility criteria for Provider-based study.

3. Then, you’ll receive one of the following results: • Yes – you’re eligible for fees-free • No – you’re not eligible for fees-free • Maybe – not sure if your eligible for fees-free

Here’s how it works:

6. If your application is successful, you’ll have an interview with the Youth Guarantee team to talk about funding.

7. Youth Guarantee-funded places of study are limited, so apply as early as possible.

For more information about eligibility criteria, visit tec.govt.nz.

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TARGETED TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP FUND (TTAF) In response to the economic impact of Covid-19, the New Zealand government announced that between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2022, the cost of vocational education and training would be covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund.

We have a wide range of certificate and diploma-level programmes that are eligible under TTAF – and these programmes are available for study for no tuition fees.

For a full list of eligible programmes, visit unitec.ac.nz/trainingfund

Applying for the fund There is nothing you need to do. If you’re enrolled in an eligible programme, TTAF will automatically cover your fees from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2022.

Note: if your programme of study goes beyond 31 December 2022, you might be eligible for fees-free study to cover the rest of your tuition fees. You can read more about fees-free study on pg. 4.

Student Loan

A Student Loan can help with paying for your tuition fees (compulsory fees charged by us), study materials (e.g. books, computer, travel) and living costs. Because this is a loan, you’ll have to pay it back once you start working.

Note: if you’re eligible for fees-free study, you might not need a loan for your tuition fees (but you might still need one for course-related and living costs).

Student Allowance A Student Allowance is a weekly payment to help you with your living expenses while you’re studying. If you’re eligible, you don’t have to pay this one back.

To find out if you’re eligible to apply for a Student Loan and/or Allowance, visit studylink.govt.nz.

Getting your application ready The application process for a Student Loan and/or Allowance can be quite complicated, so we do have drop-in session available at the beginning of each semester where our Student Support Advisors can help you with your application.

STUDENT LOANS AND ALLOWANCES StudyLink is the best place to start when looking for help to pay for your study. What you’re eligible to apply for depends on your age, income and course type.

StudyLink may be able to help with: • Compulsory tuition fees • Course-related costs • Living costs • Other costs (e.g. disability or childcare) INSIDE TE PUNA

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Te Tahua Akoranga

Scholarships HELP WHILE YOU STUDY Sometimes unexpected and additional costs can pop up. If you find yourself struggling financially during your studies, Unitec has Study Grants for essential course-related costs (up to $500) that domestic, full-time students can apply for. There’s also an emergency hardship fund that can provide some financial help, a small one-off payment to help you cover the cost of unforeseen, essential expenses. Our Student Support team can help put you in touch with other support services who can help to get you back on your feet.

Our website unitec.ac.nz has the most up-to-date fees information. It also has useful links to help you work out how to apply for a loan, and whether there are scholarships you could be applying for.

APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP Another great way to help pay for your studies is applying for a scholarship or an award. Unitec scholarships have been designed with students in mind. Most scholarship funding helps support students with costs associated with study, so students are able to choose how they use their scholarships. This could be towards fees, childcare, transport, books and supplies, or any other area which will help support them to achieve their academic goals. We understand that financial barriers can be significant for students so have designed our scholarships to help support where we can.

We have a huge range available - there’s something for everyone – with scholarships available for school leavers, Māori, and Pacific as well as gender-specific and discipline specific scholarships and awards.

Māori & Pacific Scholarships Each year we offer scholarships for our Pacific and Māori tauira.

These include scholarships for new students, those progressing into a new year of study or starting a new programme. Some of our scholarships also provide mentoring opportunities and other ways to connect with Unitec’s Māori and Pacific communities.

Āheinga Equity Scholarship Unitec offer scholarship support for our Disabled and Neurodiverse Learners to help with costs associated with their studies. These scholarships are designed to further support and enhance the student experience.

School Leaver & New Student Scholarships There are also a number of scholarships to support students new to Unitec. Scholarships are available for those leaving school or those seeking a career change.

For a full list of scholarships and awards, visit unitec.ac.nz/ scholarships.

TOP TIP

Student Support Advisors can answer all your funding questions – even before you’ve started study.

Email studentsupport@unitec.ac.nz, call 0800 10 75 10 or drop in and see them on either campus – you’ll find them at the AskMe desks . Alternatively, if you have a question about a scholarship, send an email to scholarships@unitec.ac.nz.

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SCHOLARSHIP PROFILES

Byron Iosia

Irene Farnham (Ngāi Tūhoe)

UNITEC PACIFIC ACADEMIC PROGRESSION SCHOLARSHIP FROM BBUS TO PGDBS

CONCENTRIX LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP – MĀORI WHAI AKE SCHOLARSHIP BACHELOR OF SOCIAL PRACTICE

After Completion of my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management, I felt the need to continue on my study journey and enrolled into the Post Graduate Diploma in Business. Financially I knew it was going to be a struggle, with mounting student loan debt and no student allowance assistance, I knew I had to find financial support to help get me through. I was thankfully awarded the Unitec Pacific Academic Progression Scholarship, which helped immensely towards course related expenses and personal hardship costs. I would encourage more students to take the opportunity to apply for scholarships, as receiving these also looks impressive on your CV, and it can make your family very proud of you.

Irene has been the recipient of two leadership scholarships, the purpose of these are to identify and support inspirational students with great leadership qualities. This is an area where Irene has more than proven her skills by becoming the Māori Student Representative at Unitec. Irene will complete her Bachelor of Social Practice this year (2021) and says, “This scholarship has given me peace of mind this year. It went directly towards my fees, so I feel really privileged that I have been able to study almost fee free this year; thus reducing my overall debt when I finish my studies. It is benefiting me, and my children too. Take the time to apply for scholarships; you just never know the outcome of your application.”

2021 MFAT SCHOL ARS, R ATU EPENERI KOROVAK ATUR AGA , MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE, FIJI

Te Kura Whakaakoranga Kōhungahunga

Early Childhood Education

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Programmes Available Early Childhood Education • Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

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LEVEL 7 PROGRAMME

E A R LY C H I L D H O O D E D U C AT I O N

BACHELOR OF TEACHING (EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION) C R E D I T S 360 (3.0 EFTS)

S TA R T D AT E S February or July

A N N U A L F E E S $6,300 (NZD)

C A M P U S Mt Albert

D U R AT I O N Full-time for three years

(Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

Career opportunities

If you’ve always wanted to work with young children, study early childhood education and develop the skills and knowledge required to make a difference in the lives of children, their whānau and society.

• Early childhood teacher • Head teacher in an early childhood setting • Home-based coordinator/educator • Manager in an early childhood education centre • Hospital play specialist • Nanny

Highlights • Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you’ll be able to apply for teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme.

• Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you’ll also take part in a practicum at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week.

• Our graduates have had a 100% employment rate since 2014.

• A focus on research: you’ll design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it’s impacted your practice.

• A strong emphasis on mātauranga Māori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach.

• Acknowledgement of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which prepares you to implement te reo me ngā tikanga Māori in your teaching practice.

Programme overview In this practical, field-based programme, you’ll develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.

You’ll work at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre while studying, and be on campus for 2 days a week, where you’ll learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Teaching staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are numerous student support services available on campus.

You’ll also experience a range of practicum placements at other early childhood centres for 16 weeks over three years.

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to become a certified teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

(The practicum hours are under review and will be increased from 2022 onwards.)

Work experience You’ll complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week during term times. If you’re not currently employed, we can help you find an appropriate centre, which can be located close to your home if you’re not based in Auckland.

Practicums Year One: You’ll complete one two-week practicum in your first term at the centre where you are on work experience. You’ll also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.

Years Two and Three: You’ll complete one five-week practicum per year at another centre, also chosen by Unitec, in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.

TeachNZ Early Childhood Education Scholarships As part of the government’s support for equity in education, there are a range of TeachNZ scholarships available that you may be eligible for, especially if you’re passionate about becoming an early childhood educator, and about Māori or Pacific cultures.

Admission requirements For this programme, the application process depends on your age.

If you’re 20 years old and over: 1. Be able to work for a minimum of 12 hours per week for the duration of the programme in a licensed early childhood centre.

2. Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form.

3. Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children’s Act) which will be shared with a host institution as part of your practicum placement. This includes: • Providing two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes.

• Complete a police vetting form.

• Providing the names of two referees who Unitec or your placement provider can contact.

• Passing a mandatory interview process which includes a group and individual interview, plus a short numeracy and literacy test.

• If required, provide a CV detailing a chronological summary of your work history for the past five years, and the name of any professional organisations, licensing and registration authorities that you’ve been or are a member of.

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E A R LY C H I L D H O O D E D U C AT I O N

You don’t need to have any NCEA credits (or equivalent), however there is a short numeracy and literacy test during your interview process.

If you’re under 20 years old: In addition to the above requirements, you’ll need the following: 1. Be 17 years old by the time the programme starts 2. University Entrance which requires NCEA Level 3 including: • 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three different approved subjects • 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (5 in reading, 5 in writing) • 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pāngarau If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options If you don’t meet these requirements, you could still apply for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/ece International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international

Teaching is in the blood For Ngāpuhi descendants, sibling duo Greg and Imogen Van Kan, teaching tamariki (children) is in their blood.

With several family members already working in early childhood education, it’s no surprise the pair have ended up studying to become certified teachers – albeit at different times and for different reasons.

Greg says he’s had at least 20 different jobs in his life – “I’ve done pretty much every trade, worked at every fast food restaurant, worked in hotels, bars, even printing” – and hasn’t liked any of them. When his partner challenged him to think about what he’d really like to do, he thought why not get paid to “hang out” with the people he enjoys most. And, coincidentally, his sister had just started studying the same thing.

When they decided to pursue a career in early childhood education, it was important to them they found somewhere to study with the level of work experience they were after.

“I don’t think I could get through this course without having the two days a week in a centre,” says Imogen. “There’s so much more that goes into the development of children than I ever expected. Being a visual person, it’s so much easier for me to learn something in class and then see it while working.”

Postal Address Private Bag 92025 Victoria Street West Auckland 1142, New Zealand Mount Albert campus 139 Carrington Road, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025 Waitākere campus 5-7 Ratanui Street Henderson, Auckland 0612 facebook.com/UnitecNZ instagram.com/UnitecNZ twitter.com/UnitecNZ youtube.com/UnitecNZ

Disclaimer: Unitec New Zealand Limited, trading as Unitec Institute of Technology (Unitec) has used all reasonable care and skill to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate at the time of printing (September 2021). However, matters covered by this publication are subject to change due to a continuous process of review.

Unitec reserves the right to make any changes without notice.

So far as the law permits, Unitec accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered by any person due to reliance (either in whole or in part) on the information contained in this publication, whether direct or indirect, and whether foreseeable or not. For the most up-to-date information, please visit unitec.ac.nz or visit Student Central (Te Pae Kōrero) at either the Mt Albert or the Waitākere campus.

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The information contained in this publication is for domestic students. For international students, please get in touch with international@unitec.ac.nz or visit unitec.ac.nz/ international to view the international prospectus.