Early childhood teachers educate and care for young children in kindergartens, kōhanga reo or childcare centres. Kōhanga reo kaiako also help children learn te reo Māori and tikanga Māori (culture and customs).
If you love little people, you’ll love becomeing Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher. You will need an understanding of core skills for the education and care of infants and young children - including having an understanding of Te Whariki, the NZ curriculum.
Kōhanga Reo Kaiako
Kindergarten Teacher
Montessori Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Understanding the best way to become a qualified early childhood teacher in New Zealand looks complicated but is easy. Here are the steps you need to take to start your career as an early childhood teacher.
Step 1
Choose and enrol with a registered training provider
Step 2
Complete in a level 3 certificate program
Step 3
Progress to level 4 and 5 certificate program
Average Pay
$42 - $75k per year
Length of training
39-60 weeks
Available Jobs
563*
*TradeMe Jobs, April 2022
Skilled at communicating clearly with children and adults from a range of backgrounds and cultures
Organised, and good at solving problems quickly
Enthusiastic, open-minded and able to motivate children
Creative and adaptable
Able to work well under pressure
Firm and fair, with a sense of humour
Able to work well in a team
Committed to the kōhanga reo kaupapa (Māori language nest concept), if working in kōhanga reo.
Kindergartens
Education and care centres
Teacher-led home-based care agencies
Kōhanga reo.
View Early Childhood Teaching Courses