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Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg) - Early Childhood

Delivered in Partnership with the University of Waikato.

Early childhood education graduate Kristina Stuart
Meet our students and graduates »

This course of study prepares you for work in a variety of early childhood settings with children from birth to five or six years, and gives you a professional teaching qualification.

This is a comprehensive degree that develops competent and caring teachers and caregivers who gain practical and theoretical knowledge of children in a friendly and supportive environment.

Content Details

In this programme seven main themes are covered. These include:

  • Bicultural development
  • Cultural diversity
  • Equity and social justice
  • Inclusion
  • Parents and whänau
  • Transition to school
  • Infants and toddlers

Practicum
The practicum is directly related to papers in the programme and requires full-time attendance (six hours per day) over several weeks in an early childhood service. During your degree you will be encouraged to experience different types of early childhood setting such as kindergartens, education and care or köhanga reo.

Year 1:  17 days
Year 2:  22 days
Year 3:  35 days

Entry

  • New Zealand University Entrance

Applications open in May of the year before your intended study. You can obtain application forms by contacting the University of Waikato's Recruitment and Selection Office on 0800 83 22 42 or from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's Information Centre.

The application and selection process may involve an interview, which is usually held in a group situation.

Police Check
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic will complete a police clearance check on prospective students and entry will be provisional until these have been completed.

English Language Requirements
If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation.

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL score of 550.

Indicative Fees

  • Please enquire direct with the University of Waikato

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Qualifications Gained

Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg) Early Childhood

Career Opportunities

In childcare centers, kindergartens, Kohanga Reos, as the supervisor or owner of a childcare facility. Employment in Ministry of Education or specialist education services, as a play therapist in a hospital, nannying in New Zealand or overseas or teaching in early childhood programmes in polytechnics or universities. Research, or further study.