Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College

This qualification is offered for the fifth successive year in 2012 to qualified early childhood teachers working in early childhood settings.

The course is designed to provide opportunities for exploration of infant and toddler mental health issues within group settings. This course will enhance and extend the knowledge and experience of teachers working with children from birth to age three years.

Course delivery is a combination of 10 face-to-face classes and completion of study guides/workbooks which are undertaken independently between scheduled classes. The face-to-face sessions are spread throughout the year.

An information booklet is available on request. Applicants must be qualified, registered early childhood teachers.

Here are the most common questions asked by family/whanau about our nanny and early childhood teacher education programmes.

If an applicant is accepted for the one-year (nanny) qualification, can the applicant continue with the teaching qualification?

Students can apply to 'staircase' into Year 2 of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) on successful completion of the nanny qualification. Applications are completed in October, and successful students are advised of the outcome following graduation. The student must meet specified academic and practical criteria to be eligible for entry into Year 2 of the teaching qualification.

Can a successful Diploma of Teaching (ECE) applicant enrol in both qualifications?

Yes, if an applicant is accepted for the Diploma of Teaching (ECE), the student can also enrol in the Rangi Ruru Certificate in Early Childhood Education & Care, incorporating the New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education (Level 5). The students enrolled in both study programmes work together for most College classes.The dual enrolment enables teaching students to be awarded the nanny qualification at the end of their year of study.

What are the options for post-graduate study, eg undertaking a degree?

Many Diploma of Teaching (ECE) students enrol in degree programmes on completion of their qualification. Massey University and the Christchurch College of Education are popular choices for graduates who wish to upgrade to a degree. Representatives from these providers visit the College to talk to Year 2 and Year 3 teaching students about the programmes. The Diploma of Teaching (ECE) qualification counts toward specific degrees at these institutions. Diploma of Teaching graduates are eligible to apply for the Certificate in Infant and Toddler Mental Health qualification.

Do the course costs include text books and other course requirements?

Students are expected to purchase set texts as advised at the start of the first year. The comprehensive First Aid course (and the refresher for Year 3 students), Kiwisport, self-defence courses and off-campus visits are covered by the student fee.

Are students eligible to apply for student allowances and student loans?

Yes, the College is an approved provider for students to apply for student loans and allowances.. It is helpful if successful applicants contact Study Link as soon as they receive notification of acceptance, so their study contract can be prepared in time.This avoids delays at the start of the College year. Applicants should check the Study LInk website regarding criteria for loans and allowances: www.studylink.govt.nz, as a number of changes to eligibility criteria were introduced in 2011.

What size are your classes?

Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College is a small tertiary institution and we provide study programmes for approximately seventy students per year. The class size in Year 1 for 2012 is 29 students, who are split into two groups for some classes. The class sizes in Year 2 and Year 3 of the teaching qualification range from 17-28 students per group.

Can I apply for a Scholarship?

Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College is an approved provider for TeachNZ Scholarships (for Diploma of Teaching Students). Refer to www.teachnz.govt.nz.
Information regarding Maori and Pasifika scholarships is available from the College.