Study Options

Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College offers two early childhood qualifications, a one-year nanny qualification and a three year Diploma of Teaching (ECE). Both programmes are delivered as face-to-face full time courses of study commencing in February each year. There are no mid-year intakes for either study programme. Student intake numbers are limited in the first year.


Qualification options

The Early Childhood Professional
There are two full-time study options available:

Option 1:
Rangi Ruru Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, incorporating the New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education (Level 5) (a one-year programme of study). Approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Option 2:
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) which is a three-year programme of study. The Diploma of Teaching (ECE) is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and endorsed by the New Zealand Teachers Council.

Students who are enrolled in the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) qualification can also enroll in the Rangi Ruru Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, incorporating the New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education (Level 5) in their first year of study.



Nanny career opportunities
…a passport to
  • Nannying in New Zealand or overseas.
  • Live in or live out positions in city or rural settings.
  • Short term agency work.
  • Supporting children with special needs.
Read our graduates’ stories for further information on the exciting nannying opportunities internationally.

The nanny qualification can provide a stepping stone to career opportunities in a range of professions where strong interpersonal and organisational skills are required, eg Police, social work, nursing, midwifery.

Maternity nannies are highly sought after in the United Kingdom and Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College offers a Maternity Nanny course to its experienced graduates.


Diploma of Teaching (ECE) career opportunities

As a provisionally registered teacher, a graduate can seek employment in:
  • Kindergartens.
  • Full day or sessional early childhood centres.
  • Childcare centres on ski fields, resorts, and cruise ships.
Graduates may choose to specialise in a particular age group of children, eg infants and toddlers.
Further Study opportunities
Many graduates seek to further their studies by undertaking specialised courses, eg Montessori, the Certificate in Infant and Toddler Mental Health, or commencing university study to complete a degree. (either part-time or full-time study).
Staircasing from the nanny qualification to the Diploma of Teaching (ECE)

Nanny graduates can apply to bridge into Year 2 of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) (Specific academic and practical criteria apply). Some graduates from the one-year programme choose to travel and nanny for a period and then return to the College to study for the teaching diploma.