The course will give students introductory knowledge and skills to educate and care for infants, toddlers and young children. It covers health and safety, nutrition, parenting, communication, guiding behavior and how to plan education programmes for children from birth to school age.

The National Certificate provides students with a 6 month programme of study in early childhood education and care, and provides a pathway to go on to further study. Graduates with a good academic record and suitable IELTS grades across all academic bands will be eligible to progress to the next level of qualification or an undergraduate degree at a New Zealand tertiary institute to complete an early childhood teaching degree.