Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Admission Process

Ākonga must meet all entry requirements in order to be admitted to the programme.

All applicants must:

• Undergo Police vetting in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014;
• Sign a declaration of convictions, pending charges or matters which may impact on their ability to register as a teacher, including mental and physical fitness;
• Include in the above declaration a commitment to immediately disclose any such matters that arise while enrolled in the programme.
• Provide two confidential referees, from persons who are not related to the applicant, and can comment on their personal and professional qualities appropriate for teaching in their specified sector, at least one of whom has observed them working with children; and
• Sign a declaration that they are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions which would preclude working with rangatahi).

Applicants meeting these requirements will be required to:

• Participate in both a group and individual visual interview, and
• Complete a literacy and numeracy assessment set by Open Polytechnic. Applicants must pass both the literacy and numeracy assessment in order to be offered a place on the programme
  Literacy and Numeracy Information Sheet

Referees

You need to give us details of two people who know you in a professional capacity. They must have agreed to provide confidential reports in support of your application. You need to include their:

• Name
• Occupation
• Email address
• Phone number

 Your referees must not be close friends or relatives.
One referee must have observed you working with rangatahi.
If you don't have their email addresses, you can send them a link to the online version.
Referee Report form

Police vetting

When you apply, you need complete a Vetting Request and Consent form. The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand requires us to undertake a police check on all students over the age of 17. This form authorises the New Zealand Police to share information about you with Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga*. All information is confidential.

When you return this form, you need to include two forms of identification. These must be verified by a trusted referee.

You can download and complete a NZ Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form, during the enrolment process. Details on how to send the form back are included in the document.

Note: Please do not email your vetting form until you have submitted your application

Vetting Request and Consent Form

*Note – Initial Teacher Education students have a role that involves the delivery of education to rangatahi. Therefore, pursuant to Section 16 of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, criminal convictions will not be released IF the applicant is eligible for clean slate.

 After you apply

Receipt of your application is confirmed after we have received your full application and all required documentation.
After the application close off date, you will be notified if your application has been accepted for an interview.