Infant and Toddler Education and Care in Aotearoa New Zealand

What is a micro-credential?

Micro-credentials are short courses that are approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) that allow students to acquire industry-relevant skills and customise career development.

Our micro-credentials are delivered using a dedicated online learning portal with access to readings, videos and self-reflection resources.

The content has been co-designed by subject matter experts using practical skills and knowledge that can be applied and assessed within a professional context.

The learning objectives have been designed to be recognised in a way that is valuable and can be leveraged to progress future professional learning.

The narrow focus of a micro-credential course makes it an ideal addition to any other study commitments.

Once you have completed the micro-credential you will receive a badge and the micro-credential will be registered on the NZQA record of learning register.

Online Interactive Requirements

• Access to computer to view recorded presentations
• Access to computer for online assessments (tablet or phone not recommended)

Course Fees

• Domestic students are not eligible for Student Loans and Allowances for micro-credentials.

International Course Requirements

• Aged 18 years or older

In this micro-credential you will apply key theories and pedagogical approaches in infant and toddler learning and development to enhance teaching and learning environments and support diverse cultural identities and well-being of infants, toddlers, their families and whānau.

This micro-credential consists of 6 modules:

1. Theories of infant and toddler learning and development 

2. Māori perspectives of infants and toddler care and education 

3. Culturally responsive infant and toddler care and education (Pasifika and international perspectives)

4. Infant and toddler neuroscience, mental health and emotional well-being 

5. Infant and toddler pedagogy: Multiple approaches to care and education 

6. The role of the teacher in infant and toddler learning

• Online

You may begin the programme in February or August.

This micro-credential takes between 12 and 26 weeks to complete

To be eligible for micro-credential admission, you must:

• have a minimum of 10 Level 1 NCEA literacy credits (or equivalent)

• have access to work or volunteer in a setting with infants and toddlers (this includes but is not limited to: Nannying, ECE setting, home-based care setting, play group, being a parent of an infant or toddler).

International offshore students must:

• have an English Language proficiency equivalent IELTS at a ‘General of Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5.

• have access to work or volunteer in a setting with infants and toddlers (this includes but is not limited to: Nannying, ECE setting, home-based care setting, play group, being a parent of an infant or toddler).

What is a verified copy?
A verified copy is a photocopy of your original document signed as being a true and accurate copy by a Justice of the Peace (JP), solicitor, church minister, kaumātua, police officer, school principal, Member of Parliament or Te Rito Maioha teaching staff member. You can find a list of Justices of the Peace in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book or at Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Associations

Documents required to submit an application

1. Primary ID
You must supply a verified copy of one of the documents below:

• New Zealand Birth Certificate issued on or after 1 January 1998 carrying a unique identification number
• New Zealand Passport
• Overseas passport (must include relevant visa/residency permit)
• New Zealand Emergency travel document
• New Zealand refugee travel document
• New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Passports Act 1992 to non-NZ citizens who cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin)
• New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Immigration Act 1987 to people who have refugee status)
• New Zealand citizenship certificate

2. Secondary ID
You must supply a verified copy of one of the documents below:

• New Zealand Driver’s licence
• 18+ Card
• Community services card
• NZ student photo identification card – from another tertiary institution
• NZ employee photo identification card
• NZ electoral roll record
• Inland revenue number
• NZ utility bill, issued not more than six months earlier.

3. Evidence of Qualification

End dates: Students have up to 26 weeks to complete this micro-credential

Fees cover all tuition costs, student guides, and readings.

All fees shown are for domestic students studying in 2026*:

*Fees may be subject to late payment fees after the due date

This micro-credential offers a pathway into and preparation for study in our Level 5 and Level 7 programmes.