What we do

Initial teacher education Diploma of Teaching ECE students

Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) is a recognised leader in early childhood teacher education delivering its programmes at 16 sites throughout New Zealand. 

  • We offer a Bacehlor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and the National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education Pasifika).  
  • NZCA programmes are centre based so you can learn, teach and qualify at the same time.
  • These programmes are accredited by New Zealand Qualifications Authority and approved by New Zealand Teachers Council. 

Link to Teacher Education

Membership services Membership at NZCA

NZCA is a membership organisation that provides professional support and advice to its early childhood education membership, along with a great range of benefits and discounts. 

  • Employment advice and support through our website, annual publications and our membership services team. 
  • The annual NZCA ECE conference. Discounted tickets available for members.
  • Save hundreds of dollars every year through our great range of discount schemes. 
  • On-the-spot advice through our 0800 employer helpline.
  • Receive the latest news and information on the early childhood education sector direct to your inbox.

Link to become a member

Professional development Professional development for early childhood centres

During 2009 NZCA offered in-centre programmes working with ECE teachers and managers to strengthen early childhood education practice. These contracts included:

  • Kei Tua o te Pae/Assessment for Learning: Early Childhood Exemplars - a best practice resource to help teachers understand and strengthen children’s learning.
  • Te Whāriki - flexible centre focused programmes to address the individual professional development needs of early childhood services.  

NZCA will be delivering Ministry funded professional development contracts in 2010.

Link to professional development

Leadership and advocacy

NZCA promotes quality early childhood education in New Zealand. 

  • We actively represent our members' views to politicians and policy makers. 
  • Each year we hold a national conference with range of international and national speakers, interactive workshops and seminars.

Link to Our Voice