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Gaining Qualifications with HGK

Open Polytechnic Certificate in
Early Childhood Practice – Level 4


Home Grown Kids now provides you with the opportunity to access training with a NZQA recognised qualification at a substantially discounted rate.

This discount is available until the 30/6/12

Course Description
This course comprises of two separate papers:
4301 Early Childhood Context 20 Credits – 4 Modules
4302 Early Childhood Professional Practice 20 Credits – 4 Modules

Specifically designed for distance learners, the new certificate is suitable for those involved in a range of early childhood settings, especially Home-based Education and care.

This qualification has been developed in conjunction with The New Zealand Home-based Early Childhood Education Association (NZHECEA) and Barnardos to ensure it meets the needs and requirements of the Home-based sector.
This qualification is an ideal starting point for students wanting to gain academic skills and knowledge, and an understanding of Early Childhood Education in New Zealand. The qualification will also support entry into the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) programme.

Study Requirements
Courses 4301 and 4302 require 6 hours of theory and 6 hours of practical study per week over a thirty two week period of study.

Where to from here?
We suggest that you do all of the following:
Visit The Home Based Association to find out more information where you can enroll with the New Zealand Home Based Early Childhood Education Association.
Go to the Open Polytechnic website for more information on the courses
Email The Open Polytechnic Here
Freephone the Open Polytechnic on 0508 650 200
Or contact us Here if you have more questions.

IMPORTANT:
Home Grown Kids Conditions

In order for you to be able to access this course at a substantially discounted rate, you will have to meet the conditions set out below.

  • All applicants must be a member of the NZ Home Based Early Childhood Association prior to and for the duration of the course. This is because access to this course is granted through the NZHECEA and by joining the NZHECEA, your first course is ½ price and your second course is free!

  • All applicants must pay for the course up front in full. All additional course fees, text fees and any other applicable fees associated with the course are the responsibility of the Student.

  • Only those Students who are and have been for the duration of the entire course (4301 and 4302), enrolled and have children in care with Home Grown Kids and are a current member of the NZHECEA, will be reimbursed your course fees only (proof will be required).

  • All Educators and Nannies must have preschool children in care for a minimum of 6 hours per week at commencement (This is The Open Polytechnic's requirements, HGK's are 9 hours over more than one day), and for the duration of the course.

  • All applicants must have a satisfactory police check completed 12 months prior to starting the course, and or a signed verification form from Home Grown Kids that this has been completed.

Why should you join the NZHECEA?

Being part of a Professional Body - The New Zealand Home-based Early Childhood Education Association (NZHECEA) is the only national body to speak solely on behalf of it's members to represent home-based education and care services.


Regular communication - minutes of meetings both within the NZHECEA and external organisations - Members are informed and assured of information and given opportunity to feedback.


Members have a voice - increased self esteem and value for Educators/Coordinators/Teaching Staff increasing their professionalism.


Regular local ward meetings - added value to services where members can meet and discuss issues, gain access to networking, collegial support and professional development.


Credibility - The NZHECEA are members of ECAC (Early Childhood Advisory Committee), the Early Education Federation and the International Family Daycare Organisation.


Support - networking with colleagues, regular ward meetings, opportunities to discuss issues and have them heard at national level. The NZHECEA Executive is available to support individual members with any issues.


Educational Pathways and Training Programmes with reduced rates for individual members


Annual National Conference - Enjoy professional development specific to Home-based ECE while networking with others across the country.


Membership discounts - Attend conference at the discounted member rate.


Receive a bi-monthly newsletter - Newsletters include information on what’s happening in the sector. Regular updates on ECAC and EEF, ward updates etc.


Insurance Packages - the NZHECEA has a number of group insurance schemes tailor-made for educators, nannies, parents, staff and service providers in Home-based Early Childhood Education. It includes indemnity insurance, public liability, health, income protection, business interruption, key person as well as commercial cover for home, vehicle and contents. Contact details and more information for the insurances can be found on the NZHECEA Website.


Tax Calculator - for educators to calculate their taxable income, right here on our website as a direct benefit from the NZHECEA working with IRD to negotiate the tax determination for Educators.


Voice heard at Government Level - A voice where it counts with IRD, MOE, MSD, ERO. The NZHECEA Executive meet regularly with the Ministry of Education and other Government Agencies to discuss any issues affecting the sector. Members of the NZHBECEA Executive are invited onto working parties and consultation groups. These have included the Tax Determination for Educators, ECE Regulatory Review, Operating Costs, RS61 review Group, OSCAR etc.


Input on policy development - The NZHECEA Executive relies on feedback from members to ensure the Ministry of Education have accurate information as to what is happening in Home-based Early Childhood Education.