If you love working with children and their families gaining a nannying qualification will help you do this. Graduates will function competently as autonomous home based practitioners of child care, education and family support.

This involves an understanding of the social, emotional, cultural, cognitive, spiritual, psychological and physical dimensions as they relate to the family unit.

As a community service, nannying is based on principles of early childhood education, health promotion and primary health care, and consists of a partnership between the nanny and the family.

What will this programme cover?

• Professional  Communication
• Preparation for Employment 
• Kaupapa Māori 
• Health Studies 
• Food Studies  
• Infant/Child Care 
• Injury Prevention
• Human Development 
• Learning Through Play
• Special Support Needs 
• Communicating with Children
• Family Studies in New Zealand/Aotearoa 
• Management Studies 
• Practicum 400 hours - a minimum of 400 hours practical experience is integrated through the year in a variety of family homes.

What do you need to apply?

Entry requirements are designed to ensure that every student has the best opportunity for success in
their chosen field of study.
 
For entry applicants require: 
  A minimum of 12 NCEA credits at Level 3 (or equivalent) including an 'English language rich'
subject (English, History, Art History) as well as 30 NCEA credits at Level 2 (or equivalent).
 
Applicants will also be required to attend an interview. A police record check is mandatory.

Programme Recognition

This programme is accredited by NZQA.
 

Employment Options

There are various employment opportunities both overseas and throughout New Zealand. Nannies with a New Zealand qualification are highly sought after.

Diverse employment opportunities are possible for graduates including: live-in and live-out care for private families, work through employment agencies/bureaus, government departments, and working with families with special needs.

Further Study Options

Graduates of this programme may be eligible to undertake further study in preparation for employment in the early childhood sector. The Teachers Council of New Zealand have specific entry criteria relating to teacher education programmes.
 
Students who study towards the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) offered by Open Polytechnic are able to access tutorial support on the Aoraki Polytechnic campus (Timaru), as well as the use of Aoraki Polytechnic facilities such as the library and computers.