RequiredOn this page
Qualified staff employed by your early learning service must have an early childhood education (ECE) teaching qualification recognised by the Teaching Council.
There must also be a suitably qualified 'person responsible' at each service. They are responsible for the day-to-day education and care, comfort and health and safety of the children at your service.
These requirements are part of your licence and come under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.
Qualifications, ratios, and service-size standard: general – New Zealand Legislation
Interpretation – New Zealand Legislation
What teaching qualifications are recognised
Current approved qualifications for early learning teachers are listed on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand website.
Approved ITE programmes leading to teacher registration – Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Overseas qualifications
Overseas qualifications must be comparable to a New Zealand early learning or primary teaching qualification. Teachers with an overseas qualification must apply to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for an International Qualifications Assessment.
International qualifications assessment – NZQA
Some overseas teachers may be able to have teaching experience recognised as a qualification. The Teaching Council has more information.
Information for overseas-trained teachers – Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Discretionary pathways registration
If a teacher's overseas qualifications are not comparable to a New Zealand qualification, they may be able to apply for registration through a discretionary pathway.
If their application is successful, the teacher must have a letter to give to the service. This must confirm registration via the discretionary pathway from the Teaching Council.
The Teaching Council has more information about who can apply for an endorsement and how.
ECE or Primary endorsement – Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Qualification and person responsible requirements for different service types
Qualification and persons responsible requirements vary according to the type of early learning service you run.
Records of staff qualifications
The ECE Funding Handbook explains how to keep proper records of staff qualifications.
ECE funding handbook: 3-B-2 Education and care services – Education in New Zealand
