Whangarei Girls’ High School Whangarei Girls’ High School

Level 3 Early Childhood Development

3ECD
Course Description

In Early Childhood Development, this course includes an opportunity to explore play and its value in education and the age related nutritional needs of young children including preparing a menu and meal. It is supported by the theories of child development from newborn to school age, how to develop responsive and reciprocal relationships; and provide safe environments for young children. Students will also develop effective communication with family/whānau, young children and with those involved in the care of young children; and knowledge of related services and types of early childhood centres.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:Explore this content:
  • Interpersonal Skills – collaboration, self-directed learning, effective communication skills- paraphrasing, reflecting, questioning.
  • The importance of Play in a child’s learning and development including their need to interact with peers, adults and the environment. Creating resources to use in a centre.
  • Workplace Qualities – time management, to use a variety of sources to gain information, to use technology appropriately and to problem solve. Adaptability, initiative and creativity in the context of dealing with the changing needs of young children.
  • Develop knowledge of whānau diversity using effective communication strategies with whānau and describing strategies that promote an awareness of, and respect for, cultural diversity in an ECE service.
  • Personal Qualities – self-responsibility, self-discipline and a willingness to learn. Professional behaviour and presentation, work ready skills.
  • Use knowledge to develop meal plans and a meal based on the age related nutritional needs of young children.
  • Safe Practice skills- auditory and visual scanning, positioning, modelling, prompting and guiding.

  • The development of children from newborn to school age considering milestones, dimensions of development, patterns of learning and the factors that impact a child’s development. Investigate the variety of services and centres in Early childhood.

  • The skills of facilitating, scaffolding, negotiating and responding in developing reciprocal relationships.

  • Develop Responsive and Reciprocal Relationships with young children and how to keep them safe in an ECE environment through theory and a placement in a centre. 
  • Food planning and preparation for young children in keeping with guidelines. 

  • All skills are transferable to a range of work places and settings outside of Early Childhood.


Year Levels/Departments:

Child Development, Seniors



Resources Required

2B5 Exercise Book