People and employment

Information about working in early learning and employing staff at an early learning service.

• Things employers need to know
• Working in early learning
• Available grants for early learning teachers
• Professional development
• Further information

Things employers need to know

• Knowing the ratio requirements for an ECE service
• Qualification requirements
• Attestation of certificated teachers’ salaries
• First aid qualifications
• Employment agreements
• Person Responsible requirements in teacher-led early learning centres

Working in early learning

As an early childhood educator you’ll be at the cutting edge of education, playing an important role in supporting young children along a pathway of lifelong learning.

Becoming an early learning teacher

If you would like more information on working as a teacher, visit the TeachNZ website(external link).

Find current vacancies on the Education Gazette website(external link).

There are a few more things you might find useful to know:

• Early learning teacher and kaiako profiles

Careers in Learning Support

Do you want to work in Learning Support? 

• Careers in Learning Support

Working for the Ministry

Do you want to work for the Ministry of Education?

• See our current vacancies

Available grants for early learning teachers

Learning Support Study Awards support teachers (in early learning services and schools) who are undertaking specific postgraduate courses to support learners with additional learning needs.

• Learning Support Study Awards and Scholarships

The TeachNZ Māori-Medium Bilingual Education Study Award is for teachers and principals. It lets them take study leave to improve their te reo Māori and their skills as a bilingual or immersion teacher. The award pays for relief while the person is on study leave, and it contributes to the course fees. 

• TeachNZ Study Award(external link)

TeachNZ scholarships are available in a variety of fields. These generally cover fees and pay an allowance for the study period.

• TeachNZ scholarships(external link)

Professional development

Learn about SELO (Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities for children, whānau, families and communities) and Whakapiki i te reo Māori.

• Professional development in early learning

Last reviewed: 16 May 2023 Has this been useful? Give us your feedback