The entry criteria for the leadership programme is outlined below. Participants must successfully complete the Certificate in Leadership (ECE) before progressing to the Diploma in Leadership (ECE).
Prospective participants must:

• Have an NZQA approved early childhood teaching qualification at Level 7 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Register of Quality Assured Qualifications, i.e. a Diploma of Teaching (ECE), a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), or higher ECE teaching qualification
• Hold registration as a teacher from the New Zealand Teachers Council for the duration of their study. This includes (but is not limited to) full, provisional, and subject to confirmation
• Be employed consistently for a minimum of a 0.5 full time position in a licensed early childhood education setting for the duration of their study. Employment may be within a teaching role or a role responsible for teachers
• Have taught for a minimum of the equivalent of one full time year in a licensed early childhood setting
• International students meeting all entry criteria may be enrolled with an Immigration New Zealand permit allowing them to study the programme.