Become a qualified ECD Practitioner and shape young minds with passion and purpose!
If you love working with children and want to play a key role in their early learning journey, then this Occupational Certificate: ECD Practitioner is for you!
It provides comprehensive training to support and guide children from birth to five years old. You will get the knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience needed to support children’s holistic development in a variety of ECD settings.
Key ECD areas covered, include:
- The stages of child development: physical, cognitive, social and emotional milestones
- Prioritising the children's health and safety through safe sleep practices, nutrition, hygiene and creating a hazard-free environment
- Building positive relationships with children and families through effective communication, active listening, and a supportive and inclusive environment
- Observing children's behavior and play, and identifying areas that need additional support
- Curriculum planning and age-appropriate activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking in a stimulating learning environment.
You will complete Theory and Practical Modules over twelve months, followed by a six-month workplace experience component.
Who should attend?
This Occuptional Certificate is widely recognised and recommended for anyone who is currently working in or interested in finding employment in the Early Childhood Development environment working with young children.
Career Opportunities
With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:
- An ECD Practitioner in preschools, daycare centres or community programmes
- A Childcare Assistant in early learning environments
- A Home-Based Caregiver providing structured learning for young children
- A Support Worker in government or NGO-led early childhood programmes
- An Educational Facilitator supporting curriculum implementation and child development strategies
Course Outline
Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.
Knowledge Modules - Theory
- Introduction to the Early Childhood Development Sector
- Theories and Perspectives of Child Development
- Planning and Programme Development in Early Childhood Settings
- Facilitation and Mediation of Active Learning
- Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Development
- Promotion of Health, Safety and Well-being of Children
- Administration for ECD Services and Programmes
Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning
- Plan and Prepare Inclusive Educational Activities and Routines
- Facilitate and Mediate Active Learning
- Observe, Assess, Record and Report Each Child’s Progress
- Support and Promote Health, Nutrition, Safety, Protection and Well-being
- Build and Maintain Collaborative Relationships with Parents and Other Service Providers
- Prepare and Maintain Administrative Systems
Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practice
- Learning Programme and Routines Planning and Preparation Process
- Facilitation and Mediation of the Learning Programme in a Variety of Contexts
- Observation, Assessment, Recording and Reporting on Children’s Learning and Development
- Promote Health, Nutrition, Safety, Protection and Well-being in an ECD Setting
Accreditation and Certification
This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
Successful students will achieve:
- A nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (SAQA ID 97542 at NQF Level 4)
- Hands-on experience working in real ECD environments
- The skills to plan, implement and manage early learning activities
- Knowledge to assess and support children’s development
- Training in first aid for children and classroom management techniques
Entrance Requirements
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 3
- Any other NQF 3 qualification
- All classes and assessments are conducted in English