Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner

Course Overview

This QCTO Accredited National Qualification teaches you different theories and perspectives on early childhood development. The course shows you how to plan and prepare classroom activities using an approved programme aligned to the national curriculum framework. An Early Childhood Development Practitioner mediates learning, observes and assesses the progress of children, and reflects on learning in an inclusive, play-based environment to support holistic development of children in different center-based or non-center-based settings. With the growing demand for quality early childhood development services, obtaining this qualification will provide opportunities for you to enter this field.

Study period: up to 18 months   

Competent students will be able to;

• Plan and prepare inclusive activities to support the holistic development and well-being of children
• Facilitate and mediate appropriate holistic learning of every child
• Observe, assess and record each child’s progress according to the age and stage
• Develop reports of children’s development and learning
• Promote the well-being, health, safety and protection of children

This Qualification is split into 3 components, Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience. Academy of York will guide students through all these components.

Study PLUS Course Material

All learning materials are available on an interactive online platform. A fusion of traditional textbook and an online course. Various multimedia options are contained on the portal, include videos, interactive digital activities, and quizzes. The online platform will have all the required study materials and information, to study towards your exam.

Assessment and Award

The practical and work experience component is done at an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD Centre). While the College does have some venues, students are responsible to source an adequate workplace for their practical and workplace component closer to their home. Feel free to contact the Academy for the requirements that such an ECD Centre should meet.

The Academy of York will assist you in completing the required logbook, along with your workplace supervisor / coach, to record your practical experience.

This qualification will be assessed by means of both Formative and Summative Assessments for the Knowledge component, a practical skills component and work experience POE component. You need to be deemed competent for the last mentioned to access the national External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).

Entry Requirements

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 3 OR
• Any other NQF Level 3 qualification.
• For the ONLINE qualification, students will require a laptop or PC with Microsoft Office
• Wi-fi or other data access

Accreditation