EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER

Course Overview

44Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (SAQA ID 97542, NQF Level 4, 131 Credits)

This qualification offers comprehensive insights into various theories and perspectives on early childhood development. The course equips you with the skills to plan and prepare classroom activities using an approved programme aligned with the national curriculum. As an Early Childhood Development Practitioner, you will mediate learning, observe and assess children’s progress, and reflect on learning in an inclusive, play-based environment to support the holistic development of children. With the increasing demand for quality early childhood development services, obtaining this qualification will open numerous opportunities for you to enter and excel in this rewarding field.

Course Overview:

This qualification includes the following modules:

• Early childhood development sector
• Theories and Perspectives of Child Development
• Facilitation and mediation of active learning
• Observation and assessment in early childhood development
• Promotion of health, safety and well-being of children
• Plan and prepare inclusive educational activities
• Facilitate and mediate active learning
• Child progress according to the age and stage.
• Health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children
• Learning programme and routines planning and preparation process
• Facilitating and mediating the learning programme in a variety of contexts
• Children’s learning and development

Study period: up to 24 months   

Work Experience

The completion of work experience is a compulsory part of the programme. Students are required to spend approximately 6 months at an approved workplace completing the tasks prescribed in the Statement of Work Experience. Such work may be undertaken on a part-time/ informal basis.

Assessment and Award

Students will complete an assignment for each of the knowledge and practical modules. For work experience modules students are required to submit the completed Statement of Work Experience with any additional evidence required. Students who have successfully completed the knowledge, practical and work experience requirement of the qualification will be issued with a statement of results which provides entry to the final examination. The final examination or External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is conducted at an approved assessment centre (please note that additional examination fees apply).

Students who have successfully completed the EISA will be awarded the Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (SAQA ID 97542, NQF Level 4, 131 Credits), issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

Entry Requirements

National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 3 or any other NQF Level 3 qualification.

Accreditation