Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an umbrella term which applies to the processes by which babies and young children grow and thrive, physically, mentally, emotionally morally and socially. ECD is of critical importance as a fundamental pillar to the foundation for lifelong learning,
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is important because the kind of early care a child receives from parents, pre-school teachers and caregivers determines how a child learns and relates in school and life in general.
During the early stages of child development all the key elements of emotional intelligence, namely confidence, curiosity, purposefulness, self-control, connectedness, ability to communicate and co-cooperativeness is formed. Young children are capable learners and suitable educational exposure during the pre-school years can have a positive impact on formal schooling.
Providing appropriate stimulation, nutrition, care, and health services during these critical, pre-school developmental period, results in:
In the South African context childcare workers teach and care for children while their parents are away for work. In the first place they make sure children are safe but their second responsibility is the development of these children by focusing on play and games, creative activities and the development of fundamental reading skills.
Childcare workers need to be energetic, fun, and patient. They help the children gain new skills and learn how to get along with others. Many childcare workers work as babysitters. They bathe, dress, and feed children; look after them while they play and clean up after them. They might put the children to bed and read to them. People who look after babies also prepare bottles and change diapers.
Childcare workers in pre-schools and day care centres take care of groups of children. Childcare workers plan daily activities before the children arrive. Each day usually includes indoor and outdoor activities, storytelling, creative activities, music, movement and routine activities. Childcare workers are also involved in the preparation of snacks and nutritious meals for children. They make sure children are healthy and clean.
Their daily tasks may include educational games and the development of language through storytelling, reading and dramatisation of stories. Basis mathematical skill is developed by the counting of blocks and cutting of shapes. To teach science, they mix colours when painting. They also teach music and movement.
Childcare workers spend most of their day with children but they also meet with the parents or guardians to give feedback on the child’s development. Childcare workers keep record of the child’s development. It is important to notice any delays in the child’s development and to report it to the relevant person – principal, parent or guardian.
Watching children grow and learn can be fun but it can be tiresome because workers have to run, clean, play outside, and pick up children. They should be cheerful, always aware of what the children are doing, and have a lot of energy. It is sometimes difficult to have the required patience.
The working hours and type of child care vary widely. It can be full time or part time. It can be as a practitioner, an assistant or a volunteer. Childcare centres are open year round. Caregivers who live with the children they look after usually work longer hours.
Childcare workers often care for children who have different needs and are sometimes in distress. It is important that we create opportunities for all children, including those who are disabled; opportunities to participate and to develop to their full potential.
The holistic model of ECD acknowledges the fundamental role that parents and communities play in the care and education of children.
It is important that we create opportunities for all children, including those who are disabled, to participate fully and to develop fully to their full potential. The holistic model of ECD also acknowledges the pivotal role that parents and communities play in the care and education of children.
Who should attend this course?
The Certificates in ECD are for anyone who has the ability to work and relate with children from birth to 5 years old and can include:
Developmental Learning Pathway
NQF 1 – Skills Development Programme: Early Childhood Development
Bridging Programme mapping to ECD Elective Unit Standards
Download EnrolmentNQF 4 – FET Certificate : Early Childhood Development
SAQA 58761 140 credits
Download EnrolmentNQF 5 – Higher Certificate : Early Childhood Development
SAQA 64649 120 credits
Download EnrolmentNQF 5 – National Diploma : Early Childhood Development
SAQA 64650 120 credits
Download EnrolmentThe NQF 5 Higher Certificate and the NQF 5 National Diploma together form the NQF 5 National Diploma 240 credits
In essence it is one qualification but it is presented in two halves.
The duration of the certificates depends on the mode of instruction and can be from 18 weeks to 1 year.
› Notional Hours for Skills Development Programme on NQF 1 = 182 work hours and 78 Academic Hours.
› Notional Hours for NQF 4 Certificate = 980 work hours and 420 Academic Hours.
› Notional Hours for NQF 5 Certificate = 840 work hours and 360 Academic Hours.
› Notional Hours for NQF 5 Diploma = 840 work hours and 360 Academic Hours.
Should a potential Learner not have a Grade 12 certificate, it is advised that the Learner do the intro Skills Development Programme Level 1 before attempting further studies.
Please view our enrolment forms for the specific entry requirements for each qualification or alternatively contact us for more information regarding the specific requirements for each ECD qualification.
Interact with babies, toddlers and young children.
244262
Prepare an environment for babies, toddlers and young children.
244263
Care for babies, toddlers and young children.
244255
Demonstrate basic understanding of child development.
244258
Maintain records and give reports about babies, toddlers and young children.
244261
Work with families and communities to support Early Childhood Development.
244462
5
Prepare resources and set up the environment to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children.
244468
5
Provide care for babies, toddlers and young children.
244469
10
Prepare Early Childhood Development programmes with support.
244472
6
Observe and report on child development.
244475
6
Facilitate holistic development of babies, toddlers and young children
244480
16
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development of babies, toddlers and young children.
244484
8
Design activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
244485
8
Use mathematics to investigate & monitor financial aspects of personal, business, national & international issues.
7468
6
Apply knowledge of statistics & probability to critically interrogate & effectively communicate findings on life problems.
9015
6
Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts.
9016
4
Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts.
119459
5
Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts.
119462
5
Read/view analyse and respond to a variety of texts.
119469
5
Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes.
119471
5
Interpret and use information from texts.
119457
5
Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts.
119465
5
Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes.
119467
5
Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication.
119472
5
Describe how to manage anxiety and depression in the workplace.
244571
2
Motivate and build a Team.
242819
10
Support children and adults living with HIV and AIDS.
244259
8
Total
140
Develop and manage the ECD learning Programme
13855
24
Mediate active learning in ECD Programmes
13853
36
Promote healthy development in ECD Programmes
13854
12
Apply workplace communication skills
8647
10
Present information in a public setting
13925
5
Facilitating a Literacy Learning Programme in the reception year
244257 (7409)
15
Facilitating a Numeracy Learning Programme in the reception year
244256 (7410)
15
Facilitating a Life Skills Learning Programme in the reception year
244260(7408)
15
Total
132
Develop and Apply Academic Literacy Skills.
14582
25
Facilitate a Programme of Learning
10289
24
Organise a Programme of Learning
10288
8
Promote Life Long Learning
10295
8
Manage the Learning Programme
7400
24
Conduct Outcome Based Assessment
115753
15
Facilitate an Inclusive Educational Environment in ECD setting.
13856
12
Identify and respond to learners with Special Needs and Barriers to Learning.
10294
10
Total
126