Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioner, NQF level 4, SAQA ID 97542
Turn your passion for working with young children into a meaningful career.

The Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner is designed for people who want to play an important role in the learning, development and well-being of young children.

This practical, career-focused qualification prepares you to work as an Early Childhood Development Practitioner in settings such as nursery schools, preschools and other ECD environments. You will learn how to create stimulating, inclusive and play-based learning experiences that support children during some of the most important years of their development.

Throughout the programme, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan and prepare age-appropriate activities, facilitate learning through play, observe and assess children’s development, communicate their progress, and support their health, safety and overall well-being. You will also learn how to build positive relationships with parents and other service providers and understand the administration involved in an ECD environment.

What makes this programme particularly valuable is that you will not only study the theory. The qualification combines knowledge, practical learning and real workplace experience, allowing you to put what you learn into practice in a registered ECD organisation such as a nursery school or preschool.

Why Choose this qualification?
If you are passionate about children and want a career where your work can make a lasting difference, this qualification can help you take that next step. You will gain skills that are directly relevant to the ECD environment while working towards a nationally recognised NQF Level 4 occupational qualification accredited by the QCTO.

The programme is offered through blended learning, giving you greater flexibility while still providing the practical and workplace learning required to prepare you for the profession.

What will you learn?
During the programme, you will learn how to:
• plan and prepare inclusive educational activities and daily routines;
• create engaging, play-based learning experiences;
• facilitate and support the holistic development of every child;
• observe, assess, record and report on children’s progress;
• promote children’s health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being;
• work collaboratively with parents and other service providers; and
• maintain the basic administrative systems required in an ECD environment.

Where can this qualifcation take you?
The qualification prepares you to operate as an Early Childhood Development Practitioner and can also provide a pathway to further studies.

After completing the programme, you may continue your studies towards qualifications such as a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development or, subject to the relevant admission requirements, progress towards further studies in education, including a Diploma in Grade R Teaching and ultimately degree-level study.

Programme at a glance
Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner
SAQA ID: 97542
NQF Level: 4
Credits: 131
Learning format: Blended Learning
Accreditation: QCTO accredited and certified

Start building a career that helps shape young lives. The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for future learning and development. As an Early Childhood Development Practitioner, you have the opportunity to be part of that journey every day.

If you love working with children and want to turn that passion into a recognised career, this qualification is a great place to start.

Enquire today and take your first step towards a rewarding career in Early Childhood Development.

Minimum admission requirements:

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF 03
• Any other NQF 3 qualification
• Access RPL will be considered. If you do not meet this requirement.

The Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (SAQA ID 97542) is an accredited occupational qualification registered at NQF Level 4. The programme is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and successful learners who meet all qualification requirements and complete the required External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) will be certified by the QCTO. This means the qualification is nationally recognised and provides learners with a credible pathway into the Early Childhood Development sector and further studies. 

We offer flexible and affordable payment options to make your studies more accessible. There are no application fees, and your study material is included in the course fee, so there are no unexpected costs when you get started.

Choose the payment option that works best for you:

• Pay the full course fee upfront
• Pay in 3 consecutive instalments
• Pay a deposit and the balance in monthly instalments by debit order

For the ECD Practitioner qualification specifically, the application form also confirms that students paying in full or within three equal instalments receive a 20% discount on the standard course fee.

Complete the application form and email it to enrol@edutel.co.za Remember to include certified copies of your qualifications and ID.

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