NQF Level 4, 131 Credits, 12–18 Months, Delivery Mode: Blended-Online
Early Childhood Development is one of the most important foundations for lifelong learning, personal growth, and social well-being. The early years of a child’s life significantly shape future cognitive ability, emotional security, language development, behaviour, creativity, and capacity to engage meaningfully with formal education. Where early support is strong, children are better positioned to succeed academically, socially, and developmentally in later years.
Quality early childhood programmes do far more than prepare children for school. They create safe, nurturing, and stimulating spaces in which children can grow in confidence, develop healthy relationships, explore their environment, and build the foundational skills needed for life. In this way, early childhood development is not simply a support service; it is a strategic investment in stronger families, stronger communities, and a more capable society.
The need for competent and qualified ECD practitioners continues to grow as communities require professionals who can provide structured early learning, appropriate developmental support, safe care practices, and inclusive educational experiences for young children. This demand is especially significant in contexts where children need environments that promote health, safety, emotional security, active learning, and developmental progression from the earliest stages of life.
This Occupational Skills Programme responds to that need by preparing learners to function effectively as Early Childhood Development Practitioners in a variety of settings. It equips them with the ability to plan and implement inclusive early learning programmes, facilitate play-based and developmentally appropriate activities, observe and assess children’s progress, and promote health, safety, protection, and well-being within early learning environments.
The purpose of this programme is therefore to produce practitioners who are able to combine sound theoretical understanding with practical competence and workplace responsibility. Learners are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the quality of early childhood services, support children’s holistic development, and participate professionally in the broader ECD sector.
This programme is delivered in partnership with "Springs Christian Academy" and is accredited and quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
Admission into the programme requires that learners meet the minimum entry requirements and submit the required supporting documentation.
Standard Entry Requirements
Requirement No.
Requirement
1
Certified copy of South African ID or valid passport for international learners
2
Certified copy of Matric Certificate or Grade 11 or any NQF Level 3 qualification
Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:
Learning Outcome
1
Plan and prepare inclusive early learning programmes aligned with national ECD curriculum frameworks
2
Facilitate and mediate play-based learning activities that support holistic child development
3
Observe, assess, record, and report children’s development according to age and developmental stage
4
Create stimulating learning environments that encourage exploration, creativity, and social development
5
Promote children’s health, safety, protection, and emotional well-being in early learning settings
6
Maintain effective communication and collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other service providers
7
Implement administrative and record-keeping systems for early childhood programmes
The programme consists of three integrated components, namely Knowledge Modules, Practical Skill Modules, and Work Experience Modules. This structure ensures that learners develop not only academic understanding, but also practical ability and workplace competence. The curriculum is designed to produce graduates who can move from theory to practice with confidence and accountability.
Knowledge Modules
No.
Knowledge Modules
Credits Category
1
Introduction to the Early Childhood Development Sector
43 Total
2
Theories and Perspectives of Child Development
3
Planning and Programme Development in Early Childhood Settings
4
Facilitation and Mediation of Active Learning
5
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Development
6
Promotion of Health, Safety, and Well-being of Children
7
Administration for Early Childhood Development Services and Programmes
Practical Skill Modules
No.
Practical Skill Modules
Credits Category
1
Plan and Prepare Inclusive Educational Activities and Daily Routines
43 Total
2
Facilitate and Mediate Active Learning in an Integrated Learning Programme
3
Observe, Assess, Record, and Report Children’s Development and Progress
4
Support and Promote Health, Nutrition, Safety, and Well-being of Children
5
Build and Maintain Collaborative Relationships with Parents and Service Providers
6
Prepare and Maintain Administrative Systems for ECD Services
Work Experience Modules
No.
Work Experience Modules
Credits Category
1
Learning Programme Planning and Preparation Processes
45 Total
2
Facilitation and Mediation of Learning Programmes in Various Contexts
3
Observation, Assessment, Recording, and Reporting Processes
4
Promoting Health, Safety, Protection, and Well-being of Children in ECD Settings
Graduates of this programme may pursue employment opportunities in a variety of early childhood learning and care environments. The programme supports entry into occupational roles that contribute directly to the education, care, safety, and development of young children.
Possible Career Opportunities
No.
Career Pathway
1
Early Childhood Development Practitioner
2
ECD Centre Assistant
3
Preschool Teacher Assistant
4
Community-Based Childcare Practitioner
5
Early Learning Facilitator
Progression Opportunities
No.
Possible Progression Opportunity
1
Advanced Early Childhood Development qualifications
2
ECD Centre Management programmes
3
Teaching and education qualifications
Assessment within this programme is designed to measure both understanding and applied competence. Learners are assessed through a combination of practical demonstrations, workplace-based assessments, portfolios of evidence, and integrated assessment activities that are aligned to the occupational outcomes of the programme.
Learners are required to successfully complete all Knowledge Modules, Practical Skill Modules, and Work Experience Modules before proceeding to the final External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA). This ensures that certification is based not only on theoretical exposure, but on proven occupational readiness and practical performance.
Upon successful completion of all internal programme requirements and the external integrated External Integrated Summative Assessment conducted through the relevant Assessment Quality Partner, learners will be awarded 131 credits at NQF Level 4 for the Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner. Certification is issued in accordance with the requirements of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.
2026 Fee Structure (Excluding Application Fee)
Option
Payment Structure
Amount
Option 1
Per module
R990.00 per module x 17 modules = R16,830
Final Exam fee
R500.00 (The final exam fee is payable for QCTO examination and Certification)
Total
R17330.00
Option 2
Once-off Payment Plan
R16,000.00
Exam fee
R500.00 (The final exam fee is payable for QCTO examination and Certification)
Total
R16 500.00
Important Note:
All fees is non-refundable and must be paid in accordance with the selected payment option and institutional payment terms. The final examination fee remains payable in addition to tuition where applicable. Learners are encouraged to ensure that payments are made on time to avoid delays in access, assessment processes, or final certification arrangements.
Jennifer Tarr is an experienced education and training specialist with more than 30 years of experience across Basic Education, TVET, Higher Education, and Skills Development. She holds qualifications in Education and Industrial Psychology and has served in senior academic and management roles within the TVET sector.
Her expertise includes curriculum development, training material design, learner support, and skills development. She currently serves as Head of the Early Childhood Development Academy at Springs Christian Academy, where she supports the training and development of ECD practitioners through practical, high-quality learning programmes.
Jennifer is passionate about strengthening Early Childhood Development through accessible, professional, and community-focused training that equips practitioners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.
1. What are the entry requirements?
A certified copy of your ID or passport and a Matric Certificate or NQF Level 3 / NCV Level 3 qualification are required.
2. How long does the programme take to complete?
The programme is designed to be completed over 12 to 18 months.
3. Is the programme offered online?
Yes. The programme is offered through a blended / online delivery model.
4. What career opportunities can this programme lead to?
It can prepare you for roles such as ECD Practitioner, ECD Centre Assistant, Preschool Teacher Assistant, and related early learning support roles.
5. What is the total cost of the programme?
The fee depends on the payment option selected, with module-based, instalment, and once-off payment options available.
6. Will I receive a recognised qualification?
Yes. Successful learners receive credits aligned to the Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner at NQF Level 4.
7. Is workplace experience included?
Yes. The programme includes work experience modules to support practical learning and occupational readiness.