EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER
EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER
If you love working with young children and hope to change lives, this qualification is the perfect start. Early childhood development is one of the most rewarding career paths in South Africa, and with the right training, you can become someone children trust, parents depend on, and communities appreciate.
What You Will Learn
You will develop practical, heart-centred skills in:
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Supporting children’s emotional, cognitive, and physical development
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Planning playful learning experiences
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Observing and guiding children's progress
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Keeping children safe, healthy, and cared for
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Working in daycares, preschools, and community centres
Why Students Love
This Qualification
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It’s fully online and flexible
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It’s accredited and recognised
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It opens multiple career paths
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It helps you make a real difference in children’s lives
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You can start your own ECD centre on completion and be self-employed
How Long Does It Take?
12–24 months, depending on your pace.
We designed it this way so you can balance life, work, and pace of study.
What Doors Will This Open For You?
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ECD Practitioner
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Assistant Teacher
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Daycare Centre Manager
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ECD Centre Owner
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Child Development Support Worker
Your career begins with one decision: choosing to start.
Entry Requirements
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We welcome learners from all backgrounds. To qualify, you need:
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NCV Level 3 OR
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Any NQF Level 3 qualification OR
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SAQA equivalency (for international students)
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Should you not fulfil the entry requirements You can apply for RPL- Recognition of Prior Learning
Topics Covered
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Knowledge Modules (43 credits)
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KM-01: Introduction to the early childhood development sector
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KM-02: Theories and perspectives of child development
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KM-03: Planning and programme development in early childhood settings
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KM-04: Facilitation and mediation of active learning
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KM-05: Observation and assessment in early childhood development
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KM-06: Promotion of health, safety and well-being of children
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KM-07: Administration for early childhood development services and programmes
Gradworx students are better prepared as Practitioners
With 6 free short courses in:
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1. Childhood obesity and dietary requirements
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2. Entrepreneurial Skills and Financial and Budget Management
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3. Special Needs and Inclusion: Educating Children with diverse abilities and disabilities alongside their peers in general education settings
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4. Literacy and Numeracy: Focuses on foundational skills in early reading, storytelling, and basic number concepts
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5. Diagnosing common baby and early childhood illnesses
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6. Advice and guidelines on getting your ECD centre registered at the Department of Basic Education(DBE) and municipalities.
Practical Skill Modules (43 credits)
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​PM-01: Plan and prepare inclusive educational activities and routines using an approved programme based on the curriculum framework
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PM-02: Facilitate and mediate active learning in an integrated and holistic learning programme
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PM-03: Observe, assess, record and report each child’s progress according to the age and stage
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PM-04: Support and promote the health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children
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PM-05: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with parents and other service providers
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PM-06: Prepare and maintain administrative systems
Work Experience Modules (45 credits)
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WM-01: Learning programme and routines planning and preparation process
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WM-02: Processes of facilitating and mediating the learning programme in a variety of contexts
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WM-03: Processes of observation, assessment, recording and reporting on children’s learning and development
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WM-04: Processes and procedures of promoting the health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children in an early childhood development setting
Assessments
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Students are required to complete the following:
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7 Formative assessments
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7 Controlled Summative assessments 6
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practical assessments
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4 workplace assessments 1 External Integrated Summative Assessment
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Eligibility requirements for the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA):
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The EISA is administered by the QCTO. In order to qualify for the EISA, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement.