Career Pathway Map

Career pathing and further opportunities include the following:

  • Pursuing a Higher Certificate in ECD NQF Level 5 and Level 6 (Diploma), focusing on electives such as Grade R, Inclusive Education or Children with Special Needs.
  • Managing an ECD Centre;
    Related occupations such as local education authority or examination board administration, museums, art galleries, etc.

It takes 6 – 18 months (3.5 months’ classroom time) to complete. An external exam will be conducted to see if you are competent and this is organised, assessed and moderated by the ETDP SETA and the QCTO.

A qualified learner will be able to:

  1. Plan and prepare the broad-phase learning environment and stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children in center-based or non-center-based settings.
  2. Facilitate and mediate all aspects of the daily programme in a centre-based or non-centre based setting.
  3. Observe, assess and record each child’s progress according to the age and stage.
  4. Compile a report of each child’s progress.
  5. Maintain and promote the well-being, health, nutrition, safety and protection of children.

The learning programme has 6 modules and they are:

The learning programme has 6 modules and they are:

Module 1: Introduction to working with children

Module 2: Suitable environment for developing children

Module 3: Techniques in ECD

Module 4: Assessment Practice

Module 5: Heath, safety and well – being of children in ECD

Module 6: Administration in ECD

If you achieve this Level 4 qualification, then you will be allowed to proceed to Level 5 qualifications which is the minimum for becoming an educator in South Africa. At Level 4, you can be provisionally registered at SACE and at Level 5 you will be registered at SACE as an educator.

This qualification is split into 3 sections:

  1. Knowledge Component 
  2. Practical Component
  3. Workplace Component

When you register with us you will receive access to our online learning system (knowledge) and the workplace / practical experience booklets.

You will also receive the details of your lecturer and the times that the lectures take place online.

Your assignments will comprise a portfolio of evidence.

Once you have completed all three sections of the learning experience, you will receive a QCTO statement as well as a certificate of completion.

With the certificate in hand, you are welcome to register for the standardized exams in your area. Exams are written 3 times a year.  

We only register 100 learners a month between January and November each year. 

Take a look at our sample curriculum ECD Training Curriculum

Take a look at a sample of our study material ECD Module 1