Lectures start 22 February 2027 (Orientation 18 – 19 February)

Overview

If you have a passion for working with young children and want to make a meaningful impact on their early development, this Occupational Certificate: ECD Practitioner is an excellent choice. The programme provides comprehensive preparation for supporting children from birth to five years, equipping you with the knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience required to work confidently in a variety of early childhood development settings.

You will develop the ability to plan and facilitate age-appropriate learning activities, create safe and stimulating environments, and support children’s overall growth and development. The programme also focuses on observing and assessing developmental progress, promoting health and well-being, and building positive relationships with families and communities. With an emphasis on inclusive and play-based learning, you will be prepared to support children of diverse needs and contribute effectively to their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.

 Admission requirements

Grade 12 or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 3 or any other NQF 3 qualification. Prior teaching experience is not required.

 Who should study the programme?

• Individuals who want to build a career in early childhood development within crèches, preschools, daycare centres or home-based care environments.
• It is also well suited to teaching assistants, childminders, au pairs and nannies who wish to formalise or expand their knowledge of child development.
• In addition, it is a great option for school leavers, career changers, and those involved in community or NGO work who are passionate about working with young children.

Full-time course duration

1 year of theoretical and practical weekday classes, followed by a 6-month workplace component.

A part-time Saturday option is also available—speak to a Study Advisor for more information.

Fees and study material

Textbooks and study material are INCLUDED in our fees!

An External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is required for this programme. This external assessment is conducted once all knowledge, practical and workplace components of the qualification have been successfully completed. Please note that the EISA is administered by the relevant authority and is not included in the course fees.

Course fees can be paid either in full or in convenient monthly instalments. Speak to a Unigrad Study Advisor for detailed information on fees and payment options. Unigrad College also partners with Student Hero and Capitec to offer funding solutions, visit https://www.unigradcollege.co.za/funding-options/ to learn more.

Modules

– Introduction to the Early Childhood Development Sector

– Theories and Persepctives of Child Development

– Planning and Programming Development in Early Childhood Development

– Facilitation and Mediation of Active Learning

– Observation of Health, Nutrition, Safety and Well-being of Children

– Administration of EDC Services and Programmes

– Build and Maintain Collaborative Relationships with Parents and Other Service Providers

Certification

You are prepared to write the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), set and administered by the QCTO. On successful completion of the EISA you will receive the Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (SAQA ID: 97542, NQF 4) awarded by the QCTO.

Unigrad College further recognises student achievement by awarding a Certificate of Completion for successfully completing the knowledge and practical components of the programme.