Faculty of Education

Occupational Skills Programme: Early Childhood Caregiver

The development of babies, toddlers and young children (forms the most critical foundation of further development into childhood and adulthood. There is thus a vast need for ECD services, and it is critical that the field should be served by adequately qualified practitioners as well as competent assistants. In order to meet the needs at the ECD level, it is important to be able to identify and recognise competent ECD practitioners who are able to work in a variety of ECD contexts. This skills programme will provide a means to support ECD Practitioners and to give recognition to childcare assistants at an entry-level, thus making it possible for childcare assistants to increase their employment prospects, and at the same time provide the field with suitably qualified Childcare Givers.


There is a high demand for the training of Early Childhood Caregivers in Early Childhood Development Centres and communities in general. The Caregivers that work in conjunction with Early Childhood Development Practitioners have not undergone any formal training. They just work as assistants under the instruction of ECD Practitioners. These assistants need formal training. Hence the stakeholders identified a need for the Skills Programme: Early Childhood Caregiver. The acquisition of the Skills Programme will ensure that the qualified learners are at the entry level of the

economic development of Occupational Education Practitioners.

Duration of Study

4-6 Months

Fact Sheet

Course code:

SP-191219


Accreditation status:

  • Fully accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
  • QCTO ID: SP-191219
  • NQF Level 1
  • 32 Credits


Course duration:

4-6 months


Entry requirements:

None


Topics covered:


Knowledge Modules:


  • Knowledge Module 01: Basic child development within a Child Rights Framework.
  • Knowledge Module 02: An environment that promotes optimal development for babies, toddlers and young children.
  • Knowledge Module 03: Quality interactive care service for babies, toddlers and young children.
  • Practical Skill Module 01: Application of child development principles within a specific context.
  • Practical Skill Module 02: Prepare a suitable playing environment for babies, toddlers and young children.
  • Practical Skill Module 03: Implement quality interactive caregiving service for babies, toddlers and young children.


Assessments:

Students are required to complete the following:

  • 1 Formative assessment per Knowledge Module
  • 1 Internal summative assessment per Knowledge Module
  • 1 Practical assessment per Practical Skill Module
  • 1 Final Integrated Summative Assessment


Type of certificate awarded:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be awarded an Occupational Skills Programme: Early Childhood Caregiver certificate from the QCTO.