Early Childhood Development
NQF Level 4 Certificate
This is an entry-level Qualification for those who want to enter the field of Education, Training and Development, specifically within the sub-field of Early Childhood Development (ECD). Many of those who will seek this Qualification are already practising within the field, but without formal recognition.
This Qualification will enable recipients of this Qualification to facilitate the all-round development of young children in a manner that is sensitive to culture and individual needs (including special needs), and enable them to provide quality early childhood development services for children in a variety of contexts, including community-based services, ECD centres, at home and in institutions.
In particular, recipients of this qualification will be able to: Plan and prepare for Early Childhood Development. Facilitate and monitor the development of babies, toddlers and young children. Provide care and support to babies, toddlers and young children. Practitioners will generally carry out their role under supervision and with the support of designed programmes.
This Qualification will provide a means for formal recognition of those who are already practising in the field, but without qualifications, as well as for those who wish to enter the field. This qualification will also provide a basis for further professional development in the higher education and training band for many experienced practitioners in the field who have had limited or difficult access to further career development opportunities.
- Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 or equivalent.
- Second language at NQF level 2 or equivalent.
Fundamental Component: The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in: Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits. Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 credits. It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.
All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory. Core Component: The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 64 credits all of which are compulsory.
Elective Component: The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 165 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 20 credits.
