Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner
An occupational qualification for people who work, or want to work, with babies, toddlers and young children in centre-based or community ECD programmes.
- Type
- Occupational Certificate
- NQF level
- 4
- Credits
- 131
- SAQA ID
- 97542
- Duration
- 2 years (provider-stated)
Programme overview
An occupational qualification for people who work, or want to work, with babies, toddlers and young children in centre-based or community ECD programmes.
Who should enrol
- ECD centre practitioners and assistants
- Playgroup and community ECD workers
- People who want to start a career in early childhood education
Programme purpose
The qualification prepares learners to work as Early Childhood Development Practitioners who plan activities, facilitate and mediate learning, observe and assess children's progress and reflect on learning in inclusive, play-based settings, supporting children's holistic development including health, nutrition, safety and protection.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this programme, you should be able to:
- Plan and prepare a broad-phase learning environment and stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children.
- Facilitate and mediate all aspects of the daily programme in a centre-based or non-centre-based setting.
- Observe, assess and record each child's progress.
- Compile a report of each child's progress.
- Maintain and promote children's well-being, health, nutrition, safety and protection.
Modules and Curriculum Structure
Knowledge modules (43 credits)
Module 1Introduction to the early childhood development sector
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 2Theories and perspectives of child development
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 3Planning and programme development in early childhood settings
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 4Facilitation and mediation of active learning
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 5Observation and assessment in early childhood development
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 6Promotion of health, safety and well-being of children
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 7Administration for early childhood development services and programmes
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Practical skill modules (43 credits)
Module 8Plan and prepare inclusive educational activities and routines using an approved programme based on the curriculum framework
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 9Facilitate and mediate active learning in an integrated and holistic learning programme
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 10Observe, assess, record and report each child's progress according to the age and stage
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 11Support and promote the health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 12Build and maintain collaborative relationships with parents and other service providers
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 13Prepare and maintain administrative systems
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Work experience modules (45 credits)
Module 14Learning programme and routines planning and preparation process
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 15Processes of facilitating and mediating the learning programme in a variety of contexts
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 16Processes of observation, assessment, recording and reporting on children's learning and development
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module 17Processes and procedures of promoting the health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children in an ECD setting
Detailed topic elements are specified in the official curriculum document.
Module titles and credits are taken from the SAQA record. Detailed topic elements are set out in the QCTO curriculum document and are available on request.
Entry requirements
- National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 3, or any other NQF Level 3 qualification
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used for access
NQF level and credits
NQF Level 4, 131 credits
Duration and study mode
Duration: 2 years (provider-stated)
Study mode: To be confirmed. Please contact us.
Practical learning and assessment
43 credits of practical skill modules and 45 credits of workplace experience in an ECD setting. A signed Statement of Work Experience is required before the external assessment.
Assessment
- Internal (formative) assessment by the skills development provider.
- External Integrated Summative Assessment through the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner. Learners need a signed Statement of Work Experience, proof of module completion and Foundational Learning Competence.
Accreditation and endorsement
QCTO accreditation 05-QCTO/SDP280126092032, valid 16 January 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Certification
Certificated by the QCTO after successful external assessment.
Career opportunities and progression
- Early Childhood Development Practitioner (OFO 234201)
- Progression: Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development (NQF 5)
Fees and intake dates
To be confirmed. Please contact us. Ask about fees and the next intake.
Frequently asked questions
What is an EISA?
The External Integrated Summative Assessment is the final external assessment for QCTO occupational qualifications. It is conducted through the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, and you must pass it to receive the QCTO certificate.
Can I get credit for my experience (RPL)?
Yes. Recognition of Prior Learning is provided for in the QCTO RPL policy, both for access to the programme and, where competencies are proven, for module credits.
Who issues my certificate?
The QCTO issues the certificate. Training providers are not allowed to issue QCTO certificates.
- SAQA qualification 97542
- QCTO accreditation letter 05-QCTO/SDP280126092032
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