This nationally recognised occupational qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience needed to become competent Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioners. It prepares individuals to facilitate the holistic development of children from birth to school-going age in various settings, such as crèches, preschools, and community learning centres.

Graduates will be able to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environments that support early learning, promote child well-being, and align with national ECD policies and frameworks.

This qualification addresses the growing need for professionalized early childhood educators and strengthens the foundation for lifelong learning, cognitive and emotional development, and school readiness.

• Child Growth and Development
• Planning and Facilitating Learning Activities
• Health, Safety and Nutrition
• Working with Families and Communities
• Ethics and Professionalism in ECD
• Child Rights and Inclusive Education

• Prepare and implement daily and weekly ECD programmes
• Observe and assess children’s development
• Plan and facilitate inclusive learning and play activities
• Promote safety and well-being in learning spaces
• Create and manage ECD resources
• Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers

Exposure to

• Work-integrated learning at approved ECD centres
• Exposure to real-life classroom environments
• Implementation of lesson plans and activities under supervision
• Record-keeping and reflection journals
• Participation in centre routines, policies, and community involvement

18 Months (including 6 months practical module)

• Study in the comfort of your home or work (Blended Online Study)
• Practical modules need to be done at a creche/ nursery school near you

Grade 12 Certificate / Matric or Equivalent Qualification in a relevant field.

All learning guides are provided electronically by SAWAS.

Assessments: Examinations are in-person at accredited QCTO centres at specific locations.
Class Tests: Online Submissions
Practical Assessments: At a registered creche/ nursery school near you subject to approval by SAWAS.

The following documents are required for Registration

• Completed SAWAS Application form
• 1x Certified ID copy of student
• 1x Certified ID Copy of Parent/Guardian/sponsor
• Latest School Results E.g. Matric Certificate, Statement of results
• Proof of residence
• Non-refundable registration fee.

This qualification is offered through a blended learning mode. Therefore, students need to ensure they have the following:

• Personal laptop or desktop capable of running Windows 11 or similar and MS Teams smoothly (with at least an i3 processor and 4GB RAM memory)
• Stable internet connection with minimum 10 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up and sufficient monthly data package.
• Reliable backup power (UPS/inverter) and mobile data contingency to remain operational during load shedding.
• Noise cancelling headphone with mike (Optional).

The fee above excludes the following:

• Device costs
• Data/Internet cost
• Police clearance costs
• SACE registration and related fees
• Textbooks