This programme consists of SEVEN MODULES, which are as follows and will be covered over a period of 1 year.

1. DEVELOP AND MANAGE THE ECD LEARNING PROGRAMME
2. MEDIATE ACTIVE LEARNING IN ECD PROGRAMMES
3. PROMOTE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT IN ECD PROGRAMMES
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5. FACILITATE A LEARNING PROGRAMME IN THE RECEPTION YEAR
6. MANAGEMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
7. GUIDE AND SUPPORT IN AN ECD ENVIRONMENT

QUALIFICATION COMPONENTS

Fundamental unit standards           : 35 credits

Core unit standards                          : 72 credits

Elective unit standards                     : 153 credits

RATIONALE

Potential learners/educators who have acquired an FETC (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification at Level 4 (120 credits) and who wish to make ECD their full-time career (entry point);This qualification provides a substantial qualification for:

Learners/educators who have a Level 4 qualification in ECD to further their career and professional development in ECD by providing access to a Level 6 qualification;

Learners/educators who have a Higher Certificate in ECD to further their career and professional development in ECD by providing access to a Level 6 qualification.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the qualification is to:

Provide access to a recognised educator qualification at Level 6 for ECD educators who have a Level 4 or Level 5 certificate in ECD, providing a bridge between non-formal and formal learning programmes.

To enable educators/ learners to plan and implement a learning programme which is based on their knowledge of child development from birth to nine years and which helps children in a specific phase work towards achieving the learning outcomes of the national school curriculum (where appropriate).

To improve community-based ECD services for young children by raising the level of ECD teaching competence and/or by providing opportunities for training in support and leadership roles.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

• Mediate active learning in an integrated and holistic learning programme.
• Facilitate learning and development of children with barriers to learning and other special needs, including those coping with abuse and violence, within an inclusive anti-bias approach.
• Promote the safety and healthy development of each child.
• Work with colleagues, families and community systems to develop each child`s potential as fully as possible.
• Manage a well-planned and organised learning programme to meet the needs of individual children within the framework of the national school curriculum (where appropriate).
• Select and use appropriate methods and procedures for assessing children`s progress and reporting on this to parents.
• Promote the development of high quality ECD programmes and services.

• Communicate effectively for the purposes of academic study and professional practice.
• Plan and implement appropriate learning activities and materials or management practices based on knowledge of the principles, processes and content of the chosen specialisation.