NQF L4

National ECD Certificate: NQF LEVEL 4

PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of the qualification is to:

1. Provide further education and training opportunities for those with a NQF Level 1 qualification (or equivalent), as well as a basis for further professional development in the higher education and training band. This provides an opportunity for many experienced practitioners in the field who have had limited or no access to further career development opportunities.
2. Provide further education and training opportunities for those with a NQF Level 1 qualification (or equivalent) as well as 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.
3. Develop ECD educators with a sound practical qualifications to provide quality early childhood development services for children in community-based services.

This qualification provides an opportunity for:

1. Existing learners/educators who have acquired a Level 1 ECD qualification to further their career path in ECD.
2. Potential learners/educators who have acquired a GETC qualification or its equivalent to embark on a career in ECD (entry point).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

When planning on immigrating, YOU need to contact the new country’s Department of Education to see if they will accept your qualification – as it differs from country to country.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

In order to achieve the exit outcomes of this qualification, learners need the following knowledge, skills, attitudes and values:

• functional literacy, viz. ability to communicate effectively in their first language, both orally and in writing;
• ability to understand and use a second language for everyday communication;
• sufficient mathematical/numeracy skills (add, subtract, multiply and divide);
• an understanding of the basic needs of young children would be an advantage.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Provide a wide variety of developmentally appropriate learning activities that support and extend learning.
2. A range of skills and techniques is used appropriately to mediate children`s learning on an individual basis, in small and large groups.
3. Demonstrate inclusive anti-bias attitudes, values and practices in all aspects of the learning programme.
4. Protect the safety of children and adults and support good health practices.
5. Support each child’s emotional and social development in ways that help them learn to manage their own behaviour.
6. Establish positive and supportive relationships with co-workers, families and the community.
7. Manage a well-run, purposeful learning programme responsive to children`s interests and developmental needs.
8. Demonstrate commitment to the development of high-quality ECD services.

CRITICAL OUTCOMES

1. Identify and solve a variety of problems showing that responsible decisions have been made based on knowledge of early childhood development and teaching practices.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a teaching team and in cooperation with family members and the community in supporting early childhood development.
3. Organise oneself and one`s activities responsibly to manage an effective learning programme that meets the needs and interests of young children.
4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to children`s needs and progress in the ECD programme.
5. Communicate effectively with co-workers, children, their families and community members using visual materials and language skills, mainly verbal but also in writing.
6. Use appropriate technology in making learning resources and solving problems relating to children`s health and safety, showing responsibility towards the environment.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the holistic and integrated nature of child development and the interaction of various social, economic and environmental systems in creating and solving problems related to providing ECD services.

DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

1. Reflect on and explore one`s own learning strategies and those used by young children.
2. Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of the local community by facilitating the learning and development of its young children in co-operation with families and advocating children`s rights to quality learning opportunities.
3. Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts by exploring and implementing anti-bias and culture-fair attitudes, values and practices that also involve art, music and dramatic play activities.
4. Explore education and career opportunities in the ECD sub-field.
5. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities in setting up and managing ECD services, learning basic administrative skills and craft skills in making learning resources.