Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development
An accredited NQF Level 5 qualification (132 credits) for ECD practitioners who want to deepen their professional practice, specialise in birth–9 years, and open doors to further study.
For detailed fees and payment options, request the ECD Level 5 brochure from info@shilohtraining.co.za.
Why choose ECD Level 5 with Shiloh?
- Accredited progression from ECD Level 4: Build on your existing qualification and experience with a recognised higher certificate.
- Specialise in birth–9 years: Use child development and national ECD policies to guide professional practice in real settings.
- Flexible online delivery: Study through our student portal using your phone, tablet, laptop or computer—no strict class times.
What this qualification enables you to do
- Design and manage ECD learning programmes from birth to Grade R
- Support holistic child development: health, play, language, numeracy and life skills
- Communicate professionally with families, colleagues and other professionals
Programme overview & qualification details
The Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development is designed for experienced ECD practitioners, trainers and Grade R educators who may not yet have a recognised higher education qualification. It strengthens your knowledge of child growth and development from birth to nine years and helps you apply national ECD policies and guidelines in your daily practice. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience are integrated so that every assignment and activity links directly to work tasks in the ECD field. You build a practical file of evidence over the course of your studies.
At a glance
- Qualification: Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development
- NQF Level: 5
- Credits: 132 total
- SAQA ID: 64649
- Delivery: Online via student portal, with workplace-based activities
What you’ll learn
Knowledge & professional practice
- Child growth, development and learning from birth to nine years
- Health, nutrition and holistic well-being in ECD programmes
- Policy, curriculum and the ECD learning environment (including Grade R)
- Professional communication, teamwork and working with families
Practical application & workplace learning
- Planning, mediating and assessing active learning in ECD programmes
- Designing and managing ECD learning programmes and daily routines
- Facilitating Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills learning in Grade R
- Applying workplace communication skills and presenting information confidently
Modules & credits
All modules combine theory, practice and workplace tasks. Together they add up to 132 credits.
Promote healthy development in ECD programmes
Credits: 12
Mediate active learning in ECD programmes
Credits: 36
Develop & manage the ECD learning programme
Credits: 24
Facilitate Literacy, Numeracy & Life Skills in Grade R
Credits: 45
Apply workplace communication skills
Credits: 10
Present information in a public setting
Credits: 5
Delivery, assessment & certification
- Delivery: Online learning through our student portal using your own device (phone, tablet, laptop or computer).
- Workplace learning: Integrated work-based tasks at approved ECD sites, with a practical file built during your studies.
- Assessment: Knowledge assessments, applied practical activities and a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
- Certification: On competence, learners receive a Statement of Results and an ETDP SETA-endorsed certificate (as per ETDPSETA requirements).
Entry requirements & who should apply
Entry guidance
- Minimum age 18+
- ECD Level 4 qualification or equivalent
- Ability to read, write and use learning materials in at least two South African languages
- Basic numeracy and confidence using a smartphone or computer
Best suited for
- Practising ECD practitioners wanting a formal NQF Level 5 qualification
- Grade R teachers and assistants
- Home- and centre-based educators, fieldworkers and community ECD workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course fully online?
The knowledge and many practical activities are delivered online through our student portal using your own device. You will also complete workplace-based tasks and build a practical file of evidence at an approved ECD site.
Do I need to be working in an ECD centre already?
You should have access to an ECD environment (centre, school, home-based programme or similar) where you can complete the required workplace activities and observations. If you are unsure, email us and we will advise.
How long do I have to complete the qualification?
The recommended duration is 13 months to complete the knowledge, practical and workplace components. Extensions may be possible according to provider policy and fees at the time of study.
Ready to apply?
Submit your application and we’ll contact you with next steps and intake dates.
Questions? Email info@shilohtraining.co.za.
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