Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner
An accredited NQF Level 4 qualification for ECD practitioners who want to plan, facilitate and support quality learning programmes for children from birth to school-going age.
Why this course
Role of an ECD practitioner
What you’ll achieve
Course structure
Delivery & duration
Entry & who should apply
FAQ
Apply
Qualification
Occupational Certificate: ECD Practitioner • NQF Level 4
Format
Blended: structured learning + workplace-based activities
Course duration
Approximately 13 months
Ideal for
Practitioners, assistants & carers working with young children
For detailed fees and intake dates, email info@shilohtraining.co.za.
Why choose ECD Level 4 with Shiloh?
- Accredited occupational qualification: Build a solid foundation as a professional ECD practitioner with a nationally recognised qualification.
- Practical, job-focused learning: Every module connects to real tasks in ECD centres, playgroups and home-based programmes.
- Step towards further study: This qualification prepares you to progress to ECD Level 5 and beyond.
What you’ll do in this programme
- Plan and prepare inclusive learning activities and routines.
- Facilitate and mediate active learning in an integrated programme.
- Observe, assess, record and report each child’s progress.
- Support health, nutrition, safety, protection and wellbeing of children.
- Build relationships with parents and service providers.
- Maintain administrative systems in an ECD setting.
Role of an ECD Practitioner
- Planning and preparing stimulating activities and routines for holistic child development.
- Facilitating and mediating daily learning in centre-based and home-based settings.
- Observing and assessing children’s developmental progress across age and stage.
- Recording and reporting progress to support learning, referrals and family communication.
- Promoting health & safety and safeguarding children in a nurturing environment.
- Admin and compliance to support smooth ECD service delivery.
What you’ll achieve
- Plan and create inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments.
- Facilitate play-based learning programmes for children from birth to school-going age.
- Maintain children’s health, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
- Monitor, assess and document children’s progress effectively.
Course structure
The programme is structured into Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules (KM)
- KM-01: Introduction to the early childhood development sector (NQF 4)
- KM-02: Theories and Perspectives of Child Development (NQF 5)
- KM-03: Planning and Programme Development in early childhood settings (NQF 4)
- KM-04: Facilitation and mediation of active learning (NQF 5)
- KM-05: Observation and assessment in early childhood development (NQF 4)
- KM-06: Promotion of health, safety and well-being of children (NQF 4)
- KM-07: Administration for early childhood development services and programmes (NQF 3)
Practical Modules (PM)
- PM-01: Plan and prepare inclusive educational activities and routines using an approved programme based on the curriculum framework
- PM-02: Facilitate and mediate active learning in an integrated and holistic learning programme
- PM-03: Observe, assess, record and report each child’s progress according to the age and stage
- PM-04: Support and promote the health, nutrition, safety, protection and wellbeing of children
- PM-05: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with parents and other service providers
- PM-06: Prepare and maintain administrative systems
Work Experience Modules (WM)
- WM-01: Learning programme and routines planning and preparation process (NQF 4, 13 Credits)
- WM-02: Processes of facilitating and mediating the learning programme in a variety of contexts (NQF 4, 15 Credits)
- WM-03: Processes of observation, assessment, recording and reporting on children’s learning and development (NQF 4, 7 Credits)
- WM-04: Processes and procedures of promoting health, nutrition, safety, protection and well-being of children in an early childhood development setting (NQF 4, 10 Credits)
Delivery & duration
- Delivery: Blended — structured learning, guided tasks & workplace-based assignments.
- Workplace learning: Practicums at an approved centre, school or home-based ECD setting.
- Assessment: Knowledge tasks, practical assignments, portfolio & observations.
- Duration: Typically 13 months (depending on workplace placement and pace).
Entry requirements & who should apply
Entry guidance
- Comfortable reading and writing in English.
- Passion for working with children and families.
- Access to or ability to arrange placement at an ECD site.
Best suited for
- Centre-based ECD practitioners & assistants
- Home-based carers and playgroup facilitators
- Anyone starting a career in early childhood development
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this qualification accredited?
Yes, it is fully accredited as an Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 4.
Do I need a job to enroll?
No — but you will need access to a site for practical workplace tasks.
Are there fixed class times?
No — learning is flexible and structured through supported activities.
Ready to apply?
Download the brochure and application form, complete it, then submit your application online or via email.
Questions? Email info@shilohtraining.co.za.