Early Childhood Development Practitioner

Builds the confidence and know-how to plan activities suited to a child's age and stage, and to run an early-learning space that's both safe and genuinely stimulating.

ECD centre practitioners, aspiring crèche/pre-school staff, and community-based early learning workers.

NQF Level 3 or equivalent (confirm against final curriculum); Communication competence recommended.

• Facilitate age-appropriate early learning programmes
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment for young children
• Support children's holistic development (cognitive, social, physical, emotional)
• Engage effectively with parents/caregivers and the community

Delivered in-person, onsite at the client's premises, or online/virtual — Knowledge, Practical and (where applicable) Work Experience modules, culminating in a Final Integrated Summative Assessment (FISA).

• Knowledge Modules — child development theory, health & safety
• Practical Skill Modules — programme planning and facilitation
• Work Experience Module — supervised placement in an ECD setting

Learners are assessed internally against each module, then complete a Final Integrated Summative Assessment (FISA) set/moderated externally. On success, the QCTO issues the official certificate/Statement of Results.

• ECD Practitioner / Facilitator
• Crèche or pre-school assistant / supervisor
• Community ECD outreach worker