TEACHERS LEARNING CENTRE (PTY) LTD FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
for for
Accredited ECD Training Provider Registration Number 2012/18469/07 (ETDP-SETA Number 10440)
FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Prospectus 2013
“Where dreams and reality unite” TLC HEAD OFFICE 203 BIGGARSBERG ROAD GLENVISTA 2059 PO BOX 1126 GLENVISTA 2058 (011) 432 6189 www.teacherslearningcentre
Teachers Learning Centre Prospectus 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
2.
TEACHERS LEARNING CENTRE (TLC) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
3.
3 3 4 5 5
Who We Are Our Vision, Aim and Mission TLC’s Accreditation with SA Regulatory Bodies Teachers Learning Centre Staff TLC Contact Details Admission Policy of TLC Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
5 6 6 7 8 9 10
QUALIFICATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
11
3.1 3.2 4.
What is Early Childhood Development? What does an ECD Practitioner do? What Qualities should an ECD Teacher possess? What Qualifications should an ECD Practitioner possess?
3
FETC Certificate: Early Childhood Development (Level 4) Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development (Level 5)
ECD CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENT
Teachers Learning Centre Prospectus 2013
11 15 19
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for
1. INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Choosing your career and programme of study is probably the biggest decision you have faced in your life so far. Therefore, the purpose of this prospectus is to help you decide whether you are the right person for the job so that you can make an informed decision about furthering your studies. 1.1 What Is Early Childhood Development? Early childhood is the period between one and five years of age, including both the toddler and preschool years; thus early childhood DEVELOPMENT refers to the many skills and milestones that children are expected to reach by the time they reach the age of nine. These milestones include learning how to run, how to talk using simple sentences and how to play with others; and includes the cognitive (knowledge), emotional, social and physical education of children. As an ECD practitioner1, you will be shaping the minds of young children during their most impressionable years which may have a lasting impact on their lives. For this reason, there are particular qualities and professional qualifications that you must possess to ensure the physical, emotional and cognitive safety of pre-school children placed in your care. 1.2 What does an ECD Practitioner do? As an ECD practitioner, you will provide a wonderful learning environment for the children, teach them how to interact with others and help them with their daily needs. You will teach them to be creative and provide them with a safe and caring environment to learn and grow. You must prepare daily lesson plans to help the children start learning basic education to get them ready for primary school. You must also prepare creative activities for the children to complete each day. It is important that creativity is a big part of the preschool experience - things such as arts and crafts, music and imagination will all play a big role in the creative learning
1
In South Africa, the term ‘ECD practitioner’ may be used to differentiate between a fully qualified professional educator who has completed all professional qualifications and a person who has not yet achieved this status (i.e. is unqualified or under-qualified)
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process, whereas outdoor utdoor activities and games help children improve their thei coordination and motor skills. Along long with teaching the children various skills, skills, you must also monitor their development. It is important to know which children are doing well and which ones may need a little extra help. You do this by monitoring progress and reporting the progress of each child. child You will also cater to the basic needs eds of the children such as feeding the children serving them with refreshments, and helping them with their bathroom needs. You are responsible for meeting with other education professionals and parents of the children where you will discuss lesson plans, what you are doing to improve your classroom techniques and how each of the children is doing with their progress.
If you are thinking at this point in the prospectus, ‘WHAT A LOT OF HARD WORK!’, YOU ARE RIGHT! – Nurturing and shaping aping young children’s lives is a serious responsibility, and the decision to work with children should not be taken lightly. However at TLC, we also take your ECD training very seriously; and our responsibility is to nurture, guide and support you through your ECD studies so that you may become skilled, knowledgeable and competent ECD practitioners.
1.3 What Qualities should an ECD Teacher possess? If you want to become an early childhood practitioner, you must have the patience, stamina, and personality to work with a room full of energetic children each day! day
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Other qualities include: • • • • • •
a caring and accepting attitude flexibility an acceptance of diversity a respectful behaviour and language a positive healthy lifestyle ability to communicate effectively
1.4 What Qualifications should an ECD Practitioner possess? Although many people (also called ECD practitioners) work in education and care services without holding a formal qualification, South African legislation and national policies state that anyone working with babies, toddlers and young children must be suitably qualified. This means that people working in an ECD setting must have the minimum entry level 4 qualifications in ECD. This qualification ensures that ECD practitioners comply with Government legislation and at the same time provides them with the opportunity to increase their employment prospects (Department of Education, 2006).
2. TEACHERS LEARNING CENTRE (TLC)
2.1 Who we are Teachers Learning Centre (TLC) started in 2006 and is now a well established professional training (PTY) Ltd Company (Reg. 2012/18469/07). We specialise in providing high quality Early Childhood Development qualifications (Level 4 and 5) and development programmes that are accredited with the EDTA-SETA (Reg. 10440). Our ECD courses are practical, relevant to the South African context and lead to a recognised professional qualification. All our TLC programmes are facilitated by highly qualified adult educators and specialists who have many years of experience in the ECD field. We have several training venues across Gauteng: Glenvista (Southern Suburbs), East Rand, Joubert Park (Inner City), Soweto, Orange Farm, Tembisa and Dunkeld West (Northern Suburbs).
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2.2 Our Vision, Aim and Mission We recognise the early years as the ideal phase for the passing on of values, such as respect for human rights, appreciation of diversity and tolerance, as well as the love of learning, that are essential for building a peaceful, prosperous and democratic society. Our VISION is that every baby, toddler and young child be assured of the best start in life – their future, and indeed the future of their communities and our nation depends on it. Our AIM is prepare interested applicants for a professional career in early childhood development by providing the basic ECD knowledge and practical skills required to facilitate active learning and development of babies, toddlers and young children in an ECD environment. Our MISSION is to support and promote quality ECD education to ensure that every young South African receives quality ECD services that are accessible and affordable to all families.
At TLC, we are committed to: •
Learning and teaching excellence in both rural and urban contexts;
•
Offering ECD courses and qualifications which are flexible, relevant, and innovative;
•
Conducting research projects through SARAECE, South African Association for Early Childhood Education; and publishing in nationally and internationally-recognized publications, and
•
Encouraging partnerships that promote educational development and excellence
2.3 TLC’s Accreditation with SA Regulatory Bodies TLC is an accredited ECD training provider with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means that TLC is certified to deliver training and assessments on qualifications and/or unit standards registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF); and to award credits to learners towards a recognised qualification in ECD. All training providers that have been accredited have gone through a process of site evaluation and programme evaluation to ensure that training and assessments are aligned with the relevant qualifications and unit standards.
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TLC is also registered with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA). The function of the ETDP SETA is to promote and facilitate the development and improvement of the skills profile of the education, training and development sector so that it will benefit not only employers, but employees and the full range of workers as well. TLC has been accredited as an ECD Training Provider by the ETDP-SETA and given the Accreditation Number 10440.
2.4 Teachers Learning Centre Staff Head Office: Financial Director: Mrs Lorraine Patterson Ex-Investec manager, 20 years ECD experience Operations Director: Dr Jennifer Calvert-Evers PhD, MSc and B.Ed Hons (Wits Univ); Post Grad Dipl; Monitoring and Evaluation (Univ. Stellenbosch) ECD accredited assessor (ETDP SETA); Curriculum and Material Developer Administrator: Mrs June Cameron TLC Training Sites: Dunkeld West Mrs Denise Schimper • Nat Dipl Nursery School Education; Higher Dipl Education (CESA) • Post Grad Dipl in School Management (London) • Principal of Bluebird Preprimary School (Dunkeld West) over 30 years ECD experience • Regional representative of ISASA (2008-2009) Dunkeld West Ms Eleanor Huggett • Nat Dipl Preprimary School Education (Wits Univ) • B.Ed Hons and M.Ed ( Wits Univ) Human Rights and Democracy • Principal of Parkview Preprimary with over 30 years experience in ECD Dunkeld West Mrs Heidi Tietjens • Supervisor of Johannesburg Children’s Home • Head of Sacred Heart College for 20 years
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Tembisa Mrs Megan Helsby • Former lecturer at Johannesburg College of Education (Pre-Primary) and Wits School of Education (ECD) • Specialist in Curriculum Design and Material Development • Teacher and trainer with over 40 years experience in education East Rand: Mrs Corli Carratu • Owner of Crèche and Day Care Centre Orange Farm: Ms Natasha Chido • B.Soc Education and Development (Univ KZN) • Post Grad Cert in Education (Univ KZN) Soweto: Ms Queeny Disemelo • Nursery School teacher, currently completing Level 4 and 5 at TLC Soweto: Ms Mpho Komona • Nursery School teacher at Little Roses Creche in Jeppestown, Johannesburg over 20 years experience • Qualified assessor with EDTA SETA • National Secretary SA Congress for ECD Soweto: Priscella Mpfo • Owner of Junior Tech Nursery (Joubert Park) with over 15 years experience • Qualified assessor with ETDP SETA
External Assessor: External Moderator
Dianne van Staden (ACA 217688) Riette Els (National Training Co-ordinator)
2.5 TLC Contact Details Physical Address: 203 Biggarsberg Road, Glenvista 2059 Address all correspondence to TLC Head Office TLC Administrator: Mrs June Cameron PO Box 1126 Glenvista 2058 Email:
[email protected] Tel. No. 011 432 6189 Fax No. 011 432 6189 www.teacherslearningcentre
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2.6 Admission Policy of TLC TLC seeks to attract learners of academic calibre that have the potential to succeed at the higher education level. TLC is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in providing access to its academic programmes, and specifically to increasing the participation of students from historically disadvantaged and non-traditional educational backgrounds. Foreign Students Application Requirements Anyone who is not a South African citizen, or a permanent resident, requires a visa in order to enter, as well as a permit to stay (or sojourn) in South Africa. TLC is NOT PERMITTED to register you until you have produced your valid study permit. It usually takes at least six weeks for your study permit application to be processed. It is also important for you to note that your Study Permit is issued to study at one institution and you would have to apply for a change of status, should you want to change institutions. This can be done in the city applicable to the new institution of study. You are required to apply for a study permit at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of residence. If there is no South African representative in that country, you must apply to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission. Entrance requirements for Foreign Students International student applicants have to qualify for either a certificate of complete exemption or a certificate of conditional exemption, as long as they are accepted as equivalent to the South African entrance requirement. To find out whether your school leaving or tertiary qualification meets South African requirements, visit the website of Higher Education South Africa’s Matriculation Board, which advises universities on minimum general admission requirements and administers endorsement and exemption requirements. Requirements for admission to certificate and diploma programmes Go to http://www.hesa-enrol.ac.za/mb and select ‘Foreign qualifications’. This section on the site contains detailed information on entrance requirements. You will also be able to select your country and determine what is required to study in South Africa. The website also contains information on the latest endorsement requirements and regulations for certificates of exemption, including the fees payable and application forms. An online assessment and application system is being introduced where South African and foreign first degree applicants can assess their qualifications and apply for certificates of exemption online.
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Part-time work The holder of a study permit for studies at a higher education institution may conduct partpart time work for a period not exceeding20 hours per week during term and fullfull-time when the Training Institution is closed. 2.7 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (R AT TLC, we acknowledge that learning l occurs in all kinds of situations - formally, informally and non-formally.. Therefore, ECD teachers, principals or managers of ECD centres and prepre primary schools, who have many years of experience in the ECD environment environment, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL means comparing the previous learning and experience of a candidate against the learning outcomes required for a specified qualification. Credits are awarded for such learning if it meets the requirements of the qualification. It should be noted that there is no fundamental difference in the assessment of previously acquired skills and knowledge and the assessment of skills and knowledge acquired through a current learning programme. The candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated in the Unit Standards,, and submit documented proof of understanding and experience. experie RPL assessment ssessment of the candidate is carried out by external qualified RPL assessors on an individual case-by-case case basis. basis RPL candidates are also required to pass an assessment test based on content material covered in the ECD Level 4 course. course
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3.
QUALIFICATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
TLC offers the following two qualifications in Early Childhood Development: 3.1 Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate: Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 4) SAQA ID 58761
What is the Level 4 Qualification all about? This ENTRY level qualification will provide a means for formal recognition of those who are already practising in the field, without qualifications, as well as for those who wish to enter the field. This qualification will also provide 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. At this level, the qualification aims to develop ECD educators with a sound practical qualification to provide quality ECD services for children in the community. What will be taught in Level 4? The FETC: ECD Level 4 qualification comprises basic knowledge and skills about child development from birth to six year old. This qualification will enable you to facilitate allround development of young children in a manner that is sensitive to culture and individual needs (including special needs). It will also enable you to provide quality early childhood development services for children in a variety of contexts, including community-based services, ECD centres, at home and in institutions. In particular, you will be able to: • Plan and prepare for Early Childhood Development • Facilitate and monitor the development of babies, toddlers and young children • Provide care and support to babies, toddlers and young children. As far as experience is concerned, you will be adequately supervised by qualified ECD teachers especially during the first three years of working with young children in an informal or formal ECD site.
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Who should be registered for Level 4? This qualification is suitable for: • those who are already practising in the ECD field, but without formal qualification or recognition, those who are completely new to the field and have an interest in ECD, au pairs, day care mothers and parents who would like to learn more about child development, teaching and child care, those who are interested in starting a Day Care Centre, and students who do not yet meet the criteria to register for the National Certificate in Teaching Reception Year Programme Type The FET Certificate: Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 4) ID: 58761 is an accredited National Qualification with ETDP SETA. Accreditation The ETDP SETA granted Teachers Learning Centre (TLC) full accreditation for the FET Certificate: Early Childhood Development (NQF 4) SAQA ID 58761 with 140 credits. Your 140 Credits will be made up as follows * Fundamentals: Maths Literacy Communication Second Language
16 credits 20 credits 20 credits
Core
See below for details
64 credits
Electives
See below for details
22 credits 142 credits (you need only 140 credits)
∗ NB: If you have a Matric certificate, or a Senior Grade 12 certificate with Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 (or equivalent); and a second language at NQF level 2 (or equivalent); then you ALREADY have 56 credits towards the FETC:ECD Level 4 qualification. If not, you will have to attend the bridging course in Maths Literacy, English and/or Afrikaans; however, you will not ‘fall behind’ because the bridging course is run alongside the Core Component.
Entrance Requirements Since the language of instruction is English, proficiency in English is compulsory. • Communication and Maths Literacy at NQF Level 3, Grade 11 (Std. 9) • A second South African language at NQF Level 2, Grade 10 (Std. 8).
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Your learner details will be uploaded to the ETDP SETA database upon enrolment. An ETDP SETA verification site visit concludes and confirms your successful achievement of the unit standards linked to the qualification. This achievement record will then be uploaded onto the NLRD (National Learner Record Database) via the ETDP database. Programme Duration You should be able to complete this course within 12-18 months depending on your time commitments. The course requires a certain amount of classroom time and includes handson practical work, group and individual work. The completed tasks form part of your Portfolio of Evidence (POE) which will be submitted for formal assessment. Course Contents Fundamental Component (56 Compulsory Credits) US ID
Title of Unit Standard
NQF Level
Credits
7468
Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues
4
6
9015
Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems
4
6
9016
Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2and 3-dimensional space in different contexts
4
4
MATHS LITERACY
COMMUNICATION 119462
Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts
4
5
119465
Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts
3
5
119467
Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes
3
5
119469
Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts
4
5
SECOND LANGUAGE (COMMUNICATION) 119462
Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts
4
5
119471
Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes
4
5
119469
Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts
4
5
119459
Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts
4
5
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Core component (64 compulsory credits) You will complete all 8 Unit Standards that comprise the Core Component of the ECD Level 4 qualification (see below); however, the sequence in which Unit Standards are delivered will be determined by your facilitator.
US ID
NQF Level
Credits
244468
Prepare resources and set up the environment to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
Title of Unit Standard
3
5
244462
Work with families and communities to support Early Childhood Development
3
5
244484
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development of babies, toddlers and young children
4
8
244480
Facilitate the holistic development of babies, toddlers and young children
4
16
244475
Observe and report on child development
4
6
244472
Prepare Early Childhood Development programmes with support
4
6
244469
Provide care for babies, toddlers and young children
4
10
244485
Design activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
5
8
Elective component (20 Credits) The third and final component is the Elective Unit Standards. For FETC: ECD Level 4, we offer the last 4 Unit Standards (see below). At Level 5, we offer the Grade-R Elective Unit Standards. Those who wish to pursue one of the specialisations such as Management of ECD service, Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment, Human Rights, Inclusive Education, or Life Skills, are advised to contact one of the TLC facilitators for availability of additional Unit Standards.
US ID
NQF LEVEL
Credits
Supporting children with Special Needs
5
5
244478
Manage the ECD Service
5
5
244481
Evaluate the ECD Service
5
6
5
5
1364
242816
Title of Unit Standard
Conduct a Structured Meeting
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Student Assessment Throughout the course, it is compulsory that you perform the practical tasks within an ECD centre. If you do not already work in an ECD centre or school, TLC will help to place you in a centre where you need to physically perform the prescribed tasks to complete the course. course Assessment of your competency is based on the evidence you will submit in a Portfolio of Evidence (POE). Your POE will include theoretical tasks and evidence of the practical tasks done at a registered ECD centre. Award Upon successful completion of your studies and verification of the result by the ETDP SETA, you will receive a Further Education and Training Certificate: Early Childhood Development NQF 4 SAQA ID 58761, which is awarded by the ETDP SETA. You will also receive a Statement of Results from Teachers Learning Centre. Registration Dates Processing of applications and registration begins in January with classes starting in February.. If there are sufficient learner numbers, there is another intake in June/July. Should you miss the intake date in January/February you may be given give special permission to join the class provided the core components are still being facilitated.
3.2 Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 5) SAQA ID 64649
What is the Level 5 Qualification all about? The Higher Certificate Level 5 is designed to guide more experienced practitioners in their professional ECD practice. This qualification will help practitioners develop the skills necessary to uplift and empower communities, communities and build the capacity to sustain communities through Early Childhood Development. What will be taught in Level 5? The aim of this qualification is to further develop the essential ECD skills that practitioners need implement in order to grow a successful professional ECD practice.. The Level 5 course builds on the practitioners’ existing knowledge of child growth and development, development and introduces practitioners to different theoretical teaching and learning philosophies and practices. Relevant government policies and regulations that affect ECD on a national and provincial level are also discussed and debated.
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Core knowledge and skills include • facilitating learning and development of children with barriers to learning and other special needs, including those coping with abuse and violence, within an inclusive antibias approach • promoting the safety and healthy development of each child • working with colleagues, families and community systems to develop each child`s potential as fully as possible. • Managing a well-planned and organised learning programme to meet the needs of individual children within the framework of the national school curriculum (where appropriate). • selecting and using appropriate methods and procedures for assessing children`s progress and reporting on this to parents. • promoting the development of high quality ECD programmes and services. • communicating effectively for the purposes of academic study and professional practice. • planning and implementing appropriate learning activities and materials or management practices based on knowledge of the principles, processes and content of the chosen specialisation. • Completing First Aid Level 1 (2 day course)
Who should be registered for Level 5? This qualification provides an opportunity for • Practitioners with an ECD Level 4 certificate or equivalent in ECD to further their professional development in ECD; and/or to specialise in aspects of ECD such as GRADE R or specific roles (e.g. managers and trainers); • Practitioners with a Primary Teachers certificate (PTC), Primary Teachers Diploma (PTD), or an equivalent of 120 credits to obtain an ECD certificate, either in the preschool phase and/ or specialising in reception-year teaching.
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Programme Type The Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID: 64649) is an accredited National Qualification with ETDP SETA. Entrance Requirements Since the language of instruction is English, proficiency in English is compulsory. • Senior certificate (Matric) • Further Education and Teaching (FET) Certificate : ECD Level 4 Accreditation The ETDP SETA granted Teachers Learning Centre full accreditation for the Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development NQF 5 SAQA ID 64649 with 120 credits. Your learner details are uploaded to the ETDP SETA database upon enrolment. An ETDP SETA verification site visit concludes and confirms your successful achievement of the unit standards linked to the qualification. This achievement record will then be uploaded onto the NLRD (National Learner Record Database) via the ETDP database. Your 120 Credits will be made up as follows Fundamentals: 15 credits Cores: 72 credits Electives: 33 credits 120 credits
Programme Duration You should be able to complete this course within 12-18 months depending on your time commitments. The course requires a certain amount of classroom time and includes handson practical work, group and individual work. The completed tasks form part of your Portfolio of Evidence (POE) which will be submitted for formal assessment. Course Contents Fundamental Component (15 Compulsory Credits) US ID
NQF Level
Credits
8647
Apply workplace communication skills
Title of Unit Standard
5
10
13925
Present information in a public setting
5
5
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Core component (72 compulsory credits) You will complete 3 Unit Standards that comprise the Core Component of the ECD Level 5 qualification (see below); however, the sequence in which Unit Standards are delivered will be determined by your facilitator. US ID
Title of Unit Standard
13853
NQF Level
Credits
Mediate active learning in ECD programmes
5
36
13854
Promote healthy development in Early Childhood programmes
5
12
13855
Develop and manage the ECD learning programme
5
24
Elective component (33 Credits) The third and final component is the Elective Unit Standards. For Level 5, we offer the Grade-R Elective Unit Standards. Those who wish to pursue one of the specialisations such as Management of ECD service, Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment, Human Rights, Inclusive Education, or Life Skills, are advised to contact one of the TLC facilitators for availability of additional Unit Standards.
US ID
Title of Unit Standard
NQF LEVEL
Credits
244260
Facilitate a Life Skills Learning Programme in the Reception Year
5
15
244257
Facilitate a Literacy Learning Programme in the Reception Year
5
15
244256
Facilitate a Numeracy Learning Programme in the Reception Year
5
15
Student Assessment At this level, you will be required to write tests and/or examinations to assess your knowledge and skills. Throughout the course, it is compulsory that you perform the practical tasks within an ECD centre. If you do not already work in an ECD centre or school, TLC will help to place you in a centre where you need to physically perform the prescribed tasks to complete the course. Assessment of your competency is based on the evidence you will submit in a Portfolio of Evidence (POE). Your POE will include theoretical tasks and evidence of the practical tasks done at a registered ECD centre.
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Award Upon successful completion of your studies and verification of the result conducted by the ETDP SETA, you will receive a Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development NQF 5 SAQA ID 23117 that is awarded by the ETDP SETA. You will also receive a Statement of Results from Teachers Learning Centre (TLC). Registration Dates Courses start in February or July of each year. Learners may join in during the year providing it is in the first 3 months of the programme and while the core components are being facilitated.
4.
ECD CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENT
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has established a career path for ECD practitioners working in public and private sector programmes for children and their families. The path consists of a.
Skills programmes at level 1 (equivalent to the ninth year of public schooling). These programmes do not result, however, in a qualification.
b.
Further Education and Training (FET) Level 4 (equivalent to the twelfth year of public schooling) is the entry level qualification for those who want to enter the field of early childhood development. The Certificate has optional pathways for those who wish to specialise in Grade R and those who wish to focus on management of an ECD service. A further option is the opportunity to specialise in inclusive education in an ECD context.
c.
Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development Level 5 (equivalent to two years of post-schooling teacher education). Level 5 provides a substantial qualification for potential learners 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); 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.
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Level 6 qualifications for ECD practitioners There is currently NO specific qualification for ECD at Level 6 registered within the ETDP SETA. This leaves a gap between the qualifications offered above and the required qualifications path that leads to the B.Ed. degree Teachers Learning Centre (TLC) is pursuing the prospect of offering Level 6 for ECD practitioners who have a Level 4 and/or Level 5 certificate in ECD, providing a bridge between non-formal and formal learning programmes. This option is subject to approval from the Council for Higher Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is envisaged that this specialist course will be designed to qualify educators to teach young children within the four year Foundation Phase (Reception Year to Grade 3) within the schooling system. The graduate is also qualified to work with children from birth to age four, together with their families in the full range of employment offered to ECD teachers in South Africa. The Level 6 qualification will hopefully give access to the B.Ed. degree and the ECD educator will become a fully qualified professional teacher. This ‘career path’ enables the ECD graduate to apply for registration in the post graduate programme of universities in South Africa. Career Advancement ECD practitioners can advance to becoming professional teachers through an accredited with proper certification as outlined above. However, many ECD practitioners may not want to pursue an academic route. As a qualified ECD practitioner with a FET Certificate Level 4 or an Higher Certificate (Level 5), you can work in a variety of locations such as private day care facilities, private or public ECD centres, sponsored daycare centres and community-based centres. Some ECD practitioners move out of schools and into other related jobs. Employers outside education also value many of the skills you gained as an ECD practitioner. Some teachers re-train for other careers such as social work, youth development or management roles within the public or private sector, where they continue to use the skills acquired in teaching.
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Examples of related careers include • Teaching early childhood education • Further education and training (school level) • Management • Specialise in one aspect of child development e.g. special needs • Local education authority or examination board administration • Museums, art galleries and zoos employ teachers as education officers • Social Worker/Therapist
Owning your own business There are some opportunities for self-employment. These include private tutoring, writing educational materials and running a small private school, starting your own playgroup, day care, crèche, nursery etc. Courses such as bookkeeping, small business management, web design, arts and crafts, marketing, management, sport coaching might also be a valuable source of skills and knowledge in your own business. The key is to stay up to date with knowledge and skills in early childhood education. Being a good teacher is all about to never quit being a learner.
We hope that you found this prospectus helpful
and
insightful.
ECD
is
a
most
rewarding profession, and if we can be of any assistance in helping you decide on a career in ECD, please contact us.
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