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All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 126157 | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| University of Fort Hare | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Diploma (Min 360) | Field 05 - Education, Training and Development | Early Childhood Development | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0841/26 | 2026-07-09 | 2029-07-09 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-07-09 | 2035-07-09 | |||
| In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education qualification is to provide learners with a well-rounded education that will equip them with the practical skills (lesson planning, learning material design, screening and identification, play-based approach, collaboration with families), Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) appropriate disciplinary knowledge, educational theories, and methodology needed to mediate learning in Early Childhood Development (ECD) contexts. Learners who obtain this qualification will be able to demonstrate their competence and responsibility as academically and professionally qualified ECD educators. The certification calls for a thorough specialty in the subject of early childhood education in addition to the necessary practical abilities and experience in an early childhood setting. In addition, the qualification gives learners the ICT and math literacy knowledge and skills they need to become qualified early childhood educators. Learners will be placed in ECD centres for work-integrated learning for three years to observe, interact, and mediate children's learning. Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: This qualification is offered by a few institutions in South Africa; however, it is not offered by any institution in the Eastern Cape Province. The initiative will help the industry and larger communities since it opens the door for the workforce to become more professionally trained, which will support children's growth and meaningful learning. The following factors will be taken into consideration while discussing the qualification's reasoning: One of the factors that contributed to the discovery of the qualification was the unprofessionalised nature of the industry before those providing ECD services started the pre-schools as revenue-generating businesses after spotting a need. Taking advantage of the chance, the NGO's created the NQF 4 and 5 credentials for ECD practitioners. The difficulties with children's preparedness for formal schooling, however, persisted. The institution plans to offer the NQF 6 qualification, which will result in instructors who are qualified and capable of mediating meaningful learning for the development of children especially those who are zero to four years old. In response to The National Audit of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Sector, which focused on ECD practitioners and principals without professional qualifications, the qualification was created. The 2001 National Audit recommended that the ECCE industry become more professional. Furthermore, relatively few practitioners have the necessary ECD credentials, according to a longitudinal study conducted by the National Development Agency and the University of Fort Hare (NDA-UFH) on the analysis of best practices in ECD centres in the Eastern Cape province. To guarantee that South African children flourish well into adulthood, the degree's implementation will focus on the professional development of practitioners in the early childhood development field outside of the Eastern Cape province. The Teacher Education Qualifications Evaluation Committee (TEPEC) of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) endorsed this course on July 02, 2023, stating that it complies with professional body criteria. This qualification targets learners are those who fulfil the prerequisites, possess a National Senior Certificate (Diploma Pass), be cleared under the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005, and be ECCE practitioners with experience and eligible for RPL. Recognised Level 4 or 5 vocational, occupational, and academic qualifications, such as a certificate or diploma in ECD/Edu-care, or in another relevant field, including relevant qualifications offered by TVET colleges and ETDP-SETA. The targeted learners are also those who, upon graduation, are eager to serve as ECCE educators and go on to pursue careers as ECCE researchers. The qualification's three-year enrolment cap is set at NQF 6. There are various pathways that learners can choose from, such as diagonal, horizontal, and vertical ones. Potential applicants may enter the qualification upon fulfilment of the prerequisites, which are outlined in accordance with university regulations and MRQECDE policy. The qualification will benefit the learners since it will allow them to fill the stated need for unskilled ECD professionals. Society gains from this as well because the strategy concentrates on children from birth to age four, a time frame that is commonly overlooked, and because children enrolled in the facilities are provided with early learning qualifications that assist and nurture the developing kid. Carers who engage with ECD centres to support developing children may also benefit since they are exposed to working with skilled personnel. Strong foundations will be given to young children in communities to prepare them for lifelong learning, which will have an impact on the economy. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution applies RPL in two distinct ways: (1) RPL for Access (Entry): Applicants who do not meet formal entry requirements but can demonstrate equivalent prior learning may apply for entry via RPL. The PoE is assessed against NQF Level 6 descriptors and entry-level competences of this qualification. (2) RPL for Credit / Advanced Standing: Applicants or registered learners with prior learning equivalent to one or more modules may apply for module exemptions. The PoE is assessed against the specific Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) and module descriptors of the relevant module(s). A minimum of two departmental academics appointed by the Dean assess and moderate each RPL application. The RPL Policy of the institution and the Faculty of Education will be used as needed, in cooperation with the Teaching and Learning Centre. As per the university RPL policy 2022 these are the steps that potential learners have to follow to gain access through RPL and be exempted from modules: The institution align itself with the policy on Policy for Credit Accumulation and Transfer within the National Qualifications Framework (2008) in matching the knowledge skills and competences of modules within the qualification. RPL for credits: Module credits will also be awarded through consulting the module descriptors. In line with the credit accumulation, the NQF level descriptors in the modules of this qualification will be used to match the knowledge skills, competencies in alignment with the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Entry Requirements: or or or or and |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6, totalling 376 credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 208 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 168 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Ability to have knowledge and understanding of the holistic development of the young child within the ECCE.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of ECCE Curriculum pedagogy to design, select, and implement effective stimulation, care, and education for young children through developmentally appropriate strategies and methods. 3. Apply Fundamental ICT and mathematics concepts, knowledge, and skills for academic and young children's development in a variety of ECCE contexts. 4. Demonstrate sound teacher professionalism, appropriate ethical behaviour, professional values, attitudes, and behaviours including a suitable understanding of teacher professionalism guidelines and policies. 5. Apply fundamental academic skills, use a range of grammatical structures logically and adopt suitable academic vocabulary and analyse and interpret academic sources. 6. Understand the importance of inclusion in ECCE and establish sustainable collaborative partnerships with families and communities. 7. Demonstrate understanding of the National Curriculum Framework ELDAs to organise and facilitate activities using a range of developmentally appropriate strategies and resources for babies, toddlers, and young children. 8. Mediate active learning through play in safe and healthy ECCE environments to support active learning and holistic development of babies, toddlers, and young children. 9. Understand the importance and roles of educational philosophy, psychology, sociology and history and their influence in ECCE context. 10. Use basic conversational language competencies to promote interpersonal communication competence in at least one LoLT. 11. Demonstrate an ability to translate ECCE studied theoretical knowledge into practice by planning and facilitating suitable lessons in the classroom. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: Integrated Assessment: Formative assessment: Formative assessment in this qualification will serve to identify strengths, weaknesses and ways to improve and enhance learning in order to support the learner in the learning process towards achievement of outcomes, and to inform curriculum development. It will be developmental and used to improve learning and to provide learners with feedback on the progress made. These will include, but not limited to assessments tasks such as presentations, group works, class works and class discussions. Summative assessment: Summative assessments are comprised of the Duly Performance and the exam mark in theory modules. Learners' DP will be accumulated through assignments weighing 40% and Tests weighing 60%. Learners would be required to have 40% DP to write examinations. The DP weighs 50% towards summative assessment whereas examinations weigh 50% totalling to 100% for final mark. WIL of the qualification will be assessed through Continuous Assessment. In continuous assessment modules, learners are examined continuously over the duration of the module and the marks obtained are used to produce a final result aFs approved by Senate. There is no DP requirement for WIL, instead the following assessments will be given 20 % Theory (Tests, assignments, presentations and portfolios), 20% Practical: (Microteaching), 60 % WIL assessment (lecturers' visits to learners and POE). This qualification has a total number of 384 credits, and WIL constitutes 56 credits (14.58%), which is spread over three years from NQF level 5 to 6. The qualification has different types of learning that can be integrated and applied for learner teachers to understand how to mediate quality learning. These learning types include fundamental learning, educational learning, disciplinary learning, pedagogical learning, situational learning, and practical learning (DHET, 2017; pp. 16-17). Of the six learning types, WIL forms part of practical learning. WIL modules are attached to show how they're integrated into the qualification. The WIL of the qualification has two components: namely, learning from practice and learning in practice. Learning from practice offers learners opportunities to do activities such as microteaching, reflective journals, observation records and discussion forums. These will assist learners in understanding theory that prepares them for learning in the practice component, so that when they are placed in ECD centres to gain knowledge in simulated environments where they understand mediation of learning to the ECD context. For the WIL summative assessment, learners will be prepared to teach in simulated and authentic classroom environments. When placed in the ECD centres, learners will be visited for monitoring and evaluation purposes throughout their qualification. Their assessment will differ from level to level. Work Integrated Learning is illustrated as follows: 1) In year one assessment, learners will submit reflective reports, observation records and portfolios at the end of the placement block. 2) In year two, on completion of this block, learners will submit a portfolio of evidence with the required number of all completed and taught activity plans (including learning materials, assessment tools, and activity evaluation) with age-appropriate assessment activities (examples of learners' work) for summative evaluation. 3) In year three, on completion of this block, learners will submit a portfolio of evidence with the required number of all completed and taught activity plans (including learning materials, assessment tools, and activity evaluation) with age-appropriate assessment activities (examples of learners' work) for summative evaluation. The rubric will be used to assess the submitted portfolios. See attached the WIL portfolio rubric. For year three, WIL portfolio will be moderated externally as exit level module in line with the UFH policy and procedures on assessment. Holistic and Integrated Assessment of Exit Level Outcomes: The ELOs of this qualification are assessed in an integrated and cumulative manner across the three years. The WIL portfolios (WIL 1, 2, and 3A/3B) serve as integrating instruments requiring learners to demonstrate multiple ELOs simultaneously in authentic ECD contexts. By Year 3, external moderation of the WIL portfolio confirms that the qualifying learner has achieved all ELOs at NQF Level 6 standard, demonstrating applied competence, the integration of foundational, practical, and reflexive competence, as required by the HEQSF. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared to similar qualifications from these international countries:
Country: Australia. Institution: Federation University. Qualification: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Duration: One year. Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for leadership roles in regulated children's education and care services. The qualification covers curriculum design, compliance maintenance, and leadership skills necessary for early childhood educators. It is suitable for those looking to take on more responsibility in their careers and is a stepping stone to higher education with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). Similarities: Differences: Country: Canada. Institution: Vancouver Community College. Qualification: Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma. Duration: 2 years. Credits: 76 Credits. Purpose: The purpose of the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma at Vancouver Community College (VCC) is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care for children aged 0-6 in licensed infant toddler, preschool, and inclusive childcare settings. This qualification covers a wide range of topics, including human development, psychological and physical health and safety, play-based learning, and program planning. Upon acceptance into the Vancouver Community College program, learners are required to submit comprehensive documentation of their immunization history. This step is vital for ensuring the health and safety of all participants, particularly during practicum placements, which may involve direct interaction with young children in various educational settings. Additionally, there may be specific immunization requirements that learners must fulfil, depending on the regulations set forth by the practicum sites to which they are assigned. By meeting these prerequisites, learners demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for the children they will be working with. Exit Level Outcomes: The exit level outcomes for this qualification are notably comparable to those of the South African counterpart. They emphasise the integration and application of extensive disciplinary knowledge, preparing graduates to engage effectively in a variety of theoretical and practical scenarios within early childhood education. This approach not only equips learners with essential skills and insights but also fosters their ability to adapt their knowledge to diverse situations encountered in the field, ultimately enhancing their readiness for professional practice in early childhood settings. Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: All these universities have a WIL component that requires learners to be placed in ECD centres throughout their qualifications. Although, the duration of the time learners spend in ECD centres for WIL varies, 285 hours of industry placement is required at the Federation University Australia for this course and is sourced by our TAFE Placement team. While the Vancouver Community College learners attend the school or early learning setting for 3 days per week (8 hours each day) during year 2. The curriculum offered is like the UFH one, since the Vancouver Community College in Canada, the Federation University in Australia, and the UFH have' no elective courses. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal articulation: Vertical articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A. |
| NOTES |
| N/A. |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| NONE |
| PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
| 1. | University of Fort Hare |
| All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |