Curriculum Overview for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioner Course

CURRICULUM SUMMARY

Curriculum Information

The ECD Practitioner course is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to work in early childhood development. The curriculum encompasses various modules, each focused on critical aspects of ECD:

- Module 1: Introduction to the Early Childhood Development Sector
- NQF Level
- Credits: 4
- Overview: This module provides an overview of the ECD sector, including its significance and the role of practitioners.

- Module 2: Theories and Perspectives of Child Development
- NQF Level: 5
- Credits: 6
- Overview: An in-depth exploration of various child development theories and perspectives, aiding in understanding the different aspects of child growth and learning.

- Module 3: Planning and Programme Development in Early Childhood Settings
- NQF Level: 4
- Credits: 8
- Overview: Focuses on effective planning and development of educational programs tailored for early childhood settings.

- Module 4: Facilitation and Mediation of Active Learning
- NQF Level: 5
- Credits: 12
- Overview: Concentrates on strategies for facilitating and mediating active, engaging learning experiences for young children.

Curriculum Structure

This Qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Modules and Practical Skill Modules: Knowledge Modules:

Knowledge Modules

Practical Skill Modules

Work Experience Modules

This curriculum is tailored to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to thrive as ECD practitioners, fostering a nurturing, supportive, and stimulating environment for young children.

Course Summary: Early Childhood Caregiver Program

Curriculum Title: Early Childhood Caregiver
Curriculum Code: 900017-000-01-00
Total Credits: 32 (19 Knowledge Credits + 13 Practical Credits)
NQF Level: 1

Overview

The Early Childhood Caregiver program is designed to prepare learners to operate effectively as caregivers, fostering the holistic development and well-being of babies, toddlers, and young children in various contexts and settings. This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to provide nurturing, responsive care and create a stimulating and safe play environment that promotes the children's holistic development.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum comprises compulsory knowledge and practical skills modules, which include:

• Knowledge Modules:
  • Basic child development
  • Environment that promotes optimal development
  • Quality interactive care service
• Practical Skills Modules:
  • Application of child development principles
  • Preparation of suitable playing environments
  • Implementation of interactive caregiving

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Provide nurturing and responsive care in the absence of parents.
• Facilitate holistic development through learning and play.
• Prepare and maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Supervise and interact with children effectively, ensuring their safety and promoting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

Pathways and Progression

This program serves as a foundational step towards further qualifications in early childhood development. Learners can progress to roles such as teacher assistants, early childhood practitioners, educators, community development workers, or child and youth care workers.

Entry Requirements and Assessment

The program is open entry, with assessments facilitated by QCTO to ensure quality assurance. The course includes both internal and external assessments, focusing on practical and knowledge-based competencies.

Provider and Accreditation

The course requires providers to meet specific physical, human resource, and legal standards, including a suitable learning environment and qualified facilitators with relevant experience in early childhood development.

This program is pivotal in shaping caregivers who are well-equipped to handle the demands of early childhood care, contributing significantly to the development and well-being of children during their formative years.

This course is designed to equip educators with specialized skills and knowledge for identifying and addressing learning barriers in educational settings.

The Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner qualification is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and facilitate skills development programs in organizations. The course focuses on providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to assess, design, implement, and evaluate training and development initiatives in line with national skills development policies and frameworks.

The Learning and Development Facilitator qualification is designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to facilitate learning and development processes within organizations. This course covers a variety of critical areas such as instructional design, adult learning theories, the facilitation of training sessions, assessment techniques, and the management of learning environments. Learners will be trained on how to support and enhance the learning experiences of individuals and teams within the workplace, ensuring that organizational goals are met through effective skills development.

Our Level 1 Fire Safety Training equips participants with critical knowledge and practical skills to manage and respond effectively to fire emergencies. Key topics covered in the course include:

SAQA ID – 252250 Apply Fire Fighting Techniques NQF level 1, Credits 3

• Fundamentals of Fire Science: Understanding the basic principles of fire, including combustion, fire classes, and fire behaviour.
• Fire Prevention Techniques: Strategies to prevent fire occurrences in various environments, focusing on common hazards and preventive measures.
• Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures: Detailed protocols for safely evacuating individuals in case of fire, including planning escape routes and assembly points.
• Using Fire Safety Equipment: Correct use of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.
• Legal and Safety Regulations: An overview of the fire safety regulations and standards that individuals and organizations need to comply with.

Explore the fundamentals of early childhood education in our ELDA (Early Learning Development Areas) Workshop, tailored to the National Curriculum Framework set by the Department of Basic Education. This in-depth workshop covers the six critical ELDAs and their core objectives, offering valuable knowledge for educators, caregivers, and those dedicated to early childhood development.

The 6 ELDAS and the aims with each ELDA are:

•  Wellbeing
•  Identity and Belonging
•  Communication
•  Exploring Mathematics
•  Creativity
•  Understanding the world

The workshop covers:

• Aims of each ELDA
• Practical application
• Assessment
• Reporting

The Classroom Discipline and Management Workshop provides ECD professionals with practical, research-based strategies to tackle common behavioural challenges. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, participants will learn proactive techniques and positive interventions essential for maintaining an orderly classroom.

This workshop aims to provide educators with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support children with special needs in inclusive classroom settings. With a focus on understanding and managing diverse learning and behavioural challenges, participants will gain insights into creating an equitable and supportive educational environment.

Welcome to the "Basic Food Safety Practices for Food Handlers" course. This comprehensive training program is designed to equip food handlers with essential knowledge and skills to maintain food safety and comply with regulatory standards. The course covers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), personal hygiene, health, and safety in food handling environments, emphasizing compliance with South Africa's Regulation 10(1)(b) of Regulations R638. Participants will learn about the importance of food safety, identify common hazards, and understand corrective procedures to ensure consumer well-being. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply these practices effectively in your workplace, ensuring that food products are handled safely and responsibly.

Course Title: Entrepreneurs and Leadership: Navigating the Path to Success

Course Description:

This dynamic course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders who aim to master the essential skills and strategies for building and leading successful ventures. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, participants will explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship and leadership, learning how to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses and how to lead teams to achieve exceptional results.

Key Topics:

1. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Understand the qualities and behaviors of successful entrepreneurs, including risk-taking, innovation, resilience, and vision.
2. Idea Validation and Business Modeling: Learn how to validate business ideas, conduct market research, and develop sustainable business models.
3. Leadership Fundamentals: Explore leadership theories and practices, focusing on developing the skills necessary to inspire, motivate, and guide teams.
4. Financial Acumen: Gain insights into financial management, including fundraising, budgeting, financial forecasting, and investment strategies.
5. Marketing and Branding: Discover effective marketing and branding strategies to create a strong market presence and build customer loyalty.
6. Operations Management: Understand the operational challenges and strategies for managing day-to-day business activities efficiently.
7. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Learn about the legal frameworks governing businesses and the importance of ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility.
8. Innovation and Growth: Explore strategies for fostering innovation within the organization and scaling the business for growth.
9. Networking and Mentorship: Understand the role of networking, mentorship, and collaboration in entrepreneurial success.
10. Personal Development and Leadership Growth: Focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning as key components of leadership development.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process and leadership principles.
• Acquire practical skills in business planning, financial management, and strategic decision-making.
• Enhance leadership capabilities to effectively manage and motivate teams.
• Foster an innovative mindset to identify opportunities and solve complex business challenges.
• Build a network of peers, mentors, and industry contacts to support ongoing professional growth.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage business owners, managers transitioning to leadership roles, and professionals seeking to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills within their organizations.