Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
Education, Training and Development - Higher Education and Training
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education is to provide a well-rounded education that equips learners with the required disciplinary knowledge, educational theory, and methodology. This will enable them to demonstrate competence and responsibility as academically and professionally qualified Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) educators. Principles and theory are emphasized to provide a foundation for a professional career as an ECCE educator, leading to the development of ECCE competencies. The qualification aims to produce qualified ECCE educators with focused knowledge and skills related to the care and education of children from birth to four years old.
The qualification requires a specific depth of knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience for learners to apply their learning effectively as ECCE educators. Graduates should be able to show initiative, responsibility, and intellectual independence in a professional environment. Additionally, the qualification aims to develop some level of research competence in the field of ECCE, providing a basis for postgraduate study in the same field.
Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Apply disciplinary and pedagogic knowledge to support young children's development in diverse contexts.
- Demonstrate intellectual independence and research skills in the ECCE context.
- Position their knowledge in relation to societal trends and apply professional skills in the ECCE context.
- Apply appropriate strategies to address challenges in the ECCE context.
Rationale
In South Africa, there is a need to improve education outcomes, starting with the birth-to-4 age group. Lack of access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs often leaves children ill-prepared for formal schooling, leading to high remediation costs. Well-designed ECCE programs can help nurture young citizens in line with democratic values and principles, contributing to social change and human development.
The increasing diversity in South Africa requires a competent ECCE workforce capable of caring for children from various backgrounds. Quality care for children up to the age of four is crucial, given the challenges such as poverty and malnutrition. This qualification aims to develop a quality ECCE workforce and equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills for diverse contexts.
Career Opportunities
Possible career opportunities with this qualification include:
- ECCE teacher at a day-care, crèche, or childcare center
- Childcare center manager or director
- Home-based ECCE service provider
- Family care and support provider
- ECCE consultant
Pathways
The qualification offers three learning pathways: general, vocational, and professional. The general pathway leads to further education, the vocational pathway to workplace occupations, and the professional pathway to registration with statutory bodies. The qualification aligns with the Policy on Minimum Requirements for Qualifications Leading to Qualifications in Higher Education for Early Childhood Development Educators, aiming to meet industry standards and lead to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for learners. Qualifying learners are required to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) before appointment to a teaching post.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate acquired disciplinary and pedagogic knowledge, learning and developmental theories to support the holistic development of the young child in diverse contexts of practice to promote young children's development and learning in different contexts.
- Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the ECCE context.
- Demonstrate the ability to position own knowledge and understanding of the playroom and broader societal trends and developments, flexibility, and adaptability to apply knowledge and professional skills with specific reference to the ECCE context.
- Demonstrate appropriate strategies and methods to address fundamental challenges and complex problems in the ECCE context.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of formats (oral, written, visual and electronic) to diverse audiences and for various purposes in the ECCE context to facilitate effective, collaborative communication with all persons involved in the ECCE context and communities.
- Act in accordance with the code of conduct and rules of practice relevant to working with young children in diverse and adverse contexts### and have a coherent understanding of the ethical implications of decisions, actions, and practices.
- Apply social, civic, and environmental responsibilities within the context of ECCE and display a commitment to social justice, democracy, human rights, and the integrity of the environment.
- Develop basic leadership, managerial, administration and entrepreneurship skills and continue their professional practices and lifelong learning.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply relevant pedagogic and content knowledge of numeracy, literacy, and life skills in the ECCE playroom.
- Use technology for own learning and to facilitate young children's learning.
- Create an effective learning environment and manage behavior in the ECCE playroom.
- Interpret and apply policies and regulations for ECCE settings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Ensure effective health, safety, and nutrition practices.
- Implement discipline-specific methods of scientific enquiry in the ECCE field.
- Gather, analyse, process, and present integrated literature related to ECCE.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Translate disciplinary knowledge into practical ways of working with young children, families, and communities.
- Develop responsive approaches in diverse contexts.
- Create relationships and interactions to advance children's learning.
- Establish partnership relationships with families and communities.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Support the stimulation, nurturing, and care of young children.
- Promote health, safety, and nutrition practices in the ECCE context.
- Address challenges in the ECCE context using appropriate strategies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Use communication tools for collaboration and promotion of multi-lingual skills.
- Observe, document, and assess children's development.
- Interact effectively with ECCE practitioners in diverse contexts.
- Develop research competence and communicate ideas effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Adhere to the Children's Act and National Protection Register.
- Reflect on values, ethical conduct, and professional practices.
- Work within a code of conduct when working with young children.
- Express ethical understanding to support children's development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate sensitivity and competence in diverse ECCE contexts.
- Engage with diverse systems and historical influences.
- Take responsibility based on a strong value system.
- Work constructively in an inclusive society.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Use critical self-reflection for personal and professional development.
- Reflect on performance and support others' learning needs.
- Take responsibility for own decisions and actions.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment occurs through various assignments, portfolios, practical assessments, and examinations.
- Assessments focus on applying learned skills in practice.
- Integrated assessment includes Work Integrated Learning portfolios to evaluate practical skills, knowledge, communication, computer literacy, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.