Education, Training and Development - Higher Education and Training
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:
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.
Possible career opportunities with this qualification include:
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.
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.