What is Early Childhood Development?
Early childhood education, also known as nursery education, is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight.
Traditionally, this is up to the equivalent of third grade. ECE is described as an important period in child development
Where Can I Study Early Childhood Development In South Africa
Stellenbosch University
The course is known as Foundation Phase Education. The duration of study at this university is 4 years and costs about R 49,000.
The goal is to teach the students about the foundation phase of a child’s life. Their research focuses on dynamic ways to develop children’s potential in a diverse environment.
University of Johannesburg
You can study BEd Childhood Education (Honours) at the University of Johannesburg for one year. The fee is about R14,200. The course is basically to develop expertise and research capacity in Childhood Education.
University Witwatersrand
This university offers you a Bachelor of Education degree in foundation phase teaching. This course is internationally recognized and will be studied for four years. The fee is about R90,000. Graduates of the course can teach grades R-3.
Durban University of Technology
Applicants can apply for a four-year degree program in Bachelor of Child and Youth Care. They provide students with skills and knowledge to work in a child and youth setting. The fee is in the range of R32,000 and the duration is 4 years.
How much does the ECD course cost in South Africa?
| Course | Dates | Description |
| Basic Child Care Part time module 1 of Level 4 | 22 January 2024(registration open) | Full time 6 months Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm |
| Pre-school Full time module 2 of Level 4 | 27 January 2024(registration open) | Part time 12 months Every Saturday 9am -12pm |
| Pre-school Full timeModule 2 of Level 4 | 23 January 2024(registration open) | Full time 6 months Monday to Friday 9am-12pm |
| Special Needs Course(Barriers to Learning) | 27 January 2024(registration open) | Part time 12 months Every Saturday 9am – 12pm |
| NQF Level 5 in ECD | 20 January 2024(registration open) | 2 Contact Session Monthly Saturdays9am – 3pm Online Sessions |
| Special Needs Course(Barriers to learning) | 3 February 2024(registration open) | Part time 5 months 2 Saturdays per month 9am – 12pm |
What is the qualification for early childhood development in South Africa?
The two-year Level 5 National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (SAQA ID: 23118) will allow graduates to work as fully qualified early childhood educators in South Africa and to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
How much is ECD salary in South Africa?
The average early childhood teacher salary in South Africa is R 3 744 228 per year or R 1 920 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 468 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 6 660 000 per year.