Successful ECD programmes (whether run at a centre, a home-based facility or through a playgroup) are built on a sound understanding of what constitutes quality in ECD. Ntataise’s training programmes help professionalise the sector by giving practitioners the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to run quality ECD programmes. Increasing the skills and knowledge of those involved in early learning has been identified as a critical target for South Africa’s National Development Plan and National ECD Policy.
Our accredited training programmes are designed for practitioners who have a limited education and would be unlikely to access higher education institutions. These (mainly) women often have a poor knowledge of early childhood development and in most cases are already working in community and home-based pre-school facilities. They represent a major proportion of early childhood caregivers and educators.
Our training model is therefore practical and applied. Programmes provide in-service training in the practitioners’ home language, accompanied by intensive workshops that are interspersed with on-site and hands-on support and regular mentoring. This strategy has been pivotal to the success of the Ntataise training model.