Accredited training and qualifications

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.

“Ntataise training has changed my life in many ways. I have learned about children’s development and developmental needs. I can now observe children’s development and identify their needs. I can select and plan activities to meet children’s developmental needs; I can also create a learning environment with a provision of improvised toys from waste materials. I have learned to communicate with parents and other adults. I have also learned basic mathematical concepts and improved my communication skills through English communication literacy. I am encouraged to study further for my career in the future.”
Patricia Ponatshego of Morongwa –
Thuto E.L.C

What We Offer

We offer training programmes leading to a full ECD qualification, as well as short, practice-based skills programmes. Learners might be pre-school practitioners working in formal ECD centres, or those working with children who are not in formal centres, sometimes called non-centre based ECD programmes.

All training programmes, whether leading to a full qualification or a short course certificate, are accredited by the relevant accreditation bodies.

The FETC Early Childhood Development Level 4 legacy qualification and the NQF Level 4 Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner.

 It takes 18 months to complete a full Level 4 certificate in ECD, which is six months longer than the stipulated time. This is because the theoretical part of the qualification is supplemented by immediate practical application with support and mentoring, so that learners can see and reflect on how theory works in practice. The training programme consists of the relevant ECD core elements and foundational competencies presented through courses, workshops, on-site support and assessment visits.

Ntataise Skills Programmes

These programmes were specifically developed for pre-school practitioners who do not qualify for the formal Level 4 training. These skills programmes are accredited and may be used for entry into a full Level 4 qualification, while addressing critical and scarce skills within the ECD sector. The five one-week practical programmes focus on cognitive and physical development needs of young children.