Early Childhood Development Practitioner
Care for and stimulate children from birth to Grade R in ECD centres and crèches — a short route into education work.
What the job involves
- Plan play-based learning for young children.
- Track development milestones and safety.
- Support parents and manage an ECD centre.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- Life Orientation
- A home language
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Grade 9 for some NQF Level 4 programmes; Grade 12 for higher certificates
- Indicative APS
- Not applicable for most ECD certificates
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: basic literacy and communication
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- NQF Level 4 or 5 ECD qualification1–2 years
Offered by TVET colleges and accredited providers; often studied while working.
- Higher Certificate or Diploma in ECD1–3 years
Can bridge into a BEd Foundation Phase degree.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R4 000 – R9 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R9 000 – R15 000 per month
- Senior
- R16 000 – R30 000 per month (centre managers and qualified Grade R teachers)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- University of the Free StateUFS · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- University of ZululandUniZulu · KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Unakekela futhi afundise izingane ezincane. Indlela emfushane yokungena kwezemfundo.
Afrikaans: Versorg en stimuleer jong kinders. 'n Kort roete na onderwys.