WELCOME TO BURGESS TEACHER COLLEGE

This is an entry-level Qualification for those who want to enter the field of Education, Training and Development, specifically within the sub-field of Early Childhood Development (ECD). Many of those who will seek this Qualification are already practising within the field, but without formal recognition. This Qualification will enable recipients of this Qualification to facilitate the all-round development of young children in a manner that is sensitive to culture and individual needs (including special needs), and enable them to provide quality early childhood development services for children in a variety of contexts, including community-based services, ECD centres, at home and in institutions. In particular, recipients of this qualification will be able to:

• Plan and prepare for Early Childhood Development.

• Facilitate and monitor the development of babies, toddlers and young children.

• Provide care and support to babies, toddlers and young children.

Rationale

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a priority area within the South African context and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. The development of babies, toddlers and young children forms the most critical foundation of further development into childhood and adulthood. There is thus a vast need for ECD services, and it is critical that the field should be served by competent practitioners. In order to meet the needs at ECD level, it is important to be able to identify and recognise competent ECD practitioners who are able to work in a variety of ECD contexts. This qualification will provide a means to give recognition to practitioners at an entry level, thus making it possible for practitioners to increase their employment prospects, and at the same time provide the field with suitably qualified practitioners. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 

• Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 or equivalent.

• Second language at NQF level 2 or equivalent.
  
  Recognition of Prior Learning:
  
  This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the defined exit level outcomes and/or individual Unit Standards.
  
  Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or previous local qualifications, products, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.
  
  All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment and the requirements for integrated assessment.
  
  Access to the Qualification:
  
  There is open access to this Qualification bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place.