The South African government through its National Integrated Early Development Policy (2015) seeks to achieve a ‘comprehensive and developmentally appropriate’ early learning programme that is accessible, equitable and available to all babies, infants, and children. To reach the universal access goal, the government is constantly reviewing and amending its policies, frameworks, institutional arrangements, and financing structures to provide comprehensive ECD services that promote inclusive educational practices for children to develop holistically using play-based and child-centered methodologies.

The government (with the Department of Basic Education) recognizes that universal access is depended on having ‘appropriately’ qualified and trained human resource and/or practitioners who can provide inclusive center-based and non-center based early childhood development programmes for children and families.

Training and mentorship form an important component of human resource development. Education and training are depended on the provision of SAQA-accredited qualifications and mentorship programs by Early Childhood Development Resource and Training Organizations (RTOs), TVET colleges, universities, and non-profit organizations.

Practitioners who work with babies, infants, and children, are encouraged to get a minimum childhood development NQF level 4 qualification. An NQF level 4 training provides practitioners with the skills, knowledge and practical methodologies of childhood development which allow them to plan for, facilitate, monitor, and support the development of young children.

Ultimately, an NQF level 4 provides a basic training for practitioners who are already in early childhood development without a formal qualification. It also serves as a bridging tool for further professional development of practitioners providing care and support for babies, toddlers, and children.

Anyone who wants to pursue training privately, must ensure that the service provider is accredited by checking the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website – https://www.saqa.org.za