It is widely acknowledged that the effects of what happen during the pre-natal period and during the earliest months and years of a child’s life can last a lifetime.  This is because the kind of early care a child receives from parents, pre-school teachers and caregivers determines how a child learns and relates in school and life in general.  It is during early care that a child develops all the key elements of emotional intelligence, namely confidence, curiosity, purposefulness, self-control, connectedness, capacity to communicate and co-operativeness.

Young children are capable learners and suitable educational experience during the pre-school years can have a positive impact on school learning. Providing appropriate stimulation, nutrition, care and health services during this critical, pre-school, developmental period results.

It is important that we create opportunities for all children, including those who are disabled, to participate fully and to develop fully to their potential. The holistic model of ECD also acknowledges the pivotal role that parents and communities play in the care and education of children.

The Certificates in ECD is for anyone that has the ability to work and relate with children from birth to 9 years old and can include:

The duration of the certificates depends on the mode of instruction and can be from 17 weeks to 1 year. Universal College Outcomes SA offers the following Certificates in Early Childhood Development.