Ekurhuleni City College is listing an Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner for students interested in pursuing training in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector.
According to the college’s current course information, the programme is an NQF Level 4 qualification, carries 131 credits and has an advertised duration of 18 months, consisting of 12 months of knowledge and practical modules followed by six months of work modules.
The college says the programme is designed to prepare learners for ECD work in both centre-based and non-centre-based settings.
Ekurhuleni City College ECD course: Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner |
| Course code | ECD6010-20 |
| NQF level | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID | 97542 |
| Credits | 131 |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Knowledge & practical modules | 12 months |
| Work modules | 6 months |
| Qualification stated by college | Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner |
| External assessment | External summative assessment |
| 2027 registration | Listed on the course page |
| Application deadline | Not specified |
The above details are taken from Ekurhuleni City College’s published course information.
What is the ECD Practitioner course about?
The college says the programme prepares learners to operate as Early Childhood Development Practitioners in centre-based and non-centre-based ECD settings.
The programme covers areas such as planning learning environments, facilitating daily programmes, observing children’s progress and supporting children’s health, safety, nutrition and wellbeing.
The college specifically identifies potential career interests including becoming a playschool teacher, day care centre administrator or day care centre manager, and says the course may also be suitable for someone who wants to start an ECD centre.
What qualification does the course offer?
The college lists the programme as an Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner.
It identifies the qualification as:
- NQF Level 4
- SAQA ID: 97542
- 131 credits
- Course code: ECD6010-20
- QCTO-accredited, according to the college’s published information.
The college’s separate accreditation page states that Ekurhuleni City College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and QCTO, with registration number SDP1220/19/00100.
How long is the ECD course?
The advertised course duration is 18 months.
The college divides the programme into:
- 12 months of knowledge and practical modules
- 6 months of work modules
This structure means the programme includes both theoretical learning and practical/workplace components.
What are the entry requirements?
The college currently lists the following entry routes:
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 3
- Any other NQF Level 3 qualification
- Grade 11
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
Prospective students should confirm their eligibility directly with the college before applying, particularly if they intend to enter through RPL.
What subjects are covered?
The programme consists of knowledge, practical skills and work experience modules.
Knowledge Modules
The college lists 43 credits of knowledge modules covering:
- Introduction to the ECD sector
- Theories and perspectives of child development
- Planning and programme development in ECD settings
- Facilitation and mediation of active learning
- Observation and assessment in ECD
- Promotion of children’s health, safety and wellbeing
- Administration for ECD services and programmes
Practical Skill Modules
The practical component is listed as 43 credits.
It includes:
- Planning inclusive educational activities and routines
- Facilitating and mediating active learning
- Observing, assessing, recording and reporting children’s progress
- Supporting children’s health, nutrition, safety, protection and wellbeing
- Building relationships with parents and other service providers
- Preparing and maintaining administrative systems
Work Experience Modules
The work experience component carries 45 credits according to the college.
It includes workplace processes relating to:
- Learning programme and routine planning
- Facilitating learning programmes
- Observation and assessment of children’s development
- Promoting children’s health, nutrition, safety, protection and wellbeing
How are students assessed?
The college states that students must complete:
- 6 theoretical assignments
- 6 practical assignments
- 4 workplace assignments
To qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof that they successfully completed the Knowledge Modules and Practical Skills Modules.
What happens after completing the course?
According to the college, students who complete the course will be awarded an Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner from the QCTO.
The college also lists articulation options.
Horizontal articulation
- Further Education and Training Certificate in Early Childhood Development, NQF Level 4.
Vertical articulation
- National Certificate in Early Childhood Development, NQF Level 5.
- National Diploma in Early Childhood Development, NQF Level 5.
Students should confirm current articulation arrangements with the institution before relying on them for future study planning.
Ekurhuleni City College ECD fees for 2027
The course page currently lists the following fees.
First Year: January–June 2027
- Registration fee: R500
- Deposit: R2,500
- Monthly fee: R800 × 5
- Textbooks: R600
- Total: R7,600
- Cash fee: R6,850
First Year: July–December 2027
- Registration fee: R500
- Deposit: R2,500
- Monthly fee: R800 × 5
- Textbooks: R600
- Total: R7,600
- Cash fee: R6,850
Second Year: January–June 2028
- Registration fee: R500
- Deposit: R2,500
- Monthly fee: R800 × 5
- Textbooks: R600
- Exam fee (EISA): R800
- Total: R8,400
- Cash fee: R8,250
Important: These are the fees currently published on the college’s course page and should be confirmed with the college before payment.
When does the 2027 programme start?
The college’s page lists:
- First Year, First Semester: January–June 2027
- First Year, Second Semester: July–December 2027
- Second Year, First Semester: January–June 2028
The page does not specify an application closing date, so applicants should contact the college to confirm whether applications are still being accepted and whether places remain available.
How to apply
The ECD course page provides an Application Form 2027 .
The college also has an online application page where prospective students can enter their personal details, ID number, contact information and select a programme.
For direct enquiries, the college’s contact page lists:
Ekurhuleni City College
88 President Street, Pharoe Park Block H, Germiston, next to Home Affairs
Tel: (011) 825 0319
Cell: 084 519 5992
WhatsApp: 067 148 6173
Email: admin@ekurhulenicitycollege.co.za
Is this an ECD learnership?
No.
The college describes this as an Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner, rather than advertising it as a learnership.
The programme includes work experience modules, but that should not be confused with a government-funded learnership or an opportunity that automatically provides a stipend. The college’s published course information does not state that students receive a stipend.
Is this a free ECD course?
No.
The college currently publishes fees for the programme. The listed first-year semester total is R7,600, while the second-year semester shown on the page totals R8,400, including the listed EISA exam fee.
Therefore, this should not be promoted as a free ECD course.
Final word
Ekurhuleni City College is currently advertising an Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner for its 2027 intake.
The programme is listed at NQF Level 4, carries 131 credits and runs for 18 months, with 12 months of knowledge and practical training followed by six months of work modules. The college also publishes entry requirements and 2027/2028 fee information.
Anyone interested should check the official college information and confirm the latest application availability, fees and admission details before submitting an application or making payment.
Official source
Primary: Ekurhuleni City College — Early Childhood Development NQF Level 4
Supporting: Ekurhuleni City College — Accreditation
The course page is the source for the programme structure, requirements, fees, assessment and 2027 intake information.
Verified suggestions
- Unisa Early Childhood Education
- ECD Programme Certificate
- Erudite Projects ECD Courses 2026
- ECD Learnership 2026
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 19 September 2026
Updated: 19 September 2026
Information checked: 19 September 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
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