HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION

Why study the IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education?

The IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (HCECCE) is an entry level/introductory qualification (at NQF Level 5) to the study of early childhood development (ECD) education from birth through to 4 years of age. It is intended to provide students with “basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques to enable further study in ECD” (DHET, 2017: 24).

This one-year higher certificate is structured in accordance with The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Policy on Minimum Requirements for Programmes Leading to Qualifications in Higher Education for Early Childhood Development Educators (2017), and with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for Children from Birth to Four Policy (2015). In addition, it is aligned to the HEQSF guidelines, and will provide students with the beginning knowledge, skills and applied competences identified to be critical for facilitation at this level. Graduates will be well prepared with insight and skills that are both employable and relevant to further specialisation study in support of the principles of life-long learning.

The programme is approved by the CHE/SAQA and pending registration with the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Career Opportunities

• Beginner ECD Practitioner/Facilitator
• ECD/Preschool Teacher Aid
• Au Pair
• ECD/Preschool Aftercare Teacher