APPLY FOR ECD LEARNERSHIPS (2024)

About applying for an early childhood development (ECD) program certificate

Do you run an early childhood development (ECD) facility and want to provide learning and support appropriate to developing the age, stage, and needs of children you care for, including children with a disability, chronic illness, and other special needs?

You can apply for an ECD program certificate at your nearest Department of Social Development or municipal office.

Your application may be granted for not more than five years.

For your application to be considered, your ECD program must:

• provide appropriate development opportunities
• be aimed at helping children realize their full potential
• constructively care for children and provide support and security
• ensure the development of positive social behavior
• respect and nurture the culture, spirit, dignity, individuality, and language of each child
• meet the emotional, cognitive, sensory, spiritual, moral, physical, social, and communication development needs of each child

You must:

• be fit and proper
• have an appropriate ECD qualification, skills, and training
• have worked in the early childhood development field for a minimum of three years.

Please note: To qualify for the funding of ECD programs, you must comply with the prescribed national norms and standards. Funding is prioritized in communities where families lack the means of providing proper shelter, food, and other necessities of life to their children.

What you should do

1. Apply for the registration or conditional registration of an ECD program at your nearest Department of Social Development or municipal office where you will be given Form 16 to complete.
2. Your application must contain the following:
   • your name and identity number
   • your physical and postal address
   • the particulars of the ECD program
   • an implementation plan for the ECD program
   • the staff composition of the facility where the ECD program will be provided
   • the financial statements of the ECD facility
   • a clearance issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to ensure that your name and that of staff members do not appear in Part B of the National Child Protection Register or the National Register for Sex Offenders
   • your qualifications, skills, and experience.
3. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued with a certificate of registration conditional registration, or renewal of registration.
4. Officials from the Department of Social Development and the municipality will make continuous assessment visits to your facility.

How long does it take

It may take up to three months for your registration certificate to be issued.

How much does it cost?

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Form 16 is available at your nearest Department of Social Development or municipal office.

ONLINE APPLICATION