ECD practitioners take training to next level
● New cohort of 14 Kouga preschool teachers prepare for next generation
A new cohort of 14 Kougabased early childhood development (ECD) practitioners are upping their game and upskilling themselves for the benefit of the next generation.
The aim of the NQF level 5 training they are undergoing is to raise the competence and knowledge of practitioners and to deliver better quality education for young children.
It also provides a bridge between non-formal and formal education.
Funded by the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm and implemented by Itec, the two-year training programme will see these practitioners receive their National Diploma: Early Childhood Development, NQF Level 5.
The selection process, which took place from October last year, kicked off with a preassessment test from which the 14 practitioners were selected to register for the training programme, which started this month.
The programme consists of one week of training each month with two weeks set aside for exam preparation and exams at the end of each year.
The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s economic development director, Hlengiwe Radebe, said since its inception in 2014, the ECD training programme had provided funding for more than 50 practitioners who teach at ECD centres in Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Westin, Thornhill, Sea Vista, Patensie and Hankey.
“Research studies show the positive impact of ECD on children, families and society, which can never be overestimated as this first stepping stone builds young children’s intellect whilst supporting their emotional, social and physical development, forming the very foundations of their futures,” Radebe said.
“This level of qualification, means improved emotional resilience development and educational outcomes through children’s schooling careers, which in turn means that as young adults they will enter our economy at a higher level.”
Itec MD Caroll Warmberg said the overall impact of the programme on practitioners was far-reaching.
“NQF level 5 results in better planning of activities by practitioners, a holistic approach to teaching, an improved engagement with pupils and parents alike and being able to find innovative solutions to improved classroom practice, in addition to a range of other essential highlevel skills,” she said.
Having already graduated with her NQF Level 4 qualification last year, Gladys Jaffon, who is an ECD practitioner at Mummy’s Day Care in Jeffreys Bay, said there were several benefits to the new training.
“Completing my Level 4 training was amazing as it taught me so much about understanding the children more.
“I learnt that teaching children should be fun because children learn through playing.
“I know I have become a better practitioner and I look forward to learning more and becoming a qualified ECD educator one day.”
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm funds the implementation of a developmental programme that includes this ECD practitioner training programme; mentoring and support programmes; ECD compliance and governance training; ECD centre infrastructure upgrades; as well as the provision of equipment and classroom resources.