Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Courses in South Africa

Explore accredited early childhood education courses in South Africa with CGTS. Our early childhood education and development programmes are SAQA-aligned and prepare you to nurture, care for and educate young children.

Early childhood education (also called Early Childhood Development, or ECD) covers the care and learning of children in their earliest years. CGTS offers a full pathway — from an entry-level Early Childhood Caregiver programme, through an NQF Level 4 ECD certificate, up to advanced inclusive early childhood support at NQF Level 6.

Every course is studied fully online across South Africa, with the payment options listed for each course so you can qualify at a pace that suits you.

A full ECD pathway

Study from entry-level caregiver up to NQF Level 6 inclusive early childhood support.

Accredited & recognised

SAQA-aligned early childhood education qualifications recognised across South Africa.

Care and educate young children

Learn child development, play-based learning and early learning support.

Flexible online study

Fully online study with course-specific payment options.

Accredited early childhood education courses

Frequently asked questions

What are early childhood education courses?

Early childhood education courses train you to care for and educate young children in their earliest years. At CGTS they are accredited Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualifications, SAQA-aligned and registered on the NQF.

Is early childhood education the same as ECD?

In South Africa the terms are used interchangeably. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is the official term for the sector, and early childhood education courses lead to accredited ECD qualifications.

What levels of early childhood education courses are available?

CGTS offers a pathway from an entry-level Early Childhood Caregiver programme (NQF Level 1), through an NQF Level 4 ECD certificate (SAQA 97542), up to an advanced inclusive early childhood support programme at NQF Level 6.

Can I study early childhood education online?

Yes. All CGTS early childhood education courses are delivered fully online, so you can study from anywhere in South Africa at your own pace.

What payment options are available?

Check your chosen course page for its current fees and payment options, or contact CGTS for assistance.

Related pages

• ECD courses overview — Accredited ECD courses and how to become a practitioner.
• ECD Certificate (NQF 4) — The accredited ECD Level 4 qualification.
• NQF Level 4 Courses South Africa — Matric-level (NQF 4) qualifications and study without matric.
• SAQA Accredited Courses in South Africa — Nationally recognised, SAQA-aligned qualifications.

View ECD courses