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What our alumni have to say

Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education

Start your journey as an Early Childhood Educator with SANTS! Study affordably via distance learning, with flexible payment plans to suit your budget.


I have been studying with SANTS Private Higher Education Institution for the past 3 years. I am impressed with the lecturers and staff’s level of professionalism. They have always been helpful, kind, and friendly. I am lucky to have been amongst the pack that qualified for the diploma in Grade R Teaching!

Lebohang Shai

I am a privileged SANTS graduate. I completed the Diploma in Grade R Teaching in 2019 and immediately applied and started with the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching. I successfully and proudly completed and obtained my degree. This is due to the support and guidance of SANTS. I can proudly, honestly and confidently say that SANTS is one of the very best institutions. I can recommend SANTS to anyone. A big thank you to the Department of Basic Education for introducing me to SANTS. The WIL assessors who visited me during my practice teaching sessions were professional, patient and friendly. SANTS was always willing to assist and very helpful. Thank you SANTS for my two qualifications. I am currently permanently employed by the Department of Education. Keep it up, SANTS!

Grace Nicholene Jones 

I am so glad I decided to study at SANTS Private Higher Education Institution. The content is very good and of high quality. I learned so much. Thank you to SANTS I obtained my Diploma in Grade R Teaching. I am looking forward to doing the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching at SANTS.

Carami Owenique Booysen

Programme overview

The Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education is an entry level qualification that will launch your career in Early Childhood Education (birth to 4 years) and qualify you as an educator. Designed specifically for the South African educational context, this certificate will equip you with the foundational knowledge, essential cognitive tools and practical techniques needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of babies, toddlers and young children as an Early Childhood Educator.

Key features

Fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE)

Mode of Delivery

SANTS delivers the accredited programme in a distance mode of programme delivery. Workplace Integrated Learning, academic and administrative support is provided through MySANTS, an online student portal. 

Tuition Fees and Financial Aid

  • View full breakdown of tuition fees in the prospectus

  • Payment Options: Flexible plans including semester-based or monthly installments.

  • Bursaries and Financial Aid: Information on bursaries and financial aid is available upon request.

FAQ Section
Is SANTS registered at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)?
Yes, SANTS is registered at the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Is the Diploma approved for employment by the Department of Education?
The Diploma in Grade R Teaching has been approved and recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training for employment in education and is classified as a Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV) 13 qualification.
What is the closing date for applications?/ What is your intake?
At SANTS, we offer two opportunities annually for you to embark on your educational journey: a January intake and a July intake. To secure admission for the January intake, the closing date is set for 31 October of the previous year. For those aiming to join in July, the closing date for admission is 31 May of the same year.
What is the cost of the programme?
Annual tuition fees for the first-year enrolment range from a minimum of R19 845 to a maximum of R21 390, depending on the language choices.
What do my tuition fees include?
Your tuition fee includes all your study material, assignments, tuition, examination and access to a student portal.
Are there any bursaries available?
Yes, SANTS makes 5 bursaries available every semester. Please view the terms and conditions at www.sants.co.za.
Are there any financial aid available?
Yes, SANTS has partnered with Smart Funder to provide study loans.
Will I be required to complete practice teaching sessions during the duration of the programme?
Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) is central to teacher education as it enables a student to integrate theoretical and conceptual knowledge gained through their studies with practice-based knowledge in a professional context. During their studies, students will be required to spend time in diverse classroom contexts.
Can I study at SANTS if I work full-time?
Yes, SANTS offers the programmes in a distance learning mode of delivery, suitable for individuals who work full- time or have other commitments.

SANTS is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training until 31 December 2028 as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration No.2012/ HE07/ 003.

Support@sants.co.za

0800872687

Copyright 2026 © SANTS Private Higher Education Institution. All Rights Reserved.

FAQ

Admission Requirements

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) or 

  • Senior Certificate (SC) or  

  • National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA) or 

  • Level 4 National Certificate (Vocational) or 

  •  appropriate Level 4 Certificate in ECD.

  • All registering students must submit a Police Clearance Certificate in terms of the provisions of the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005 (as a person suitable to work with babies, toddlers and young children as contemplated in section 97(3) and duly verified against Part B of the National Protection Register in accordance with section 126 of the Children’s Act) issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Documents needed

  • Certified copy of the highest qualification 
  • Academic transcripts 
  • ID document
  • Police Clearance Certificate (SAPS PCC)

Payment options available &
Study Material Included in fees

Higher Certificate with minimum 1 year certificate, including Workplace Integrated Learning

Distance learning with online administrative and academic support

NQF Level 5 with a minimum total credits of 132

Download Prospectus

Registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

Rich in educational theory, pedagogical content knowledge and skills development

On completion of this certificate, you’ll walk away with:

A foundational understanding of Early Childhood Development (ECD) principles and practices.

1

Practical skills to assess and support the development of young children.

2

Competence in managing and creating safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environments.

3

Basic knowledge in the Early Learning and Developmental Areas (ELDAs), including communication, identity and belonging, well-being, and mathematics in the early years.

4

An understanding of inclusive education practices and the ability to support young children with diverse learning needs.

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The skills to engage and collaborate effectively with parents, caregivers, and the community in supporting young children’s development.

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Preparation to become an early childhood educator ready to make a positive impact on young children’s  lives.

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Curriculum Highlights

Essential Educational Theories

Developmental Education

Well-being in the Early Years

Identity and Belonging in the Early Years

Pedagogy in the Early Years

Communication in the Early Years

Exploring Mathematics in the Early Years

Creativity in the Early Years

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Education Studies in the Early Years

Home Language and Literacy in the Early Years

Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL)

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SANTS Prospectus

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Career Paths in Early Childhood Education

There are various career paths you can follow, each offering opportunities to contribute to early childhood education and development in different ways.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioner

  • Work in preschools, daycare centers, or early learning centers as an ECD assistant teacher or practitioner.

  • Support children’s foundational learning and development from birth to four years.

1

 Assistant Teacher in Grade R

  • Assist in Grade R classes at schools, working under a qualified teacher.

  • Help prepare lesson materials and engage in interactive learning activities.

2

ECD Centre Manager or Owner

  • Open and manage your own registered ECD center.

  • Apply for government funding and ensure compliance with education policies and the South African National Curriculum Framework for Children from Birth to Four (DBE, 2015).

3

Community-Based Childcare Facilitator

  • Work in community programs focused on early childhood education and child development initiatives.

  • Collaborate with NGOs, government projects, and outreach programs that support early learning in underserved communities.

4

Au Pair or Childcare Professional

  • Work as an au pair or nanny in South Africa or internationally, applying early childhood education principles in home-based settings.

5

ECD Training and Support Roles

  • Work with organizations that train ECD practitioners or support ECD educators with curriculum implementation.

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Progression to Further Studies

  • The Higher Certificate can serve as a bridging qualification to access a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Foundation Phase Teaching, broadening career prospects in formal education.

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