Is caring for children your passion?

If you said ‘yes’, then entering the field of Early Childhood Development (ECD) could be perfect for you! In this article we are going to look at why choosing the right ECD course, together with the support of the College that cares, can lead to a very rewarding career for you.

There is a need for more ECD practitioners

Did you know that if a child receives the proper care in the first few years of life, then that child has a better chance of having a healthy and happy future? Proper ECD has been proven to be key to breaking cycles of poverty, unemployment, violence, and alcohol and drug abuse. Since these are big issues facing South Africa, government has realised the importance of investing in ECD.

National, provincial and local government are all investing millions of rands in opening new ECD centres across the country. As the sector expands, so too does the need for people working in ECD. In fact, ECD practitioners are listed as ‘Highest Demand’ on government’s National List of Occupations in High Demand. So if you’re a responsible and caring person who loves working with children, then there are a world of ECD opportunities waiting for you!


So who should study towards an ECD qualification?



You shouldn’t simply choose to study an ECD course based on the number of jobs available to you. ECD practitioners need to be passionate about what they do. Caring for young children is a big responsibility, and it can be a tiring task! If you’re only thinking about earning a salary, then this career path isn’t for you. You need to be truly invested in caring for children, in helping them develop essential skills, and in laying the platform for their future education. Parents will depend on you to care for their children and to help them through the most important stages of their life!


How can you start a career out of ECD?  

If you know that ECD is what you want to study, then it’s time to choose the right course. If you want to find a job in the field, then you must look to study a national certificate that is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The National Certificate: N4 Educare is a perfect starting point for you. After completing this qualification, you could start looking for a part-time job in ECD and building up your practical experience in the field. For example, you can approach your local ECD centre and ask if you can work as an assistant. While you’re getting a first-hand taste of what an ECD practitioner does, you could also study N5 and N6 qualifications to further develop your knowledge and skills. After this, you’ll be well qualified to become an ECD practitioner!

How can you turn your passion into real profits?

Truth be told, ECD practitioners are not the highest paid professionals in South Africa. But if you’re looking to turn your passion into a profit, then starting your own ECD centre could be a great career move. We’ve compiled a very informative free guide on how you can do just this:

Check out The A – Z of Starting an Early Childhood Development Centre.

If you would like more information about the ECD courses offered by Oxbridge Academy, click here. With our fantastic student support, we’re ready to help you turn your passion for childcare into a career that you’ll love!