Caversham Education Institute

legacy Courses

Our Programmes

Four ways to grow as an ECD educator

From a two-year Higher Certificate to a full three-year Diploma, an Occupational Certificate, or a single afternoon workshop — find the pathway that fits where you are right now.

Compare Our Qualifications

Qualification
NQF Level
Duration
Credits
National Diploma: ECD
Level 5
3 years, part-time
240 total
Higher Certificate: ECD
Level 5
2 years, part-time
120 total
Occupational Certificate: ECD
Level 4
18 months
131 total
Professional Development Short Courses
—
3 hours / workshop
—
NQF Level 5 · 3 Years

National Diploma in Early Childhood Development

Learn to set up, plan, mediate, assess and evaluate an excellent ECD programme for children aged 2–6. Delivered on-campus or online.

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Year 1 — Foundational knowledge 17 modules · 82 credits
Year 2 — National curriculum implementation 17 modules · 47 credits
Year 3 — Leadership & vulnerable children 14 modules · 111 credits
NQF Level 5 · 2 Years

Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development

A focused, part-time qualification equipping teachers of children aged 2–6 with the core knowledge and skills to set up, plan, mediate, assess and evaluate an excellent ECD programme. 120 credits over two years, delivered on-campus or online, with classes on alternate Saturday mornings.

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Year 1 — Foundational ECD practice 20 modules · 82 credits
Year 2 — Curriculum & professional practice 12 modules · 47 credits
Entry requirements: Matric, an NQF Level 4 ECD Certificate, or 27+ years of age with 3 years’ teaching experience (RPL) — plus ongoing access to a class of young children.
Entry Requirements
  • Active employment or volunteer work at a registered ECD centre
  • Senior Certificate, or Foundation Level Certificate (NQF Level 2)
  • Successful completion of the entrance test
NQF Level 4 · 18 Months

Occupational Certificate in Early Childhood Development

A QCTO-accredited qualification covering inclusive play-based learning, child observation and assessment, health and safety, and family engagement — 131 credits across knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience.

Coming Soon · 2027

Professional Development Short Courses

13 brand-new, interactive 3-hour workshops are launching in 2027 — deepened topic knowledge, practical classroom skills, and ideas you can use the very next day.

See 2027 Short Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements?
Matric, an NQF Level 4 National Certificate in ECD, or a matric exemption — plus you must be teaching in, or have ongoing access to, an ECD or Grade R class.
How long is the diploma, and when are classes?
Three years, part-time. Contact classes run every second Saturday morning from February to November (about 17–18 sessions a year), with hybrid online options available.
What does it cost?
For 2027, the National Diploma and Higher Certificate are R19,000 per year — a once-off R2,200 registration fee, then 10 monthly instalments of R1,900, or a once-off annual payment of R18,050 for a 5% discount. The Occupational Certificate is R24,000 for the full 18-month programme, with a once-off R1,600 registration fee, then R8,000 per term or 15 monthly instalments of R1,600.
How do I register?
Complete the application with certified documents, go through admin review and selection committee evaluation, then accept your offer letter and confirm payment or bursary approval through the application portal.
What can I do with this qualification?
Teach children from birth to five, assist in a Grade R class, or open your own preschool.