Good News for ECD Practitioners: Free Online Daycare and Pre-School Certificate Now Open

For many Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners in South Africa, finding affordable professional development can be difficult. Training is often expensive, time-consuming, or far from home. That’s why this free online daycare and pre-school certificate course is such important news.

The PLAY programme is offering structured, flexible online training designed specifically for ECD practitioners, Grade R teachers, Foundation Phase educators, and caregivers working with young children. Even better, it is completely free and allows participants to earn recognised CPD credits.

If you work with children from birth to six years, this opportunity could strengthen your skills without adding financial pressure.

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What the Free Online Daycare and Pre-School Certificate Offers

This course focuses on play-based learning — a teaching approach that supports cognitive, emotional, and social development through structured play.

The programme complements existing qualifications. It does not replace formal education training, but it enhances practical classroom skills. Participants who complete the course qualify for 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits as recognised by the South African Council for Educators under the SACE Act.

For educators who need CPD points to maintain professional standing, this is particularly valuable.

The training is fully online and self-paced. Participants only need to dedicate approximately two hours per week, making it manageable even for those working full-time in busy ECD centres.

Who Should Apply?

The course is designed for a wide range of early childhood practitioners, including:

ECD centre practitioners
Grade R and Foundation Phase teachers
Daycare staff
Childminders and day mothers
Playgroup facilitators
Anyone implementing programmes for babies and young children

Across South Africa, many ECD practitioners operate in under-resourced communities. Often, they are passionate about child development but lack access to ongoing professional support. This programme aims to close that gap.

It speaks directly to the realities educators face daily — limited materials, diverse learning needs, and the responsibility of preparing children for formal schooling.

How the Programme Works

Registration is simple, and the course begins immediately after signing up.

All training takes place online through guided sessions. Each module includes videos, reading materials, reflection activities, practical tasks, and evaluation components. The structure is designed to be interactive rather than purely theoretical.

After completing each session, participants receive additional play ideas and helpful resources via email. Upon finishing the full programme, a certificate is issued confirming CPD credit completion.

Participants who experience difficulties can also book support workshops, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Backed by Trusted Organisations

One of the strongest aspects of this free online daycare and pre-school certificate programme is the credibility of its partners.

The initiative is a collaboration between:

Department of Basic Education
UNICEF
Cotlands
LEGO Foundation

The Department of Basic Education oversees schooling from Grade R to Grade 12 and plays a central role in strengthening early childhood development nationally.

UNICEF supports child rights and development globally, focusing particularly on vulnerable communities.

Cotlands has long worked in under-resourced areas, establishing playgroups and toy libraries to support early learning.

Meanwhile, the LEGO Foundation promotes learning through play worldwide.

This combination of public, international, and non-profit partners strengthens the programme’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Why Play-Based Learning Matters More Than Ever

Research consistently shows that children learn best through structured play, especially in their early years. Play supports language development, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction.

In South Africa, many children enter Grade 1 without adequate early stimulation. Strengthening ECD practices can significantly improve school readiness and long-term educational outcomes.

By equipping practitioners with practical, play-focused strategies, this programme contributes to improving the quality of early childhood education across communities.

For educators working in challenging environments, small improvements in teaching practice can make a lasting difference in a child’s development.

A Practical Opportunity for Professional Growth

Unlike many training programmes that require travel, high fees, or long study hours, this course is designed to fit into real life.

Two hours per week is manageable. The online format reduces costs. The CPD credits add professional value. And the certificate provides formal recognition of effort and learning.

For practitioners seeking to grow their careers, strengthen their centres, or simply gain fresh teaching ideas, this is a practical step forward.

Final Thoughts

The free online daycare and pre-school certificate programme offers more than training — it offers accessible professional development for those shaping South Africa’s youngest minds.

In a country where early childhood education is increasingly recognised as critical to long-term success, strengthening practitioner skills is essential.

If you are an ECD practitioner, daycare worker, or early years educator, this is a timely and credible opportunity to expand your expertise — without financial burden.

Investing in your skills ultimately means investing in the children you serve.

Apply Here