PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At Early Inspiration, we believe in transforming Early Childhood Development Sites through quality practitioner training and development.
With the aim of capacitating educators on how to provide learning environments which equip and enable young children to thrive, we understand the profound impact that early intervention can have on a child's learning trajectory.
We are passionate about harnessing this potential for the benefit of each individual and our society as a whole.
Early Inspiration is registered as an accredited QCTO Service Provider and Examination Centre, committed to raising the standard of Early Childhood Development in South Africa.
All our training initiatives are designed to empower practitioners and transform ECD sites into child-centred, active learning environments.
The Early Inspiration Training Programmes
The Early Inspiration Training Programmes are designed specifically for current or prospective practitioners who deal directly with children aged birth to six who need to acquire skills which will enhance the overall development of young children. Training Programmes that Early Inspiration offers includes:
ECD Foundational Training Programme
This unaccredited 8-month programme provides essential skills and foundational knowledge for those caring for children aged 0–5 but who do not yet meet the entry requirements for accredited qualifications.
- Practical, site-based training
- Monthly on-site mentorship and support
- Classroom observation and implementation is monitored
- Focus on daily routines, learning through play, understanding child development and care
This programme is ideal for:
- Those new to the ECD Space looking for a short course in understanding child development
- Practitioners who did not pass matric
- Day mothers, crèche workers, and assistants
- ECD workers in under-resourced or informal settings
National Curriculum Framework-aligned Curriculum Training & Resourcing
At Early Inspiration, we’ve developed a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned with South Africa’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Rooted in national guidelines and best practices, our curriculum supports the holistic development of young children from birth to five years.
The curriculum provides structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities across key learning areas, including:
- Numeracy and Literacy
- Movement and Gross Motor Development
- Music and Rhythm
- Creative Arts and Expression
- Life Skills and Socio-emotional Development
Each component is carefully planned to foster a child-centred, play-based learning environment while supporting practitioners with easy-to-follow guides, lesson plans, and age-appropriate resources. Our curriculum empowers ECD practitioners to create active learning environments that are inclusive, meaningful, and aligned with national early learning goals.
Accredited QCTO Occupational Certificate: ECD Practitioner (Level 4) SAQA ID: 97542 | NQF Level 4 | 18 months
This accredited occupational qualification replaces the old ETDP-SETA Level 4 58761 certificate and is designed for ECD practitioners working in both centre-based and home-based settings.
The programme consists of Knowledge Modules which focus on elements such as ECD theory, child development, safety, communication etc. Practical Modules focus on facilitating learning, observing and assessing children and the Workplace Modules focus on
implementation of lessons learnt at a best-practice learning site, supported by mentors.
Continuous formative assessment as well as on-site support and observations are monitored by Early Inspiration while the final external examination is administered by EISA and 60% pass mark is required in order to meet course requirements and to receive your certificate.
This programme is ideal for:
- ECD practitioners seeking formal recognition and a qualification
- ECD principals that have their own ECD Centre or would like to register their ECD Centre
- Practitioners looking to grow in their career or access further study opportunities
- Organisations aiming to upskill their ECD workforce
Practitioner Support Services
Our Practitioner Support Programme is designed specifically for alumni of our accredited ECD training courses—principals, practitioners, and ECD staff who wish to remain connected, supported, and continuously empowered in their professional journey.
This unique programme offers former students the opportunity to stay part of the Early Inspiration ecosystem, accessing ongoing mentorship, resources, training opportunities, and professional capacitation. Alumni who register for Practitioner Support continue to receive the tools and guidance they need to grow in their roles and strengthen their ECD Centres.
Through regular check-ins, capacity-building sessions, peer learning, and access to updated ECD resources, this programme ensures that practitioners remain motivated, upskilled, and aligned with best practices—even after formal training ends. It’s a long-term investment in quality education, sustainability, and professional excellence.
ECD Centre Management Training
Building Leadership Capacity for stronger ECD Centres is the core vision of this programme.
At Early Inspiration, we understand that the quality of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre is not only shaped by its practitioners, but also by the strength of its leadership and governance structures.
This programme is focused on:
- Strengthening ECD Centre management and leadership capacity
- Supporting Management Committees and Boards in implementation of roles & responsibilities
- Promoting fundraising strategies, financial planning and sustainable budgeting
- Assisting ECD Centres with their compliance requirements (including registration, health and safety, and HR policies)
- Encouraging strategic planning for ECD centre growth and development
Steps to apply
Complete The Application Form
Fill in the application form to the best of your ability.
Wait Patiently For Your Application To Be Assessed
Once your application is assessed we will contact you.