This qualification requires in-depth specialisation of knowledge, as well as practical skills and experience in a Grade R classroom teaching context. It is therefore intended for unqualified Grade R practitioners. This diploma is not intended for first time entrants.

For all qualifications, proficiency in English is essential as English is the language of instruction. You must be able to read, comprehend study material and write in English.

• Minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8)

NOTE:

Applicants with a Matric or a National Senior Certificate (i.e. Grade 12) and a pass in the following subjects: Math Literacy or Mathematics, English Communication and Second South African language will be exempt from the Fundamental component (56 credits).

Students who already hold qualifications or part-qualifications may be considered for CAT purposes, provided there is equivalence of learning between the prior qualification and the new qualification, both in terms of the learning content and the NQF level at which it is pitched.

The CAT process will be conducted in accordance with policies and procedures mandated by quality assurance bodies such as the Council of Higher Education (CHE).

RPL will take place on an individual student-by-student basis following an oral examination to assess prior knowledge and understanding, and in accordance with national policies such as the SAQA’s National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (SAQA, 2013).

The diploma is offered part-time with a mixed mode of delivery, i.e. on-campus face-to-face contact such as lectures accompanied by workshops on specialised topics, with some blended electronic learning support (e.g. recorded lectures online/webinar and similar online tools) depending on the technology available.

The method of teaching may vary from module to module.

The curriculum consists of 24 modules plus 3 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) modules taught over a period of 3 years (375 credits).

Upon completion of this qualification, graduates may advance their careers in ECD
by studying towards the B.Ed degree in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
or Foundation Phase Teaching.

Note:

All new entrants intending to become Foundation Phase teachers (qualified
to teach from Grades R to 3) should register for the B.Ed in Foundation
Phase Teaching, rather than for the Diploma in Grade R Teaching, if they
meet the requirements for entry into the Bachelor of Education programme.

Assessment focuses on the integration of knowledge and skills, theory and practice, and will require the learner to demonstrate competence in adapting to changed circumstances (i.e. applied competence). Assessment will initially be formative in nature and will provide guidance on areas in which evidence of competence has not yet been adequately established.

Summative assessment is conducted at the end of a module and will determine whether or not the requirements of the qualification have been met. Given the extensive practical nature and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) requirements for this diploma, monitoring and evaluation of teacher experience (e.g. classroom observation and assessment) will be conducted off-campus at selected functional pre-primary schools and accredited assessment-registered ECD centres.

The total duration of the programme is 36 months (3 years) on a part-time basis.

Please Contact: TLC Head Office (011) 496 1262