The Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education offered by the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) identifies play as a central method for early learning. Within this programme, play is not treated as an unstructured interval between lessons, but as a purposeful strategy used to support the holistic development of children from birth to four years of age. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical application, the curriculum prepares practitioners to facilitate learning through discovery and exploration.

The Role of Play in Child Development

FPD’s Educational Psychology module examines the physical, emotional and cognitive milestones that occur in the first four years of life. This module provides the evidence educators need to understand how play sparks neural connections and supports school readiness. Understanding these stages enables practitioners to design activities that align with a child's unique developmental pace. The programme emphasises that when children engage in purposeful play, they are developing the foundations for literacy, numeracy and social interaction that are required for formal schooling in South Africa.

Practical Strategies for the ECD Classroom

FPD’s Play-based Learning and Pedagogy module provides specific ideas that practitioners can implement within their settings to support the South African National Curriculum Framework (NCF). These strategies focus on using available resources to create rich learning opportunities:

• Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Drawing from the African Language Literacy module, educators can use oral storytelling to build vocabulary and phonological awareness. By incorporating indigenous knowledge systems and local languages into these stories, practitioners affirm children's cultural identities while supporting early literacy foundations.

• Object Sorting and Construction: Using the principles from the Curriculum and Assessment module, practitioners can set up stations where children sort simple items, such as stones or bottle caps, by size, colour, or texture. This activity introduces early mathematical concepts, such as categorisation and volume, without the need for expensive equipment.

• Role-Play and Social Interaction: Establishing "make-believe" corners where children act out daily life helps develop social "give-and-take" and language skills. Practitioners are taught to observe these interactions as part of the Assessment in ECCE module to monitor social development and identity formation.

• Sensory Exploration: Sand and water play can be used to teach basic scientific and mathematical principles in a hands-on way. The Health, Safety, and Nutrition module provides the protocols required to ensure these activities are conducted in a hygienic and secure manner.

 

Monitoring and Assessment Through Play

A significant portion of the FPD curriculum is dedicated to Curriculum and Assessment, teaching educators how to evaluate progress within a play-based framework. Instead of formal testing, practitioners learn to use observation tools to document milestones. This data allows the educator to adapt the environment or the activity to provide additional support where needed. By mastering these techniques, practitioners move from informal supervision to professional facilitation, ensuring that play leads to measurable developmental progress.

FAQs: Play-Based Pedagogy and Career Growth

1. How is play evaluated in this programme?

FPD’s Assessment in ECCE module teaches students how to evaluate child progress within a play-based framework. Instead of formal testing for very young children, practitioners learn to use observation and assessment tools to monitor developmental milestones. This allows educators to make informed decisions about how to adapt their activities to better support a child's unique learning pace.

2. Does the curriculum cover child psychology?

Yes, the Educational Psychology module provides an overview of how children grow and learn from birth to four years. It covers stages of physical, emotional and cognitive development, drawing on historical and theoretical frameworks. Understanding these psychological principles is essential for educators to design play-based activities appropriate to a child's specific developmental stage.

3. What is the duration and structure of the Higher Certificate?

The programme is designed to be completed over 24 months. It consists of 10 modules, each following an eight-week cycle: seven weeks of study, followed by a one-week break. Because the programme is fully online, students can begin their studies at any of the six start dates offered throughout the year. This structure provides a consistent pace for students, who are expected to dedicate 12 to 15 hours per week to their coursework.

4. What support does FPD provide to online students?

FPD offers academic and technical support through its online learning platform. Students have access to faculty and staff for assistance, and they receive regular feedback on their assignments and formative assessments. The programme is structured with clear milestones and deadlines to help students stay on track, and tutors are available to provide guidance throughout each module.

5. Is this programme accredited for further study?

The Higher Certificate is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is a recognised qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It serves as a formal entry point for those without recognised qualifications who wish to pursue higher education. Graduates will be able to apply for further studies, such as a Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in a related educational field.