The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a three-year open distance learning qualification at NQF level 6, offered through the College of Education. It develops practitioners who can care for and educate young children from birth to Grade R, covering child development, early learning pedagogy, health, nutrition, safety, and inclusive practice. Students build the professional competence to plan and deliver quality early learning programmes and to manage early childhood development settings across South Africa. It also provides a foundation for further study in early childhood education.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Diploma endorsement with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with an equivalent pass, or a National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a level 4 or 5 occupational certificate or diploma in early childhood care, development, and education. The minimum admission point score (APS) for this qualification is 18. The qualification is offered through open distance learning.
