DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & PLAYSA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND FOUNDATION PHASE FREE EDUCATOR ONLINE COURSE - APPLY NOW

SACE ACCREDITED FREE ON-LINE COURSE FOR EDUCATORS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD) AND THE FOUNDATION PHASE (FP) GRADES R-3

On 9 March 2017, the Minister of Basic Education in collaboration with the Council of Education Ministers (CEM), launched the national online in-service training programme, Powerful Learning Around You (P.L.A.Y.) which is targeted at ECD practitioners and FP (Grade R to 3) educators. P.L.A.Y. underpins the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for Children from Birth to Four and the FP Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS).

The P.L.A.Y. online in-service training is a partnership programme between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), UNICEF, the LEGO Foundation and Cotlands. Cotlands has been mandated to administer the implementation of the online course on behalf of the partners. The P.L.A.Y. online in-service training is designed to strengthen the implementation of the NCF and CAPS. It is not a formal qualification. The training is accredited with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) as a type 3 programme (short courses/skills development programmes/in-service training by external accredited provider) for 15 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points in terms of section 5(b) of the SACE Act 31 of 2000.

Completion of the courses enhances the educator's professional profiles and contribute to their professional development.

P.L.A.Y. consists of four (4) custom designed courses, namely, from Birth to two years; two to five years, Grade R, Grades 1 to 3. The chosen course is completed through online modules (total 20 hours) at the educators own pace (within two weeks to 6 weeks) and includes ongoing assessment, support and a final assessment upon which a certificate will be issued. Basic Education. Basiese Onderwys Imfundvo Lesisekelo Ifundosisekelo ⚫ IMfundo Eyisisekelo IMfundo esiSiseko Dyondzo yale Hansi Pfunzo ya Mutheo Thuto ya Motheo Thuto ya Motheo.Thuto e Potlana The course is FREE as to facilitate access for all ECD practitioners and FP educators who are encouraged to enrol and complete the course as part of their in- service training and professional development.

School principals, Heads of Department, ECD and FP curriculum advisors are also encouraged to enrol and complete the P.L.A.Y. course as it will provide them with the knowledge, skills and insight to provide leadership and support to the ECD practitioners and FP educators. Basic Education Sector (DBE, provincial and district officials), FP Heads of Departments and principals are requested to assist with the promotion of the P.L.A.Y. course and to support educators to register and complete the course.