The Department of Early Childhood Education and Development equips pre- and in-service teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the developmental needs of young children from birth to approximately nine years of age. These years cover both the early childhood education and the foundation phase of schooling
Our department is a leader in the field of early childhood development and offers a wide range of career pathways for individuals interested in teaching young children. The department boasts 30 academic staff, all of whom are PhD holders and specialists, teaching and conducting research in various niche areas. They also supervise master’s and PhD students in areas such as curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in the early years and foundation phase, inclusive education, leadership and management, language and mathematics teaching, music, movement, life skills and play-based learning.
Our programme offerings include certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications for both preservice and working professionals who want to expand their knowledge, skills and conduct research focusing on young children.
We currently offer the following qualifications:
Our department has a network of schools and ECD centres across the country to provide hands-on experience to students during the teaching practice component of their studies. We have also partnered with NPOs and various community stakeholders to initiate or support ongoing community development efforts through capacity building and skills development initiatives.
At the heart of our community partnerships is the need to ensure that the diverse needs of young children receive the necessary attention, as envisioned in the National Development Plan. The department’s community initiatives promote quality learning and care experiences for children in disadvantaged circumstances. Our flagship project, which aims to improve reading and mathematics in rural schools, enables our department to engage with the community through research and teaching.
The Department of Early Childhood Education and Development collaborates with a diverse network of stakeholders across South Africa, including professional associations, other universities, education district offices, current and prospective funders, NPOS, and private partners and entities. We also boast academics with an emerging international profile as leaders and experts in their research disciplines.
Apply for admission into any of the qualifications offered in the Department of Early Childhood Education by following the online application process, which is accessible from https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default
Last modified: 2026/06/02