Summary
Welcome to the Foundations of Teaching in Early Childhood Care and Education online short course. The modules in this course have been designed specifically with the aim of introducing childcare practitioners and para-professionals – as well as parents and caregivers – to the fundamentals of childcare in the ECE site/centre, particularly regarding the birth-4 year age group. The topics covered in this course range from the necessary policies and guidelines governing the ECE centres, to the various methodologies applied in the early childhood education environment, and the importance of observation and assessment. At the end of this course, you will also have a clear insight into the importance of the role of community stakeholders in the early childhood care and education environment.
Subject Matter Expert
Susan Greyling is an Early Childhood Development and Education lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the North West University (Potchefstroom Campus). Susan has foundational knowledge of approaches and teaching methodology in the field. She has a sound knowledge of curriculum studies in early childhood education and played a major part in developing the Grade R programme, having insight into curriculum development processes and extensive knowledge of theoretical framing of teaching and learning. Susan’ s research interests include Early Childhood Education as well as Educational Management and she is currently busy with her PhD in Educational Management (UNISA), with the theme: Management training for Foundation Phase Teachers that strive towards Principal positions: Case study in the North West Province.
Tutor Support
Each course is assigned its own Online Academic Tutor, who is ready and waiting to guide and assist their learners throughout their learning experience.
The Online Academic Tutor who is assigned to your course, is trained to build each student up to reach their fullest potential. Students can expect their Online Academic Tutor to answer questions, offering advice and provide further clarification on any academic aspects.
Course and Technical Requirements
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
To successfully access and complete this course, you will be required to have a registered email account, access to a computer/laptop/tablet and stable internet connection. You will be required to be familiar with using a computer as you may need to be able to read and download documents in Adobe PDF Reader, view Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, and read and create documents in Microsoft Word.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Our online short learning programmes may require additional software applications. These additional software applications requirements will be communicated to you in this information pack and/or on the website course page. Damelin Online does not provide any additional software applications required for online short learning programmes.
Please note: Google, YouTube and Vimeo may be used in our online course delivery. If any of these services are blocked in your jurisdiction, you may have difficult in accessing our course content.
How We Engage with Students
Our online short learning programmes are broken into self-paced manageable modules designed to be interactive and engaging:
- The programme is available to be viewed on smart devices and includes mobile, tablets and personal computers.
- Relevant case studies, articles and recommended reading are part of supplementary resources available.
- Apply and evaluate what you have learned in each module with the self-grading quizzes and assignment submissions
- View a range of Introductory course videos by your Subject Matter Expert.
- Scheduled live webinars are included with the Online Academic Tutor.
- Network, collaborate and interact with your fellow participants and Online Academic Tutor via the discussion boards.
Certification
Upon successful completion of this online short learning programme, you will receive the recognition of your knowledge and skills with a Damelin Certificate of Competence. Your certificate of competence will be issued in your registered name and will be couriered at no additional cost.
You will be required to complete a series of assessments that will be facilitated through our virtual learning environment. Your course handbook will be made available to you once you have commenced with your short learning programme.