Are you an Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioner, Grade R teacher, Foundation Phase educator, childminder, or playgroup facilitator? You may be eligible to participate in a free online training programme designed to improve your skills in teaching young children through play.

About the PLAY Programme

PLAY (Powerful Learning Around You) is an in-service training programme that helps educators and childcare practitioners learn how to use play-based learning to support children’s development.

The programme aims to train 150,000 ECD practitioners, Grade R teachers, and Foundation Phase educators across South Africa.

The training is free and designed to complement your existing qualifications and professional experience. It is not a replacement for formal educational qualifications.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Participants can benefit from the following:

• Free online training: Access learning materials through the online platform.
• Flexible learning: Complete the course at your own pace and at times that suit your schedule.
• Two hours per week: Set aside approximately two hours each week for your studies.
• Practical learning resources: Work through videos, images, reading materials, activities, assessments, and reflection exercises.
• Ongoing support: Receive additional learning ideas and useful resources by email after completing sessions.
• Certificate of completion: Receive a certificate after successfully completing the training, with 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits as described in the programme information.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for people involved in the care, education, and development of babies and young children, including:

• Early Childhood Development practitioners.
• Grade R teachers.
• Foundation Phase educators.
• Childminders and day mothers.
• Playgroup facilitators.
• Other people working with babies and young children in South Africa.

How Does the Programme Work?

1. Register through the official online platform.
2. Access the available training sessions.
3. Complete the learning activities, videos, reading materials, and assessments.
4. Study at your own pace, allowing approximately two hours per week.
5. Complete the required training to receive your certificate and applicable CPD credits.

Support workshops may also be available for participants who experience difficulties during the training.

Who Are the Programme Partners?

The PLAY programme is a partnership involving:

• South Africa’s Department of Basic Education.
• UNICEF.
• Cotlands.
• The LEGO Foundation.

These organisations support early childhood development and the use of play as a tool for learning.

Why Is Play-Based Learning Important?

Play helps young children develop important skills, including communication, creativity, problem-solving, early numeracy, and social interaction. The programme provides practical ideas for incorporating learning into children’s everyday play activities.

How to Register

To read the original announcement and access the registration information, visit the link below:

Registration information: https://career27.co.za/2025/07/02/early-childhood-free-certificate/