UNISA Short Course in Early Learning Support (Birth to Five Years)

By | January 12, 2024

UNISA Short Course in Early Learning Support (Birth to Five Years)

University of South Africa Short Course in Early Learning Support (Birth to Five Years)

Short Course in Early Learning Support (Birth to Five Years) (76982)Purpose

The main purpose of this SLP is to build the knowledge, skills and dispositions of a variety of practitioners that are directly or indirectly responsible for the early education of children from birth to five.
In order to achieve the main purpose of building competent practitioners for ECE the programme will use the framings of reflective practice to:

  • bridge theory of child development with practice in early childhood education
  • assist in the development knowledge and understanding of early childhood and barriers to this process.
  • empower practitioners to support early care and learning for the vulnerable group of birth to five.

Target group

This module is directed towards
 

  • early childhood centre-based practitioners
  • early childhood assistants
  • playgroup facilitators
  • family support worker
  • government officials

Admission requirements

This SLP will be suitable for students with National Senior Certificate (NSC). In light of the large number of early childhood practitioners that are at NQF Level 4 this SLP will also admit students who have a minimum of one year experience of working in an early childhood setting. Prospective students will need to attach proof of teaching experience during application.
 Duration

12 months/1 year
 Language medium

English
 Registration periods

Semester
 Tuition method

Open Distance Learning (ODL)
 Kind of assessment

Formative assessment. Students must complete and pass a compulsory assignments in both modules. The assignment will involve task based assessments and a reflective assessment. The assignment will contribute 20% to the final mark of the module.
Summative assessment.
Students must write an examination which will count for 80% of marks. A sub minimum of 40% is required to pass the examination.
 
 Understanding early childhood and barriers to development (CELS01A)Syllabus/Content Topics

  • How context influences child development
  • Theories of child development
  • Domains of child development

Barriers to child development
 Supporting care and learning for birth to five (CELS02B)Syllabus/Content Topics

  • Creating learning environments
  • Planning appropriate programmes
  • Facilitating learning by responsive relationships, play and other techniques
See also  BEC Grading System

Recording and interpreting observation and assessment
 Course leader

Prof HB Ebrahim
PhD, M.ED, B.ED, Diploma ( Pre-Junior Primary)
(Discipline expertise: Teacher in the Foundation Phase – 16 years, Head of Discipline, Lecturer and Rated Researcher in Early Childhood – 13 years)
 
Contact details:
Email: ebrahhb@unisa.ac.za
Mobile: 0847832071
Department of Early Childhood Education.
Room 55 Level 7
AJH Building
Muckleneuck Campus
University of South Africa
 
 Programme administrator(s)

Lynette Ramango
Centre for Continuing Education and Training
Sunnyside Campus Building  10 Room B10
Tel: 012 481 2731
Fax: 086 548 9968
ramanml@unisa.ac.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
See also  University of South Africa Short Courses 2026

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.