An Investigation of Practical Skills Competencies of Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes

Abstract

Childhood Development training does not guarantee quality provisioning in ECD centres for several reasons: a lack of proficient instruction during training; a lack of support to help assist the students with work; a lack of knowledge; and a lack of follow-up support after the training is complete to ensure constant implementation. That is why it is necessary to educate practitioners and to continuously supervise their progress to ensure that they implement the appropriate activities relevant to their daily programmes for children to reach their full potential. This study considers the perceptions of five ECCE practitioners based in Gauteng who completed a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme at a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) in South Africa. The study will focus on Health, Safety and Nutrition, which forms part of the ECCE programme. A qualitative research approach was utilized. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis through triangulation for this study were developed according to the criteria of the Experiential Learning Theory for the assessment of the themes from the study. A case study of narrative approach was used to explore reflections and authentic experiences the practitioners endure. This was executed to consider if the hands-on activities integrated into early learning programmes are sufficient for real-world applications. Furthermore, to ascertain the transition difficulty of newly graduated practitioners into ECD centres and to establish if the insights and skills training has equipped these practitioners for an ECD centre. The hands-on practical skills training competencies in early learning before entering an ECD centre as a practitioner will inform the development of future programmes as well as policy.