Free ECD Courses 2025
Passionate about shaping young minds? PLAY South Africa and Cursa offer free, accredited online Early Childhood Development (ECD) courses for educators, caregivers, and parents. With a Grade 12, you can earn certificates, gain practical skills, and enhance your career in South Africa’s growing ECD sector. Start learning today.
What Are These ECD Courses?
PLAY South Africa and Cursa provide accessible, no-cost online training to empower those working with young children. PLAY, backed by the Department of Basic Education and partners like UNICEF, offers CPD-accredited courses for ECD practitioners. Cursa delivers over 4,000 courses, including ECD-focused ones, with digital certificates, perfect for educators and parents.
What You’ll Learn
- PLAY South Africa:
- Child development (birth to Grade 3)
- Play-based learning strategies
- Practical teaching tools for ECD and Grade R
- Cursa:
- Intro to Early Childhood Education
- Parent education and self-care
- Special education and developmental milestones
Why Enroll?
- Free Access: No fees, just a device and internet
- Accredited Certificates: PLAY offers 15 SACE CPD credits; Cursa provides QR-validated digital certificates
- Career Boost: Certificates strengthen your CV for ECD jobs
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced, mobile-friendly courses
- Impact: Equip yourself to shape kids’ futures
Are You Eligible?
You qualify if you:
- Are a South African citizen or resident
- Have a Grade 12 certificate (or equivalent)
- Are an ECD educator, caregiver, parent, or aspiring professional
- Have basic English and computer skills
- Have internet access for online learning
How to Enroll
- PLAY South Africa: Visit www.playsa.org, register, and start the CPD course
- Cursa: Access courses at cursa.app/en/page/early-childhood-education or download the Cursa app
- Submit a profile with basic details (no certified documents needed)
- Complete modules, quizzes, and earn your certificate
- Questions? Contact PLAY at info@playsa.org or Cursa via their app
Where’s It Going?
These courses prepare you for roles like ECD practitioner, Grade R teacher, or caregiver in creches, schools, or NGOs. With South Africa’s ECD sector expanding (1.6 million kids enrolled in 2025), certified skills can land you jobs at organizations like Cotlands or government-funded centres. Cursa’s global reach also opens remote learning opportunities.
Does It Work?
PLAY’s programme, endorsed by SACE, has trained thousands, with educators praising its practical tools. Cursa’s 740,000+ users value its flexibility and certificate credibility. Both are game-changers for career growth, though self-discipline is key for online learning.
Start Learning Now
Enroll today at PLAY South Africa or Cursa to elevate your ECD skills and career.
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