EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENTS PROGRAMMES
The Midlands Community College has been working in ECD since 1997. We strive for all children in the KZN Midlands to enjoy access to high quality early care and education. We are accredited by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) to offer the Level 4 Further Education and Training Certificate in ECD.
ANNUAL IMPACT
PROGRAMMES
Sivulithuba Tertiary
Preparation Programme
The Sivulithuba Tertiary Preparation Programme represents one of Midlands Community College’s most ambitious and transformative initiatives to date. Developed in collaboration with TREE and now formally partnered with UNISA, it was designed to open access to higher education at the university level for experienced Early Childhood Care and Education practitioners with a FET Certificate in ECD Level 4.
Launched in 2024 with generous support from the Tutuwa Foundation, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the programme selected 50 practitioners from across KwaZulu-Natal. Through Sivulithuba, these individuals were given an opportunity to begin an ECCE pathway in higher education beyond level 4.
FET Certificate in
ECD NQF Level 4
Funded by Growthpoint Properties, 2024 saw the teach-out of the legacy ECD Level 4 qualification. All enrolled students successfully completed the programme. Graduations took centre stage as we honoured graduates from 2023. In 2024, MCC achieved accreditation with the QTCO to offer the Occupational Certificate in ECD.
ECD Foundational
Skills Programme
This entry-level training programme, supported by the R.B. Hagart Trust, targets aspiring ECD practitioners across several districts. The five-module programme covered essential ECD principles, play-based learning, STEM, and digital literacy. Participants overcame barriers, including digital exclusion, with many gaining confidence in computer use for the firs time. The programme laid the foundation for further study and professional growth.
Inspiring and Equipping
the ECD Workforce
Solon Foundation funding enabled MCC to support 60 ECD centres, 154 practitioners, and 2,537 children. Initiatives included a rotating Mobile Toy Library, workshops on STEM and inclusion through the arts, WordWorks’ Little Stars literacy programme, Book Dash book distribution, LEGO Play Boxes, digital management via the Grow App, and support with infrastructure grant applications.
ECD Foundational
Skills Programme
This entry-level training programme, supported by the R.B. Hagart Trust, targets aspiring ECD practitioners across several districts. The five-module programme covered essential ECD principles, play-based learning, STEM, and digital literacy. Participants overcame barriers, including digital exclusion, with many gaining confidence in computer use for the firs time. The programme laid the foundation for further study and professional growth.
Jim Joel Fund
Early Literacy Interventions
MCC implemented WordWorks’ Every Word Counts and Little Stars programmes across districts through the Jim Joel Fund. EWC reached 109 caregivers with workshops and weekly home visits, improving language-rich engagement at home. Little Stars supported 24 practitioners through training and resource kits, with support continuing into 2025. These interventions aligned with MCC’s home- and centre-based strategies.
Funda Udlale Nathi
As an implementing partner in the Ntatiase Network, MCC had the privilege of rolling out a pilot learning-through-play programme in the Umhungundlovu and Harry Gwala Districts. Reaching 380 ECD Practioners, Grade R Teachers, and over 100 Centre Leaders, the project gave participants access to online courses, with guidance and support from the implementing partners and developing Professional Learning Communities focussed on play. Working hand in hand with the ECD Directorate at the provincial and district level, a successful pilot intervention has led to continued interventions in scaling up the project in 2025.
