Answer to Question #90301 in English for Khutso

Question

1. What training the staff must undergo to equip them to care for, and educate infants and toddlers?

Answer 1

The introduction of para-educators and para-educarers will open up the opportunity for people with the passion to work with children to join the child care sector where training requirements will not be a barrier to entry. They can join as para-educarers and acquire training while on the job, and thereafter gradually progress up the career ladder having acquired the relevant training at the various stages of their career.Para-educators and para-educarers will be required to undergo training that enables them to play a supportive role.     Para-educarers, who will work with toddlers and nursery level children (aged 18 months to 4 years old), are required to undergo the Fundamentals in Early Childhood Care and Education course. This will equip them with the knowledge and skills to play a nurturing role in the care and development of young children, and to assist in routine care, learning activities, preparation of teaching aids as well as the learning environment. Para-educators, who will work with older children at the kindergarten-level (aged 5 to 6 years old), are required to have a minimum training requirement of the Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education. This will equip them with the knowledge and skills in the areas of early childhood education, child development, observation and teaching, as well as planning and designing developmentally appropriate activities for young children.