If you are looking for colleges that offer childcare, then Skills Academy is a leading choice in South Africa for flexible, distance learning in childcare.
We offer courses in areas like child psychology, daycare management, and early childhood development, helping students build successful careers.
Understanding Childcare Courses
Childcare courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for young children, either in professional settings like daycares or at home.
At Skills Academy, the range of childcare courses equips students with everything from basic caregiving skills to managing a daycare facility.
What Are Child Care Courses?
Childcare courses teach the skills necessary to care for children, including communication, safety, and developmental support. These courses are perfect for anyone interested in a career working with children, such as early childhood educators and daycare providers
What Is A Child Day Care Course?
A child day care course focuses on teaching students how to care for young children in a structured environment like a daycare centre. Students learn about child development, safety practices, and how to create a nurturing environment that supports learning and growth
Choosing The Right Childcare Course
When deciding to pursue a career in childcare, it is important to choose the course that best suits your goals. The right course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Whether you want to work with children directly or manage a childcare facility, there are different courses designed to prepare you for the role.
Let us look at the available options and see which course is best for you.
Childcare Courses
At Skills Academy, there are a variety of childcare courses to choose from, each offering different levels of education. These courses can help you start your career or advance to a leadership role.
Below are the childcare courses we offer:
- Child Day Care Courses
- Daycare Centre Management Courses
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
- Educare Certificate Courses
Which Course Is Best For Child Care?
Each of these courses is designed for different roles within the childcare industry. To help you decide which one is best for you, here is a table showing which course suits specific goals:
| Course | Best For | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Child Day Care Courses | Aspiring childcare professionals or anyone looking to work with kids | They teach essential skills like child development, safety, and how to create engaging learning environments, all of which are key to providing quality care. |
| Daycare Centre Management Courses | Future Daycare Owners or Managers | Focuses on management skills like financial and staff management, ideal for leadership roles. |
| Crèche Management Courses | People wanting to run a crèche | Specialises in running a crèche, focusing on creating a safe and nurturing environment. |
| Child Psychology Courses | Individuals focusing on child development | Helps you understand emotional and psychological child development. |
| Educare Certificate Courses | Those interested in early childhood education | Focuses on teaching and supporting children’s learning and development. |
This table should help you choose the best course based on your career goals. Whether you are just starting out or want to move into management, there is a course for you.
Course Content And Learning Options
Childcare and creche management courses are designed for individuals looking to work in early childhood education or run a daycare or creche. These courses cover various subjects that prepare students for real-life responsibilities in these fields. Below, we outline the course subjects, reasons for choosing distance learning, and the benefits of studying at Skills Academy.
Course Subjects
Here is a breakdown of the courses, along with the subjects covered in each:
Daycare Centre Management Courses
| Course | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare Centre Management Short Course | Educare Didactics | This subject introduces the essential teaching methodologies and techniques required to manage daycare activities effectively. Learn how to engage young children and create a nurturing learning environment. |
| Daycare Personnel Development | Understand the principles behind training and developing daycare staff. Learn how to manage, motivate, and improve your team’s performance in a daycare setting. | |
| Daycare Centre Management Certificate Course | The ones offered in the short course plus: | |
| Safety First Aid | Learn critical first-aid skills tailored to daycare settings. Gain confidence in handling minor injuries and ensuring child safety. | |
| Daycare Communication | Develop communication strategies for effective interaction with parents, children, and staff. Learn how to foster positive relationships in a daycare environment. | |
| Daycare Centre Management Comprehensive Course | The ones offered in the certificate course plus: | |
| Education | Understand the principles of child development and learning processes. Learn how to apply educational strategies that support the growth and development of young children. | |
| Daycare Management | Learn the core management skills required to run a daycare centre effectively. This includes financial management, staff supervision, and compliance with legal regulations. |
Child Day Care Courses
| Course | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Child Day Care Short Course | Educare Didactics | This subject equips you with the foundational principles and philosophies of childcare. You’ll learn about the importance of early childhood education, explore best practices for creating a safe and nurturing environment, and develop effective communication skills to interact positively with both children and parents. |
| Management In Early Childhood Development 101 | Early Childhood Dev 101 dives deep into understanding a child’s development stages from birth to preschool. This combined knowledge will allow you to create a stimulating environment and promote healthy development in children. | |
| Child Day Care Certificate Course | The ones offered in the short course plus: | |
| Safety First Aid | You’ll learn CPR and basic first-aid procedures to ensure the well-being of the children in your care. Knowing how a child’s body develops helps you tailor your first-aid response effectively. | |
| Day Care Personnel Development | Here, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with children at different developmental stages and parents. You’ll also develop conflict resolution skills to navigate challenges that may arise in a daycare setting. | |
| Child Day Care Comprehensive Course | The ones offered in the certificate course plus: | |
| Early Childhood Development 102 | This subject delves deeper into advanced topics related to child development and learning strategies. You’ll explore areas like promoting language development, fostering social skills, and creating effective learning environments for young children. | |
| Entrepreneurship | This subject equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to start and run your own successful daycare business. You’ll learn about creating a business plan, marketing strategies, financial management, and legalities involved in operating a daycare facility. |
Educare Certificate Courses
| Course | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Educare Certificate Short Course | Educare Didactics | This subject introduces fundamental teaching methodologies and techniques required to manage daycare activities. Learn how to create a nurturing learning environment for young children. |
| Daycare Management | Learn the essential management skills required to run a daycare centre effectively. This includes staff supervision, financial management, and adherence to legal regulations. | |
| Educare Certificate Course | The ones offered in the short course plus: | |
| Child Health | Gain knowledge about child health, focusing on nutrition, hygiene, and preventing common childhood illnesses in a daycare setting. | |
| Child Psychology | Explore the stages of child development and the psychological factors that influence learning and behaviour in young children. | |
| Educare Comprehensive Course | The ones offered in the certificate course plus: | |
| Education | Understand the principles of child education and development. Explore different educational approaches to support learning in early childhood. | |
| Daycare Communication | Develop communication skills to interact effectively with parents, staff, and children. Learn strategies for managing conflict and fostering positive relationships in a daycare setting. |
Child Psychology Courses
| Course | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Child Psychology Short Course | Educare Didactics | Equips students with essential teaching principles and strategies for working effectively in early childhood development environments. Covers lesson planning, classroom management, learning theories, and the educator’s role in child development. Emphasises holistic, child-centred education, inclusive environments, and assessment methods. Prepares students to design and implement structured learning experiences that support cognitive, emotional, and social development in diverse settings. |
| Understanding Learning Psychology | Examines how individuals acquire knowledge, develop skills, and change behaviour through learning processes. Explores theories such as behaviourism, cognitive development, constructivism, and social learning, along with factors like motivation, memory, emotion, and environment. Focuses on applying learning theory in educational settings to enhance outcomes. | |
| Child Psychology Certificate Course | Early Childhood Development 101 | Focuses on leadership and management principles for early childhood education centres. Covers organisational structures, staff supervision, budgeting, record-keeping, policy implementation, and compliance. Emphasises effective communication, team building, conflict resolution, and creating inclusive environments. Prepares students to manage centres efficiently and deliver quality care in line with national standards. |
| Education | Explores the foundations, purpose, and practice of education in personal, social, and national development contexts. Looks at philosophical, psychological, sociological, and historical influences on education systems. Emphasises learner development, inclusive education, classroom management, and the professional duties of educators in South Africa. | |
| Child Psychology Comprehensive Course | Child Psychology | Studies the psychological development of children from infancy to adolescence. Covers developmental theories, genetic and environmental influences, growth patterns, emotional and cognitive development, and the impact of family, peers, and culture. Emphasises ethical research, developmental disorders, and integrating biological, social, and contextual factors. |
| Safety First Aid | Introduces foundational first aid skills for emergency response. Teaches how to assess injuries, treat wounds, burns, fractures, bleeding, and shock, and perform CPR and rescue breathing. Emphasises legal and ethical responsibilities, safety procedures, infection control, and managing various emergencies until professional help arrives. |
Creche Management Courses
| Course | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Creche Management Short Course | Daycare Personnel Development | Focuses on developing the skills, attitudes, and responsibilities of daycare staff. You’ll learn how to work effectively with children, support colleagues, and create a nurturing environment. |
| Entrepreneurship | Teaches you how to start and manage your own créche. You’ll learn business planning, budgeting, and marketing skills essential for childcare entrepreneurs. | |
| Creche Management Certificate Course | Management Communication | Equips you with strong verbal and written communication skills. Learn to write reports, hold staff meetings, and communicate clearly with parents and team members. |
| First Aid | Prepares you to handle minor injuries and emergencies common in childcare. You’ll learn basic first aid procedures and child safety protocols. | |
| Creche Management Comprehensive Course | Management in Early Childhood 101 | Focuses on daily créche operations, including scheduling, staff roles, and leadership basics. |
| Management in Early Childhood 102 | Builds on the previous subject by introducing advanced planning, quality assurance, and evaluation methods for childcare environments. |
Why Choose To Study Childcare Courses Via Distance Learning?
Distance learning is an ideal way to study childcare and creche management courses in South Africa. Here’s why:
- Study from anywhere
- Flexibility in your studies
- Convenient study materials
- Good work-study balance
Study From Anywhere
You can study from anywhere in the country, making it accessible even for those in rural areas
Flexibility In Your Studies
Distance learning offers flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace while managing other responsibilities such as work or family.
Convenient Study Materials
You receive all the study materials at your doorstep, eliminating the need for travelling to physical classes.
Set Your Own Schedule
You are free to plan your study schedule around your daily life, which is particularly helpful for busy students.
If you are interested in distance learning, then there are other colleges that offer childcare, like Matric College and Bellview Institute
Benefits Of Studying At Skills Academy
There are several reasons why Skills Academy stands out when it comes to colleges that offer childcare:
- Swift Delivery of Study Materials: Your textbooks and resources are dispatched on the same day, with secure parcel tracking so you can start studying sooner.
- Fully Accredited, Nationally‑Recognised Qualifications: Earn career-boosting diplomas endorsed by national authorities that genuinely help unlock job and promotion opportunities.
- Highly Proactive Student Support: Bellview’s team reaches out before you even need to ask—monthly check-in calls and same-day query resolution mean you’re always in good hands.
- Learn Anytime, Anywhere in South Africa: Study at your own pace and in your own space—whether at home, at work, or on the move—without sacrificing your personal or professional life.
- Clear, Honest Financial Setup: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, plus flexible payment plans designed to suit your budget.
- Academic Support That Keeps You On Track: Access detailed academic dashboards multiple times daily and benefit from same-day handling of assignments for consistent progress monitoring.
- Interactive Study Circles & Quick Tutor Help: Join active Telegram study groups and connect with tutors who respond swiftly to guide your learning.
- Automated Feedback and Certificates: Receive fast assignment feedback and certificates for each module, so you always know how you’re progressing.
Course Costs And Entry Requirements
Before starting a child care course, it is important to understand the costs involved and the entry requirements. At Skills Academy, we work hard to make education accessible and affordable for everyone.
How Much Is The Child Care Course?
The cost of the child care courses at Skills Academy depends on the course you choose and how many courses you decide to enrol in. We understand the need for quality education at affordable prices.
You can find detailed fee structures here, including various payment plans, such as cash payments, monthly instalments, or debit orders.
Entry Requirements
Our goal is to make education easy for anyone who wants to study. There are no strict entry requirements. You only need to be able to understand English to start learning with us. Whether you are starting out or continuing your studies, our courses are designed to be accessible.
Career Paths And Opportunities In Childcare
Childcare is an important field that provides opportunities to help young children grow and develop. It offers several career paths for those who enjoy working with children and contributing to their education and well-being.
Career Opportunities With Childcare Courses Qualifications
Completing childcare courses can open up many career paths. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you can choose from several roles in childcare. Here are some of the most common career opportunities:
- Daycare worker
- Preschool teacher
- Nanny or au pair
- Creche manager
- Entrepreneur
Daycare Worker
Care for young children in a daycare setting, ensuring they are safe, fed, and engaged in educational activities.
Preschool Teacher
Teach children basic subjects and skills to prepare them for primary school.
Nanny Or Au Pair
Work in a private home, taking care of children and sometimes helping with household duties.
Creche Manager
Oversee the daily operations of a creche or daycare centre, ensuring that staff follow safety rules and care for children properly.
Entrepreneur
Start your own childcare business, such as a daycare centre, and manage it to ensure children receive quality care.
What Is The Highest Position In Childcare?
The highest position in childcare is often that of a Childcare Centre Director or Crèche Manager. In this role, you are responsible for managing the entire facility, including staff, finances, and ensuring that the children are receiving the best care possible.
What Is The Top Salary For A Childcare Worker?
A childcare worker’s salary can vary depending on qualifications and experience. In senior positions, like a Nursery Manager, you can earn up to R 21,401 per month in South Africa according to Indeed.
How To Become A Childcare Worker
Becoming a childcare worker is a rewarding career where you get to help young children grow and learn. There are certain steps you need to follow, and specific qualifications you need to meet to succeed in this field.
How Do I Become A Childcare Worker In South Africa?
To become a childcare worker in South Africa, you will need to follow a few steps. It is important to gain the right skills and experience so that you can work with children in a safe and professional way. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Complete a Relevant Course: Enrol in a course such as a Child Day Care or Educare. These courses will teach you the basics of caring for young children, including their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- Get Practical Experience: Many courses include practical work as part of the training. You will need to work in a daycare centre, crèche, or other childcare setting to gain hands-on experience.
- Register with Authorities: After completing your qualifications, you will need to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). This step is important to ensure you are legally allowed to work with children in the country.
- Apply for Jobs: Once qualified and registered, you can apply for jobs at crèches, daycare centres, or schools. You can also open your own childcare facility if you are interested in running a business.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Creche Teacher?
To work as a crèche teacher, you will need specific qualifications that prepare you to handle the daily care and education of young children.
Completing any one of our childcare courses will equip you with the necessary skills and qualifications to be hired as a childcare worker or creche teacher.
People Also Ask
No, you cannot open a creche without the right qualifications but Skills Academy can help you get qualified. To meet legal requirements in South Africa, you need to complete a childcare or creche management course, and register with the Department of Social Development.
A creche typically focuses on early childhood education for younger kids, while a daycare provides care for children of various ages, including structured play and daily routines.