No, you cannot teach Grade R with an Educare Diploma. People who have Educare National qualifications can work in early learning environments such as Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres.
How Do I Become An ECD Teacher?
You can become an EDC teacher once you have completed an Educare Diploma or you can broaden your employment options by getting a Bachelor of Education Degree. It will also give you more knowledge of the Early Childhood Development field.
Can I Teach Grade R With An Educare Diploma?
No, you cannot teach Grade R with an Educare Diploma. People who have Educare National qualifications can work in early learning environments such as Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres.
Watch our principal talk about our NATED Educare course.
Can I Teach Grade R With A Diploma?
Yes, you can teach Grade R with a diploma but it would depend on the employer. Some employers will hire you with a diploma in teaching and others will require a degree.
Where Can I Get My Educare Diploma?
To get your Educare National Diploma, you can apply at Matric college. An Educare course is an accredited course. If you are looking for an accredited national qualification, then this is the best option for you.
To qualify for Educare, you must have a matric or a matric equivalent qualification.
Can I Study Grade R Teaching Without Matric?
No, you cannot study teaching without matric. Universities require you to have a matric to do a teaching course. You can apply for an Educare course at distance learning or TVET colleges. It will not be a degree, but it is a step further towards a degree.
How Long Does A Diploma In Grade R Teaching Take?
It takes about 3 to 4 years to complete a diploma in Grade R teaching.
What Do Grade R Teachers Do?
Grade R teachers play an important role in the early development of children. They do not formally teach language, mathematics and life skills, but grade R learners get to learn these fields through the use of music and play. These are the responsibilities of a grade R teacher:
- Expose learners to language through play-based learning
- Expose learners to the following mathematics areas through play-based activities:
- Numbers, operations and relationships;
- Patterns, functions and algebra;
- Space and shape (geometry);
- Measurement; and
- Data handling
- Develop learners’ life skills in the following areas:
- Beginning knowledge and personal and social well-being;
- Creative arts; and
- Physical education
Why Is Grade R So Important?
Grade R is important as it is an introduction to the structured learning that they will face from grade 1 until they finish school. It is the year where children are prepared for primary school.
Grade R also plays a very important role in the development of children as they gain very important life skills.
Is There A Demand For Grade R Teachers?
Yes, there is a demand for Grade R teachers in South Africa. About half of the country’s Grade R teachers are underqualified, some without a matric.
This is because many people think that a qualification is not required and it is the reason many teachers are underqualified, creating a demand for Grade R teachers.
Which Teaching Subject Is Most In Demand?
- Science
- Mathematics
- Special languages
- Foreign languages
Science– There are not many science teachers. If you love science, this is a great subject to consider.
Mathematics– A math teacher must love and understand math. There is a need for mathematics teachers.
Special Lessons– if you would like to work with children with special needs you can be an ELSEN (Education for Learners with Special Educational Needs) teacher. This is not a subject, but a field of study.
Foreign languages– when people move to a new country, they need to learn the language and the way of living in their new environment. These subjects help in that field. More teachers are needed to help foreign students learn languages and adapt.
Can I Teach Grade R With Matric?
No, you cannot teach grade R with matric. A Diploma in Grade R Teaching is the lowest qualification needed to teach grade R. After completing this diploma you can take your education further and study towards a Bachelor of Education (B Ed: Foundation Phase).
Can I Teach Grade R With NQF Level 4?
No, you cannot teach Grade R with an NQF Level 4 because it is equivalent to a matric certificate. You have to study one of the following courses to teach Grade R:
- A 3-year Diploma in Grade R Teaching OR
- A 4-year Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching (B.Ed. Foundation Phase) OR
- A Bachelor degree other than a B.Ed. plus a 1-year Post-graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), specialising in Foundation Phase teaching
Can I Teach Grade R With an ABET Certificate?
No, you cannot teach Grade R with an ABET certificate. The highest level of ABET is equivalent to grade 9. You cannot teach Grade R with a Grade 9 certificate.
You can apply for an Educare course at a TVET college or distance learning college. From the college qualification you get, you can further your studies.
How Much Do Grade R Teachers Earn In South Africa?
Grade R teachers in South Africa earn, on average, R86 300 per year. The average starting salary is R71 549 per year. Here is a diagram that shows what you can expect:

How Much Do Grade R Teachers Earn Per Experience Level?
Teachers get paid according to the amount of experience they have. Here is how you will earn:
