You must enjoy working with young children because your attitude will come across to your pupils. This is not a job, it is a vocation. Before you choose this career, spend time at a pre-primary school.

There are opportunities for tutoring foundation phase children. The programme has a strong literacy and numeracy component, so students are encouraged to go back into the communities and assist children who are struggling with reading and numeracy at school.

There is plenty of scope for self-employment, such as opening your own centre. The Early Learning Foundation is recruiting trainers for its full-time programme.

Qualifications needed: The Level 5 diploma in Early Childhood Learning is a two-year part-time or one-year full-time course for students who have passed Grade 12. There is a Level 4 diploma for students who haven't passed Grade 12.

Where to train: The Early Learning Foundation offers training. Students can now enrol for 2010. Bursaries are limited. Institutions offering early childhood development courses include the College of Cape Town.

Expected earnings: Trainees earn R2 000 to R3 000 a month for a half-day position. Qualified directors earn R4 000 to R8 000 a month.

Contact: Early Learning Foundation 021 447 4370, elf.montessori@gmail.com or www.elfmontessori.co.za; College of Cape Town 021 687 9150.