The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education has established dedicated positions for reception class teachers with the aim provide a clearer path for career progression and salary growth. 

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, Minister Nono Kgafela-Mokoka outlined the entry-level requirements and the multiple grading system designed to prevent career stagnation. 

Ms Kgafela-Mokoka explained that new teachers entered at the C4 salary scale under the title assistant teacher-early childhood and after one year of satisfactory service, teachers were upgraded to the C3 scale. 

She added that teachers progress to C2 after serving one year at the C3 level while progression to the C1 scale occurred after two years of service at the C2 level. 

“Because these positions are multiple-graded (C4/3/2/1), officers can reach the C1 scale within a single post, effectively avoiding the stagnation often seen in fixed-scale roles,” she said. 

She also said the head of department-infant (D4 Scale) was the primary promotional goal for reception class teachers. 

However, she clarified that promotion to such level was competitive and depended on vacancy availability where positions must be open within the establishment while all teachers at C1 level, including those in other portfolios like senior teachers (Maths, Science, languages, among others), were eligible to compete for the roles. 

Currently, she said the ministry maintained a total establishment of 1 083 reception class positions across all regions. 

She explained that the criteria used to evaluate candidates for advancement included qualification minimum of a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, date of first appointment and the date the qualification was obtained as well as consistent results from performance appraisal reviews. 

Tati East MP, Mr Tlhabologo Furniture, had sought clarity on the progress made regarding promotions and the specific criteria used to determine teacher advancement. ENDS