In order to get an in-depth understanding of the Early Childhood Development centres, the Centre for Early Childhood Development was commissioned to complete as research study.
Stakeholders and ECD centres were identified through consultation with the Eastern Cape, Education and Social Development Departments. Structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders with. An extensive amount of detailed interviews were conducted with 20 ECD centres, in addition to this interviews were held with NPO’s, the Departments of Education and Social Development; the South African Police Services; the ETDP SETA provincial office and the Local Municipal offices. The report conducted by the Centre for Early Childhood Development, concluded that the provision of further ECD infrastructure, teacher qualification upgrades and provision of teaching aids programmes are fundamental to socio and economic prosperity in the area. These programmes will also assist in the advancement of child rights and eliminating inequality. Investment in the development, care and protection of children needs, needs to be a priority in order to ensure that ECD Centres move from being day care centres to centres of education and development. ECD practitioner training will be introduced in 2015 as most of the practitioner’s highest qualifications is Grade 8.
