By Nomzamo Ngcobo
The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and ECD Directorate has urged parents to do their homework when they search for the ECD centres for their children. The City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Councillor Suzette Little says many people don’t understand the importance of constructive learning and personal development needed by young children and they still view early childhood development as little more than a babysitting service.
“There’s a massive scrum to get children into good primary and high schools, but cognitive development starts long before Grade 1. So why are we not putting the same effort into good-pre-school education?” she says.
What to check to see if the EDC centre meets the necessary requirements:
- ECD centre registration certificate.
- Business plan and basic conditions of employment for staff.
- Copies of qualifications and identity documents of staff who will be responsible for the ECD programme.
- Child nutrition and wellness programme.
- A person trained in first-aid and a first-aid kit.
- A lease or rental agreement.
- The relevant zoning certificate.
- Approved building plans.
- Health clearance certificate.
- Emergency evacuation plan.
