EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD)
The importance of ECD in ensuring access to quality education
In line with the social justice principles of access, redress, equity, efficiency, quality and inclusivity that underpin South Africa’s educational system, Minister Siviwe Gwarube, in her speech during the release of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, applauded the Class of 2024 for their hard work and commitment.
The Minister also reminded South Africans that, whilst matric performance demonstrated a commitment to quality education, more needed to be done to ensure that all learners had access to quality education. Ms Gwarube advocated for a holistic approach and a strategic re-orientation of the education sector, which prioritised foundational and early childhood development to improve overall child outcomes. In line with the renewed commitments, the Minister outlined key 2025 priority areas which include expanding access and quality of ECD services through the ongoing mass registration drive to formalise ECDs and ensure the safety of all children, the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) supported through Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM); Mentoring and professional development of the ECD workforce, as well as the resourcing of ECD centres, with a key focus on those in rural and under-resourced areas.
With a renewed focus on early childhood development and foundational learning, the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with different stakeholders, can eradicate inequality and poverty, and restore dignity for all its communities through a transformative educational system which provides learners with a breath of skills for lifelong learning and success.
Early Childhood Development and care remains a key strategy for a transformative society and for achieving quality education. In recognition of the first 1,000 days, and the importance of ECD in shaping children as future leaders and innovators, the DBE in partnership with UNICEF and stakeholders, are implementing the National Parenting Programme (NPP), targeting parents and caregivers in all communities.
Divided into 11 modules, the NPP covers several themes including: Me the parent; children’s rights and responsibilities; healthy family relationships; loss and trauma; health and nutrition; play and creativity; physical, social and intellectual development; positive discipline; and child safety and protection. These topics are aimed at creating nurturing environments for optimal growth and development.
The NPP is facilitated using workshops, discussions and information sessions, which are interactive, playful and non-judgemental. Parents and caregivers are provided with opportunities to share their insights and experiences whilst learning about the importance of stimulating their children for holistic development. Programmes such as the NPP showcase the value of putting children first within our various communities; indeed, it takes a village to raise a child.
ECD-related information can be accessed through DBE’s ECD Info Hub: https://ecdinfohub.org/
download: (ECD) Function shift brochure