ECD’s encouraged to register with DSD until migration to DBE is finalised

We are aware that since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his intention to shift Early Childhood Development (ECD) functions from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at national and provincial levels, many ECD partial care facilities and programmes have been unsure as to whether the current registration process has changed.

We wish to alert the ECD sector that the provincial DSD remains responsible for registering all ECD partial care facilities and programmes until 1 April 2022, when the shift of the ECD function from DSD to the DBE at national and provincial levels will have been finalised.

As a Department, we recognise the importance of ECD as the foundation for a child's future and an opportunity to bridge the inequality gap in South Africa. We wish to inform all ECD programmes and services that we are here to help and support matters related to compliance.

The Department's latest figures indicate that 1588 ECDs are registered, out of an estimated total of 5 005 ECD facilities across the province.

The registration process ensures that ECD partial care facilities have structured developmental stage-appropriate programmes for different age groups. These must encourage development through self-discovery, communication and sensory skills, and the promotion of self-control and independence.

DSD registers ECDs - provided they meet the norms and standards as stated in the Children's Act. Some of the norms and standards include clearance certificates from the municipality (zoning, fire & safety); structured learning programmes for the children; emergency plans for children who may become ill; and nutritious meals.  Registration is only provided for five years at a time, after which period the ECD must renew their registration.

DSD has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Reporting and Management of serious Injury, Abuse and Death of Children in Registered and Unregistered Facilities in the Western Cape. This has been distributed to all ECDs, social service organisations and designated child protection organisations. The SOP is aligned to the Uniform Referral Pathway protocol in the Western Cape. The SOP details a referral system for assistance and support.

DSD remains committed to creating a self-reliant society by ensuring the provision of a comprehensive network of social development services that enables and empowers our children, the vulnerable and those with special needs.

For more information contact:

Any persons interested in finding out more information about the services we offer, individuals can make contact with our department by calling, 0800 220 250, to be directed to your nearest local DSD office.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.