Early Childhood Development partial care facilities must have structured and developmental stage appropriate programmes for different age groups. These must encourage development through self-discovery, communication and sensory skills, along with promotion of self-control and independence.

The DSD provides training which comes with a pack of educational material and equipment utilised for theme activity development and implementation. ECD partial care facilities receives a kit for classroom implementation.

Why do I have to register my learning programme?
The Children’s Act requires that all Early Childhood Development learning programmes be registered with the Department of Social Development. 
It ensures that the children attending your ECD partial care facility receive age appropriate stimulation. 
It prepares the children attending your ECD partial care facility for school readiness and contributes to lifelong learning.

How do I register my learning programme?
You need to complete Form 16.

Where can I get Form 16 from?
You can get your Form 16 from any one of the relevant Service Organisation, at the WCG Walk-in Centre kiosk or online at www.westerncape.gov.za

Who must I send my completed Form 16 to?
You can submit your completed Form 16 to the relevant Service Organisation servicing the area in which the ECD partial care facility is located.

What if my ECD centre is not registered?
If you are not registered, you can register by making contact with the relevant Service Organisation where your ECD partial care facility is located.

Does the Department offer registered ECD centres any other support?
Yes. Training offered comes with a pack of educational material and equipment utilised for theme activity development and implementation. ECD partial care facilities receives a kit for classroom implementation.

If the ECD centre is run as a private facility and is not funded by government, but offers a learning programme, does it still need to be registered with the Department?
Yes, in terms of the Children’s Act, all early learning programmes must be registered with the Department of Social Development.