MEC for Social Development in Gauteng Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe urges parents to check the legitimacy of an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) prior to enrolling their children.
This plea came after a number of incidents occurred in various ECD’s, which were reported to be unregistered.
Nkabinde-Khawe also expressed heartfelt condolences to the two families who lost their loved ones in Westdene where it was reported that two toddlers died due to rat poisoning at an illegal crèche in Westdene. ECD forms part of the key priorities of the Gauteng Provincial Government. Investment in children is not only seen as a means of giving them a good start in life, but also of developing their families and contributing to the socio-economic development of the province.
Therefore, the safety of the children in these premises is the priority.
Gauteng government has embarked on a number of campaigns, urging ECD operators/owners to adhere to the laws of the country.
What the department is doing in empowering the services providers and communities:
• The department is conducting media awareness to encourage communities and service providers to comply with the registration requirements.
• There are continuous capacity building activities in communities.
• There is also a sharing of information whenever needed by communities and service providers.
• The department has conducted an audit to assess the status of ECD centres in the country.
• Through campaigns, the department outlines the benefits for registration, i.e. funding, training of practitioners to encourage them to register.
• Close those that pose danger to the lives and health of children.
• Capacitate those with potential to operate, and register them conditionally.
According to the Children’s Act, ECDs should be registered as per the norms and standards, as these gives guidelines, including, safety, education and nutritional programmes.
Parents are urged to demand registration certificates from both the municipality and from social development.
These documents are issued after a proper assessment has been conducted and the centre is deemed satisfactory for operation.
