Message from the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF South Africa
Foreword
It is with great pleasure that I introduce the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Information Hub, a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the quality and access of early learning in South Africa. The importance of ECD cannot be overstated; it is the foundation upon which a child’s future success and well-being are built. Quality early childhood development sets the stage for a lifetime of learning, growth, and prosperity, and it is a cornerstone of a just and equitable society.
Whilst the government of South Africa has in recent years made progress towards improving the ECD sector, there is still much work to be done. As we strive to provide every child in our country with the best possible start in life, it is imperative that we have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, resources, and insights. This is precisely where the ECD Information Hub comes into play.
The ECD Information Hub is not just another platform; it is a dynamic and inclusive repository of knowledge, designed to serve all users and organizations engaged in early childhood development. It is a space where educators, caregivers, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders can come together to share information, exchange ideas, and collaborate in the spirit of enhancing the ECD sector’s overall quality.
The power of information sharing cannot be understated. By making knowledge readily accessible to all, we empower ECD professionals and advocates to make informed decisions, develop innovative strategies, and create positive change in the lives of our youngest citizens. The ECD Information Hub is a catalyst for progress, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the shared commitment of all stakeholders in the ECD sector to nurture and support our children’s growth and development.
I invite you to explore this resource, engage with your peers, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of early childhood development in South Africa. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, one child at a time.
Angie Motshekga
Minister of Basic Education of South Africa
Christine Muhigana
Representative: UNICEF South Africa
Who We Are
Early Childhood DevelopmentInformation Hub
Welcome to the Early Childhood Development Information Hub, your go-to resource for all things related to early childhood development in South Africa. The Hb is a collaboration between the Department of Basic Education, UNICEF and the Lego Foundation who share their commitment to advancing the quality of ECD across our nation.
The ECD Information Hub is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date, relevant, and valuable information and resources. We are committed to maintaining a platform that fosters a sense of community, support, and growth within the ECD sector. As such, we invite you to explore the platform, engage in discussions, and actively contribute to the collective wisdom of the ECD community. Together, we can shape the future of early childhood development in South Africa, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
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Angie Motshekga
Minister of Basic Education of South Africa
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Announcements
ECD Mass Registration Drive
In January 2024, the Minister of Basic Education announced a new mass registration drive for ECD programmes. This means that the government will support registration of ECD programmes by using a simpler and user-friendly online registration system. The goal is to pull every ECD programme into the regulatory net, and to support ECD programmes in all communities to comply with legal requirements, by recognising the different contexts in which they operate. The new Mass Registration process will be implemented in a phased approach to ensure complete testing of the new enabling tools in the pilot sites in Gauteng. The pilot will shape
Successful Conclusion of the South African National Conference on Play-Based Learning
We are thrilled to announce the successful culmination of the South African National Conference on Play-Based Learning, held at the prestigious Indaba Hotel in Fourways from February 21 to February 22, 2024. Under the theme of “Early Learning and Development: Foundations for the Future through Partnerships on Play, Parents, Practice, and Policy,” the conference brought together esteemed professionals, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the early childhood development (ECD) sector. Hosted by a consortium of leading organizations, including the Department of Basic Education, UNICEF, Cotlands, the LEGO Foundation, Sesame Workshop South Africa, and HOPE worldwide South Africa, the event aimed to promote the
DBE Launches South Africa’s 2030 Strategy for Early Childhood Development Programmes
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) recently launched South Africa’s 2030 Strategy for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programmes, providing the much-needed guidance for the sector since the migration of ECD from the Department of Social Development to the DBE. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in the ECD sector’s collective efforts to ensure the holistic development and well-being of young children across the nation. The purpose of the 2030 Strategy for ECD Programmes is to provide a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving ambitious goals, including universal access to quality early childhood development by 2030, encompassing two years of quality preschool education. Furthermore,
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