Welcome to the Data and Statistics section of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Info Hub. Here, we provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the state of early childhood development across the country, supported by reliable data and insightful statistics.
Understanding the landscape of ECD is crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at nurturing the well-being and development of our nation’s youngest citizens. In this section, you will find a wealth of resources, analyses, and visualizations that shed light on various aspects of ECD, including data on access to services, quality of care, and outcomes for children.
Our collection of data sources encompasses national surveys, research studies, various government reports, and data from reputable organizations working in the field of ECD. We strive to present data that is relevant, accurate, and actionable, empowering stakeholders at all levels to advocate for positive change and investment in early childhood development.
Explore our interactive dashboard, reports, and infographics to gain insights into key indicators such as enrollment rates, nutritional status, parental engagement, and early learning outcomes. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, practitioner, or advocate, this platform serves as a valuable resource for deepening your understanding of ECD in South Africa and driving evidence-based interventions that support the holistic development of young children.
We are committed to continuously updating and expanding our data repository to reflect the evolving landscape of early childhood development in South Africa. Together, let’s harness the power of data to create a brighter future for our children and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Overview of ECD in South Africa
Number of Children aged 0 - 4 in South Africa
5,833,515
National Population Census 2022
Percentage of 0 - 4 Children over S.A Child Population
29%
National Population Census 2022
Number of Early Learning Programmers (ELPs)
42,420
ECD Census 2021
Number of Staff Employed in ELPs
198,361
ECD Census 2021
Number of Children enrolled in ELPs
1,660,316
ECD Census 2021
Average number of Children per ELP
39
ECD Census 2021
Average number of Teaching Staff per ELP
3.9
National Population Census 2022
Percentage of Teaching staff with relevant NQF Qualification
52
National Population Census 2022
Percentage of Teaching staf with No Qualification
22%
ECD Census 2021
Percentage of ELPs who do not have access to an outdoor playground with suitable equipment
34%
National Population Census 2022
Percentage of ELPS who have Age Appropriate Books for different age groups
29%
National Population Census 2022
Percentage of ELPs who provide Breakfast
84%
ECD Census 2021
Percentage of ELPs who provide Lunch
3.9
National Population Census 2022
ELP's who have Fees as their main source of funding
52%
National Population Census 2022
The average monthly fee amount per child
R509
ECD Census 2021