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 and guide the final roll-out programme to be delivered in partnership with Provinces and the ECD sector.Please keep checking this page as new information and resources will be added on a regular basis.
The new registration process will still be guided by the three tiers of Bronze, Silver and Gold to complete an ECD programme registration. Details of the new registration system continue to be in cycle of design and improvement, and the DBE is totally committed to a transparent and consultative process with provinces and the sector to ensure an optimal registration programme.
The following highlights capture some of the changes to the new registration process.
- Access pathways to registration
- A new eCares (early childhood administration and reporting system) platform will facilitate online application, review and registration of ECD programmes.
- The DBE will deploy an interactive WhatsApp messaging channel to reach unregistered ECD’s for initiating a formal registration process.
- New online registration will be supported by a Contact Centre channel to guide the ECD Practitioner through the entire Bronze application stage.
- The new registration process will comprise three stages through which every ECD programme will undergo.
- APPLY: The ECD programme submits an application through an online form or WhatsApp Bot and receives an initial Bronze certificate.
- COMPLY: The ECD programme receives site visits to check that they comply with the norms and standards, and submits remaining documentation.
- COMPLETE: The ECD programme receives a Silver or Gold certificate.
- The NGOs as key partners in the ECD sector will fulfil a meaningful role as we pilot and plan the roll-out of mass registration drive by sharing their capability to support and enable the ECD programmes to fulfil the application process in line with the defined requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the new mass registration process are published on the FAQ page for your convenience and access to more details in this regard.
