ECD SERVICES

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

WHAT ARE ECD SERVICES

Services that support the development of young children ⤷ These services respond to young children's needs (Social, physical, emotional, language and cognitive). ⤷ Services are provided by a variety of government departments such as Social Development and Basic Education.

Importance of investing in ECD services

1. To improve the quality of early learning environments like preschool and child care, and expand access to those programs.

2. Can improve health outcomes.

3. Can prevent achievement gap.

4. Can boost earnings.

5. The rate of return for investments in quality early childhood development for disadvantaged children is 7-10% per annum through better outcomes in education, health, sociability, economic productivity and reduce crime

Risks affecting children's development in SA

Disability

diseases

violence

poverty

Who has access to ECD services

The disadvantage is that there is limited access for the most vulnerable children. ⇨ The poorest children often receive poor service. A major focus in ECD provision is therefore on Grade R, which is offered in both public schools and registered community ECD centers ⇨ Many poor children in public grade R classes also benefit from the National School Nutrition Program.

ECD centre programmes

The disadvantage is that there is limited access for the most vulnerable children. ⇨ The poorest children often receive poor service. Groot A major focus in ECD provision is therefore on Grade R, which is offered in both public schools and registered community ECD centers ⇨ Many poor children in public grade R classes also benefit from the National School Nutrition Program.