Early Childhood Development

About ECD

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an umbrella term which applies to the processes by which babies and young children grow and thrive, physically, mentally, emotionally morally and socially. ECD is of critical importance as a fundamental pillar to the foundation for lifelong learning,

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is important because the kind of early care a child receives from parents, pre-school teachers and caregivers determines how a child learns and relates in school and life in general.

During the early stages of child development all the key elements of emotional intelligence, namely confidence, curiosity, purposefulness, self-control, connectedness, ability to communicate and co-cooperativeness is formed. Young children are capable learners and suitable educational exposure during the pre-school years can have a positive impact on formal schooling.

Providing appropriate stimulation, nutrition, care, and health services during these critical, pre-school developmental period, results in:

• Increased primary school enrollment
• enhanced school performance
• lower repetition and drop-out rates
• reduction in juvenile crime rates
• reduced remedial medical and welfare costs
• Improved economics and social productivity indicators

In the South African context childcare workers teach and care for children while their parents are away for work. In the first place they make sure children are safe but their second responsibility is the development of these children by focusing on play and games, creative activities and the development of fundamental reading skills.

Childcare workers need to be energetic, fun, and patient. They help the children gain new skills and learn how to get along with others. Many childcare workers work as babysitters. They bathe, dress, and feed children; look after them while they play and clean up after them. They might put the children to bed and read to them.  People who look after babies also prepare bottles and change diapers.

Childcare workers spend most of their day with children but they also meet with the parents or guardians to give feedback on the child’s development. Childcare workers keep record of the child’s development. It is important to notice any delays in the child’s development and to report it to the relevant person – principal, parent or guardian.

Watching children grow and learn can be fun but it can be tiresome because workers have to run, clean, play outside, and pick up children.  They should be cheerful, always aware of what the children are doing, and have a lot of energy. It is sometimes difficult to have the required patience.

The working hours and type of child care vary widely. It can be full time or part time. It can be as a practitioner, an assistant or a volunteer. Childcare centres are open year round.  Caregivers who live with the children they look after usually work longer hours.

Childcare workers often care for children who have different needs and are sometimes in distress. It is important that we create opportunities for all children, including those who are disabled; opportunities to participate and to develop to their full potential.

The holistic model of ECD acknowledges the fundamental role that parents and communities play in the care and education of children.

It is important that we create opportunities for all children, including those who are disabled, to participate fully and to develop fully to their full potential. The holistic model of ECD also acknowledges the pivotal role that parents and communities play in the care and education of children.