"To those that are operating illegal Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDs), please do the right thing and come to us for assistance". This was asserted by Social Development Department Social Workers; Siyophumelela Mlambo and Siphenathi Somkhosi's when giving advice during ECDs awareness at  Westside FM live interview last week Friday.
"When operating legally, there are more benefits from our department. We do assist with all the registration process to ensure you are registered within 6 months.
The department also assists with funding to ensure children are served with balanced nutrition. Our aim is to develop ECDs to ensure the brighter future for the kids", said Mlambo.
"We urge ECD Centers to operate legally and to be compliant. We are very strict when it comes to compliance. Before a person can operate an ECD, one need to have a proper structure, Municipal certificate or zoning certificate, health certificate, approved nutritional menu from a registered dietitian, safety certificate, an emergency plan and clearance certificate", said Somkhosi.
Failure to register an ECD centre is a contravention of the Children's Act of 2005, which means the centre would be operating illegally. Notice of enforcement can be issued to such ECD centres.
Mlambo emphasized on differentiating an ECD practitioner and child minder. A child minder only looks after a child. At the ECD a practitioner assists with cognitive development of a child to be ready for school.
Parents and caregivers should verify if the ECD centre is registered with the Department of Social Development.
"Now we have Early Childhood Development Stimulus Package. The department has set aside R496 million rand to assist struggling early childhood development centres which are amongst the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic".
There is Vangasali campaign to assist with compliance and registration. For more information and clarity on the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package and Vangasali you can come to DSD or contact the office on the    following number: 011 950 7768", Somkhosi concluded.​