An implementation evaluation of the departmental function shift in the provision of early childhood development programmes from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Education, in the Endumeni Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The early childhood development sector (ECD) in South Africa is mainly an informal sector providing care and early learning opportunities for children between birth and four years of age by independent providers. The government plays an essential role in regulating the sector. ECD Before the 1ˢᵗ of April 2022, the regulation of the ECD sector in South Africa was mainly the responsibility of the Department of Social Development. The functions of the ECD programmes have since been shifted to the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Before the implementation of the function shift were the ECD sector was faced with different challenges that prevented them from providing children between birth and four years of age quality of ECD programme. The main aim of this study is to determine the impact of the function shift as it affect the quality of ECD programmes rendered at ECD centres. Since the implementation of the function shift, no study has been conducted to evaluate, the impact of the function shift at it early stage. Therefore, the rationale of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on ECD programme since no study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of the early phase of the implementation of the function shift as it affects the quality of ECD programmes provided as ECD centres. A qualitative research study was conducted, using focus group discussions and document analysis to construct data for this study. The findings of the study were thematically analysed. The findings indicated that, under the DSD, the ECD sector was characterised by strict adherence to regulatory frameworks, low qualified ECD practitioners, challenges in accessing government subsidy, and inadequate provision of inclusive ECD programmes, yet ECD centres played an important role in the referral function of children in need of child protection services to the DSD. The findings further revealed that since the implementation of the function shift, the ECD sector is still encountering financial challenges, highly burdensome administrative process for the registration of ECD centres, inadequate provision of inclusive ECD programmes, and less interaction between the DBE and the ECD sector, which led to uncertainties among the study participants. Based on the study findings: it is recommended that the Children's Amendment Bill should be finalised by the DBE to address the strict regulatory framework currently faced by ECD centres. A separate ECD Act should be developed separate from the Children's Act. A standardised ECD programme should be formulated and should be monitored by people trained in ECD education. The current funding model for ECD programmes should be reformed to allow for better access to financial support and equip ECD with better resources and infrastructure. The government should also ensure increase accessibility to inclusive ECD programmes and to provide adequate financial support and increased incentives to ECD centres providing inclusive ECD programmes. The conclusion drawn from the study findings is that the functional shift has not been positively received by the study participants. This is due to increase financial challenges encountered by ECD centres, lack of adequate resources to provide quality ECD programmes, poor incentive remains a challenge for ECD practitioners and implementation of inclusive ECD programme remain unrealisable.