Cape Town: The Community Services and Health Directorate and the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department (CACD) of the City of Cape Town upgraded five Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres operating from City owned properties during the past financial year to the tune of more than R2 million collectively.
Reportedly, The ECDs underwent through upgrades that are Leonsdale, Nantes, Avonwood, Hazendale and Smurf Bubbles in Bellville and included a range of repairs, security fencing and painting.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that Early Childhood Development is a cornerstone of lifelong learning and growth. Children who attend these facilities are not only going into the foundation phase with stronger language and numeracy skills, but they are also more confident and able to adapt to formal schooling.
It is important that they give the children opportunities to learn and develop in safe environments. Early childhood education helps them in learning, making friends and developing independence.
Three more city facilities of ECDs will be upgraded this year at a cost of more than R2.3 million collectively. These are the Little Lillies ECD in Manenberg, Siyazama ECD in Hout Bay and the Understanding Hope and Care ECD in Khayelitsha.
Councillor Francine Higham said that by investing in these centres, they can impact the children’s school readiness, as well as their future academic achievement and success. These centres keep young children active and give them an educational head start, they also learn social skills and grow emotionally by ensuring holistic investment in their well-being.
In August, the City hosted an ECD Indaba to share updates on charges to the Municipal Planning By-Law that will aid ECD compliance, as well as information on how the City of Cape Town is supporting service providers to make it easier for them to operate and meet registration requirements.
Notably, the Community Arts and Culture Development (CACD) department work to provide a seamless registration experience for ECD operators, especially those trying to formalise or register for the first time.