Building a strong foundation for 2026
A practical guide for South African preschool owners on how to build a strong foundation for 2026. This article outlines key ECD business management priorities.
The importance of play-based learning and cognitive development in the early years
Play is at the heart of how children learn and grow. In the early years, play-based learning builds creativity, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. This article explores how parents and teachers can work together to create joyful, play-rich learning environments for children in South Africa.
Human Resource Essentials for ECD Centre Owners: What you need to know (and why it matters)
Running an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre is deeply rewarding – but it also comes with real responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing people. As a centre owner, you’re not just an educator or caregiver, you’re also an employer. And with that role comes a legal and ethical obligation
National Minimum Wage (2025 updated)
The National Minimum Wage Act applies to all employers and employees in South Africa. According to this Act, an employee should be paid a minimum amount per hour or per month depending on the number of hours they work. It is illegal to contract a person at a lower rate than the minimum wage,
FAQs: The Bela Act
Updated: 25 October 2024 What is the Bela Act? The Bela Act in South Africa refers to the “Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.” This legislation aims to amend certain aspects of the country’s education laws to enhance the governance and management of schools, improve the quality of education, and
FAQs: Legacy Qualifications vs. New QCTO Occupational Qualifications in ECD
Updated: 25 October 2024 Legacy Qualifications vs. New QCTO Occupational Qualifications in ECD As of June 30, 2023, legacy qualifications in Early Childhood Development (ECD) are being phased out to make way for new, industry-relevant occupational qualifications. These older qualifications, developed before the establishment of the QCTO and OQSF frameworks,
How to assess preschool learners using the NCF guidelines
If you are a teacher of 2-5-year-olds, it’s essential to evaluate your learners at least twice a year. A child’s development is much more than their physical growth. Development is observed in how they play, learn, speak and behave. Introduction to learner assessment webinar replay We recently hosted an online
Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive – A Simple Guide
How to Register for the DBE’s Bronze Certificate (Stage 1) through the eCares Online Registration System
Hosting a parent workshop at your preschool
Why host a parent workshop? Events for parents can be a lot of work but they help to create a positive relationship of trust and open up the lines of communication. Parents, guardians, and other adult family members are the child’s first teachers, and what happens at home can be an indication
Six important things to know about the #ECDShift
ECD moves from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education on 1 April 2022 The #ECDShift is the administrative process of moving all the Early Childhood Development (ECD) functions, roles and responsibilities that are currently with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the Department of