Principals of early childhood development (ECD) centres in Ward 116 were treated to an information session and went home a step closer to being registered.
Michael “Pat” Pietersen, councillor for Ward 116, used R50 000 of his ward allocation funds to provide 22 centres with essential equipment.
Each centre received five blankets, five mattresses, a fire blanket, fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a squeeze bottle to help save water when washing hands.
The City of Cape Town’s health department hosted the programme during which various departments were able to help centres better take care of pupils.
According to the City, ECD centres should have a lease or rental agreement; the relevant zoning certificate; approved building plans; a health clearance certificate; an emergency evacuation plan; an ECD centre registration certificate; a business plan and basic conditions of employment for staff; copies of qualifications and identity documents of staff who will be responsible for the ECD programme; an ECD daily programme; a child nutrition and wellness programme; as well as a person trained in first-aid and a first-aid kit on site.
Yusrah Abrahams, principal of Mandalay Educare Junior, said: “We so needed this information,” adding that it had made them “feel part of something”.
Lulama Shobede, from Grace Educare in Mandalay, said children were dropped off as early as 5.30am.
“We have to be ready for them and with such sessions we can be better prepared for any eventuality,” she said.
