Mitchell’s Plain educare principals have put pen to paper to draft a guide on how to build an early childhood development (ECD) centre of excellence.
The manual, titled “Registration Procedures for Early Childhood Development Centres 2012 – 2018” is an update of notes the Mitchell’s Plain Educare Forum have put together since its inception in 1994.
The forum is a member of the South African Congress Early Childhood Development (SACECD), which has also shown interest in this much needed resource.
The book aims to assist principals of early childhood development centres throughout the country with administration and policy concerns – in simple language and in a book size for any handbag.
Karrimah Jacobs, chairperson of the forum, who spends a lot of her time reading policy documents, said in writing the book they had to get principals into a room and allow them to speak from the heart.
“(They) share their experiences and talk about the grey areas which policy documents often neglect or do not speak to,” she said.
Ms Jacobs said it was evident in meetings that principals were not familiar with the expectations the government has on them.
“Many principals shy away from saying they don’t understand and need a helping hand to improve on their services,” she said.
The book includes sections on administration, inclusion and exclusion of pupils, dealing with parents, staff qualifications and expectations, the use of cellphones at the creche, quality assurance and how to integrate the curriculum into pupils’ daily routine.
The forum launched the book at Lentegeur civic centre on Thursday September 27 at a special price of R60, which has increased to R80 to ensure a steady flow of funds for future printing.
Mareldia Tape, director of Grassroots, based in Athlone, said as a senior organisation in the field ECD on the Cape Flats, said she will help the forum write proposals, which will be submitted to funders for printing.
Various City of Cape Town departments, who have a hands on relationship with the forum were present at the launch to lend their support.
For more information and to buy a copy call Ms Jacobs on 076 117 1167.