ECED4703
ASSESSMENT TASK 1: INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT 20 MARKS
THE TASK Tracing the history of ECD services and provisioning in South Africa Write an essay of approximately ten (10) pages in which you critically show the shifts from unequal early childhood care and education during apartheid through to reforming early childhood care and education and finally early childhood development within contemporary SA.
Your response will follow the following steps below:
i) History of ECD services and provisioning in SA from apartheid to contemporary SA. Include the role of government, policies, and legislative frameworks that focus on children’s rights and access to quality ECD programmes. [6 marks]
ii) Explain the role of non-governmental organisations in the training of stakeholders, family and community development, collaboration with government organisations, and service delivery to rural communities. [6 marks]
iii) Include a discussion on how the current way of thinking influences ECD programmes and service provisioning. [3 marks]
History of ECD services and provisioning in South Africa has seen significant shifts over the years, particularly in the transition from apartheid to the contemporary era. During apartheid, early childhood care and education (ECCE) services were severely unequal, with white children having access to high-quality programs while children of color were often neglected and underserved. The government at the time implemented policies that perpetuated this inequality, such as the Bantu Education Act of 1953, which segregated education along racial lines.
However, after the end of apartheid in 1994, there was a concerted effort to reform ECCE services in South Africa. The new government, under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, prioritized children's rights and access to quality ECD programs. This was reflected in policies such as the White Paper 5 on Early Childhood Education, which aimed to provide equitable and accessible ECCE services for all children in the country.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played a crucial role in this transition period by providing training for stakeholders, supporting family and community development, collaborating with government organizations, and delivering services to rural communities. These NGOs often filled gaps in government provision, particularly in underserved areas where government resources were limited.
In the contemporary era, there has been a shift towards a more holistic and child-centered approach to ECD programming. There is a greater emphasis on the importance of play-based learning, child development, and nurturing relationships in early childhood settings. This shift in thinking has influenced the design and implementation of ECD programs, with a focus on meeting the needs and rights of the child.
Overall, the history of ECD services and provisioning in South Africa has seen significant progress from the unequal days of apartheid to a more inclusive and child-focused approach in the contemporary era. The role of government policies, NGOs, and changing perspectives on ECD have all played a part in shaping the current landscape of early childhood development in the country.