The Collaboration of ECD Networks (NECDA, BRIDGE and SA Congress) would like to produce a document outlining the positive and negative implications, and recommendations, for the proposed move of ECD from DSD to DBE, for use as a lobbying and engagement tool in the ECD sector. We believe that solid recommendations can only be informed by the real experiences and positions of organisations representing children and communities with regards to ECD.

In the National ECD Policy of RSA 2015, the Essential Package (Section 5.1) is described as services which are ‘an essential pre-condition for the realisation of young children’s rights that are not subject to progressive realisation but are immediately realisable.’ These Essential ECD Services are described as:
1. Free birth certification for all children born in South Africa;
2. Basic preventative and curative health care and nutrition for pregnant women, infants and young children to secure their mental and physical health;
3. Preventative and curative maternal, infant and child food and nutrition services;
4. Support for parents to empower and enable them to take the lead in their infants’ and children’s optimal development, including the provision of income support, nutritional support, psychosocial support and support for the early education of children from birth;
5. In their parent’s absence, safe quality child care which nurtures the young child’s development;
6. Early learning support and services from birth in the home, community and in centres;
7. Publicly accessible information about ECD services and support and their proven importance for ensuring optimal early childhood development.

Please respond to the questions below to give us your input. Think about the elements of the Essential Package outlined by the National Integrated ECD Policy 2015 in relation to the proposed move of ECD from DSD to DBE as you answer the questions:

1. In your opinion, what responsibility should be managed by the DBE, DsD, DoH and any other relevant government agencies?
2. What are your general concerns about the move from DSD to DBE?
3. What issues should we pay attention to as a sector in relation to the move?
4. What role do you see community ECD centres, home and community-based ECD sites and other modes of delivery (play groups, toy libraries etc)  playing in the event of a move from DSD to DBE? Some elements to think about are listed below although not limited to:
• Infrastructure and registration,
• Subsidies and funding,
• Employment of staff, and
• A professional body for ECD
5. How will the proposed move impact on training and capacity building provided by RTOs?