Early childhood development (ECD) practitioners from across Ekurhuleni gathered at the Faranani Multipurpose Centre in Tsakani on July 24, where the South African Early Childhood Development Teachers Union (SAECDTU) outlined its vision to professionalise the sector and improve conditions for practitioners.

Speaking to the African Reporter, SAECDTU president Dr Bafana Langa said the meeting aimed to introduce the union to ECD forums and practitioners while presenting its three strategic objectives of systematisation, professionalisation and universalisation.

He said the organisation wanted to ensure the ECD sector was represented at every level of government and had a national voice capable of influencing policy and legislation.

“We have seen that it is important that ECD is represented in every sphere,” said Langa.

He explained that although many ECD forums and organisations already exist, there has been no unified national body with the capacity to advocate effectively for the sector at policy level.

Langa added that the objective is to bring systematisation, professionalisation and universalisation together to make sure that ECD is fully professionalised.

He also said the meeting created an opportunity for practitioners and ECD centre principals to engage directly with the union’s leadership and raise concerns affecting the sector.

He added that many practitioners had previously interacted with officials at the district level but often felt their concerns had not been adequately addressed.

“We wanted them to engage with us directly and ask the questions they have on the ground so that we can provide answers and work together on solutions,” said Langa.

He shared that SAECDTU had worked to protect practitioners from fraudulent training providers and to create pathways for recognised qualifications.

“We found that many people leading ECD centres did not have the qualifications they were believed to have.

“By helping them gain recognised qualifications, we improve their careers and create opportunities for better salaries,” he said.

Looking ahead, Langa said practitioners could expect practical support following the Tsakani meeting.

He indicated that the union partners and administrators would soon visit ECD centres to assist with the systematisation of retirement annuities, medical aid, and other employment benefits.

Among those attending the meeting was Lebogang Tsotetsi, principal of Happy Feet Day Care Centre and president of the Tsakani Association for Child Care, who said the event was an opportunity for practitioners, particularly those running new centres, to better understand the ECD sector and the support available.

“My centre is still new, so I wanted to know more about ECDs, how they operate and how everything works,” said Tsotetsi.

She said the biggest challenge facing ECD centres is a lack of funding. Tsotetsi indicated that the main support the ECD centre needs from the government is financial assistance, as ECD centres do not have sufficient funds to operate.

The principal noted that ECD practitioners are still not fully recognised for the important work they do.

“From the public, many people think ECD practitioners are just looking after children, and they don’t understand the deeper role we play.

“With government, I can say they are getting there and beginning to recognise us more,” she said.

She emphasised that ECD centres play a critical role in a child’s development by laying the foundation for future learning and independence.

“We develop children holistically from the beginning, teaching them everything from sitting and standing to becoming independent.

“We help build the character of the child and prepare them for school and life,” she said.

Tsotetsi urged parents and communities to value early childhood education and enrol children at ECD centres from an early age.