Department of Education has called all ECD Centres to Register
Registering your ECD centre shows that you centre is safe and offers quality.
Registration also legitimises your centre and gives it credibility in the eyes of parents and your community and helps create opportunities for future support and growth. Registration takes time but it is easy. Registration is done online on the new eCares website and SmartStart and Bana Pele are here to help you apply, comply and complete.
Register and gain all the benefits!
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) wants your ECD centre to be official! As an ECD practitioner, you play an important role in preparing children for school and helping families in your community.
Registering your ECD centre with the Department of Basic Education shows parents, community members and partners that you are committed to providing a safe, quality early learning environment for children.
Registration is not just paperwork. It is an important step in building a stronger, more professional and sustainable ECD programme. Registration is easy and beneficial:
Gain Recognition
Show parents and your community members that your centre provides quality early learning.
Build Parent Trust
Registration signals that your programme is a safe place for children to learn. meets the DBE’s norms and standards.
Be Recognised as an ECD Practitioner
Registration helps position you as an early learning professional who is helping children develop the skills they need for school and life.
Access Future Funding Opportunities
Registered centres can apply for the DBE R18 per child, per day, subsidy and more private and public sector support.
Improve Your Centre
The registration process helps you identify practical improvements to make your centre safer, better and more attractive to parents.
We understand that registration can seem scary. Doing something new and different can cause us to become fearful of what we don’t know. Watch how other ECD practitioners’ registration experience has been on the video below:
We hear your concerns and we’re here to provide you with support to take the next step to register your ECD centre.
I don’t know where to start
We have provided a full step by step registration process to guide you through the Bronze and Silver or Gold registration process. You can also ask for assistance from family members, neighbours and community members when completing online registration. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
If you need more support, you can contact Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask family members, neighbours and community members you trust to help you with the registration process. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels.
My building is not perfect yet.
That’s okay.
Registration is designed to help programmes improve over time. Bronze registration provides an important first step towards meeting the full standards required for Silver or Gold registration. Once you get started the process will guide you on how to meet the Department of Basic Education’s ECD Centre norms and standards.
I am worried that government will close my centre.
Registration is designed to support programmes, not punish them. The Department of Basic Education has recognised the importance of the role you play as an ECD centre owner. The goal is to help ECD centres improve quality, safety and learning opportunities for children.
The process seems complicated.
Thousands of early learning practitioners like you have successfully completed registration. And you can too. The Department of Basic Education has launched Bana Pele to simplify the process and make it easier for ECD centre owners to register.
Support is available through Bana Pele, SmartStart coaches, clubs, WhatsApp support and the Funda App to help you every step of the way.
I don’t know how to use online systems.
If you need more support, you can contact Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask family members, neighbours and community members you trust to help you with the registration process. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
If you need more support Bana Pele and SmartStart are also ready to help you:
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels.
Why should I register if parents already know me?
Registration helps build credibility beyond your immediate community and demonstrates that your programme meets recognised standards for safety and quality. When the department of education knows about the full number of ECD centres in South Africa it can understand the needs of ECD centres. This allows the department to properly allocate better funding and resources, like the R18 per child per day, subsidy for the whole ECD sector.
If you have any issues with the registration process, you can reach out for help on:
Bana Pele USSD
Dial *1347*7776# and someone from the Bana Pele team will call you back on 010 476 1004.
Bana Pele WhatsApp
Bana Pele support email
SmartStart WhatsApp line
SmartStart free call line
Take Steps Towards Registration
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has launched a new registration drive for ECD programmes. This means that government will support registration of ECD programmes by using a simpler and user-friendly online registration system.
The new registration process is made up of three stages.
APPLY
The ECD programme submits an application through an online form or WhatsApp Bot and receives an initial Bronze certificate.
COMPLY
The ECD programme submits remaining documentation and receives site visits to check that they comply with the norms and standards.
COMPLETE
The ECD programme receives a silver or gold certificate.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you get started, know which kind of ECD programme you run because there are different registration rules for the different programmes.
Know your programme:
Bronze Registration Documents
Bronze is the first stage of the registration process and it is called the ‘Apply’ stage. Before beginning your Bronze registration application, make sure you have the following documents and information available.
Certified Identity Documents
You will need a certified copy of your South African ID or other acceptable identification document.
You will also need certified copies of the IDs of:
- ECD practitioners working in your programme
- Assistant practitioners
- Other staff members working at the site
Tip 1: Ensure all copies are clear, easy to read and certified no more than 3 month ago
Tip 2: Save each of these documents as separate files with clear names (e.g., “ID Jane Doe,” “Form30 John Doe”).
Form 30 for Every Staff Member
Form 30 is a declaration form required as part of the registration process.
You will need a completed Form 30 for:
- The programme owner
- ECD practitioners
- Assistants
- Support staff
Basic Programme Information
You will need to provide information about your programme, including:
- Name of your programme
- Physical address
- Contact information
- Number of children enrolled
- Operating days and hours
- Details of staff members (Highest ECD qualification for each staff member, their email addresses, and mobile numbers.)
- Photo of a classroom in your ECD centre
- Birth to 18 months
- 18 months to 3 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 4 to 5 years
- 5 to 6 years
For each age group, you’ll need the following information:
- Number of boys and girls
- Boys and girls receiving the Child Support Grant
- Boys and girls with special needs
- Number of staff members
- Total number of children
Health and Safety Self-Assessment
Bronze registration requires you to answer a list of questions to check if your centre meets minimum health and safety standards. This self-assessment helps make sure that children learn in a safe, healthy and appropriate for early learning environment.
Some examples of the questions include:
- Safe indoor learning space
- Adequate ventilation (Is there a window letting fresh air into your classrooms?)
- Access to clean water (Is there safe, clean drinking water available in your centre?)
- Appropriate sanitation facilities (Do you have a toilet that’s small enough for the children, if not, do you have potties that the children can use)
- Safe food preparation areas (Is your kitchen safe for making food for the children?)
- Basic emergency procedures (Do you have an emergency exit, an evacuation plan, a sand bucket, an assembly point and an emergency plan on a wall so it’s easy for everyone to see?)
HOW TO APPLY
You can submit your application through the following channels:
Complete an online form
Complete an online form on eCares website
https://dbecares.gov.za/
Send “Hi” on WhatsApp
Send “Hi” to the Bana Pele WhatsApp line on 087 725 2059
Request a call back
Dial *1347*7776# and someone from the Bana Pele team will call you back.
eCares registration platform and create your profile
You will need:
- Your reliable cell phone number
- Email address (if available)
- Personal details
If you choose to complete the online form on eCares, here’s a step-by-step video to help you register on the eCares website:
Step 1: Create Your eCares Account
Visit the eCares registration platform and create your profile.
You will need:
- Mobile phone number
- Email address (if available)
- Personal details
Step 2: Capture Your Programme Information
Complete the online application form.
The system will ask for:
- Programme details
- Practitioner information
- Site information
- Child enrolment information
Take your time and complete all sections carefully.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload documents for each person:
✓ Certified ID copy
✓ Form 30
✓ Any additional supporting documents requested
If you can’t scan the documents you can take clear photographs with a smartphone and make sure all the information is visible.
Step 4: Complete the Self-Assessment
Answer questions about your programme’s health, safety and operating conditions.
The self-assessment is not intended to catch you out.
It helps identify where support may be needed as you continue your registration journey.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review all information carefully before submitting.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed.
Corrections
The BDE might send you a notification to make some corrections to your application. If you receive this notification, make sure that you complete the corrections as soon as you can so you can get confirmation registration and receive your Bronze certificate.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation
Once your Bronze registration has been approved, you will receive confirmation from the Department of Basic Education.
Important
Once all the documents have been submitted, BDE will confirm that the documents are correct and send you the Bronze certificate.
Bronze registration is valid for 12 months.
During this period, you should begin preparing for Silver or Gold registration.
Bana Pele USSD
Dial *1347*7776# and someone from the Bana Pele team will call you back on 010 476 1004.
Bana Pele WhatsApp
Bana Pele support email
SmartStart WhatsApp line
SmartStart free call line
Take the Next Step Towards Silver or Gold Registration
Congratulations on receiving your Bronze certificate! Bronze Registration is valid for 12 months and is designed to help you begin preparing for the next stage of registration. So as soon as you get your Bronze certificate, it is time to start planning for Silver or Gold Registration.
Silver and Gold Registration are important milestones that demonstrate the quality, professionalism and sustainability of your ECD centre. They are the COMPLY and COMPLETE stages of the registration process.
2. COMPLY: The ECD programme submits remaining documentation and receives site visits to check that they comply with the norms and standards.
3. COMPLETE: The ECD programme receives a silver or gold certificate.
Silver or Gold registration demonstrate that your centre meets higher standards of quality, safety, and early learning delivery where Gold meets slightly higher standards than Silver. Completing Silver or Gold both allows you to apply for the DBE’s R18, per child, per day subsidy and most importantly, it helps ensure that every child in your care learns, grows and develops in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.
Both Silver and Gold registrations align with BDE’s national norms and standards for early childhood development and are designed for centre-based programmes operating for at least 16 hours per week with more than six children enrolled.
Silver or Gold which is the best for my ECD Centre?
The best option depends on the stage of growth and readiness of your centre. DBE will review of your submitted documents and the outcomes of the social worker and environmental health officer’s site visits and decide whether your centre receives Silver or Gold certification depending on the standards your centre meets.
What Does Silver Registration Mean?
Silver Registration recognises centres that have established the admin systems, policies and ECD centre foundations required to deliver quality early learning services. Silver registration helps you move from basic registration into a more established and recognised ECD programme. Silver registration is valid for 3 years.
Silver Registration means your centre:
- Has successfully achieved Bronze Registration
- Is ready to formalise their operations
- Has developed key policies and procedures
- Demonstrates quality and professionalism
“This ECD centre is organised, committed to quality and actively building a strong foundation for children’s learning and development.”
What Does Gold Registration Mean?
Gold Registration represents the highest level of registration within the Bana Pele pathway and demonstrates a mature, well-managed and high-quality ECD programme. Gold registration positions your centre as a leader in quality early learning within your community. Gold registration is valid for 5 years.
Gold registration means that your centre:
- Meets all required DBE norms and standards
- Has strong management systems
- Consistently delivers quality learning experiences
- Is ready for long-term sustainability and growth
“This programme consistently delivers high-quality early learning experiences and provides children with a safe, well-managed and developmentally appropriate environment.”
To see the full list of Silver vs Gold registration requirements for centre based and non-centre based ELPs download the guide below:
Know your ECD centre type so you can prepare the relevant documents for your submission and site visits:
Required documents for Silver or Gold registration depending on your type of ECD centre
| SILVER/ GOLD APPLICATION SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS | CENTRE-BASED | NON-CENTRE BASED |
|---|---|---|
| For submission | ||
Business plan:
| ✓ | ✓ |
Site plan
| ✓ | × |
Founding document (Constitution is only required in your ECD centre is registered as a legal entity e.g. voluntary association, non-profit organisation, trust, for-profit private company or partnership) | ✓ | × |
Silver: Health Inspection Report Gold: Health Certificate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Implementation Plan | ✓ | ✓ |
Staff qualifications:
| ✓ | ✓ |
| For Social worker and Environmental Helath Site Visits | ||
| Medicine Register | ✓ | × |
| Discipline Register | ✓ | × |
| Structural disaster and emergency procedures (Gold only) | ✓ | × |
Approved building plan/application for building plan/ hand drawn site plan | ✓ | × |
| Emergency plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Discipline policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daily programme | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accident and incident register | ✓ | × |
| Health, illness and hygiene policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attendance Register | ✓ | × |
| Child admission/registration form | ✓ | × |
WHEN COMPLETING THE DOCUMENTS, REMEMDER:
ECD identifier number (eCares number) that you will receive from eCares must be completed on every document where there is a space to include it.
While Bana Pele provides document templates; you can make use of your own documents such as documents in the SmartStart’s Purple folder or Pink file. But remember to always check that the documents you use provide the same information as the Bana Pele templates and add your eCares number at the top of each form.
Your Journey to Silver or Gold Registration
Receive Bronze Approval
Congratulations. Bronze Registration confirms that you have started your formal registration journey.
Start Preparing Your Submission Registration Documents
Look at the registration guides and begin gathering information to complete templates for the submission section of the Silver or Gold Registration.
Apply for Silver/Gold Registration
Log in to your eCares account, start Silver/Gold registration. Make sure your documents are correct and saved on your devise and seperate files. Upload the documents as per the registration instructions.
Prepare Your Centre
Review your ECD centre’s environment, health and safety practices and daily operations to ensure readiness for site visits.
Environmental Health Inspection
An environmental health practitioner from your municipality conducts a site inspection to confirm that your centre is safe and healthy environment for children.
Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application and supporting documents from the environmental health inpector on eCares.
Social Work Inspection
The Department of Basic Education in your district will check all your documents and conduct a social work site inspection.
Registration Decision
Your application is reviewed and, once approved, your Silver or Gold Registration is awarded.
Ongoing Quality Improvement
Registration is not a destination. Continue strengthening your programme and supporting children’s development.
Understand the key Silver/Gold registration documents
The Silver and Gold Registration Submission is a key step in the registration process. ECD programmes are required to submit the application and supporting documents prior to the social worker visit. The business plan and other key submission documents for Silver/Gold registration are explained in the section on below.
S1 – Business Plan
Your business plan provides an overall picture of your programme and helps the Department of Basic Education (DBE) understand how you run your programme. The business plan is made up of 5 documents. You can find the business plan template below:
The business plan (S1) includes the following documents:
- S1.1: Programme Overview: Describe your ECD programme in detail and who it is aimed at.
- S1.2: Financial Overview: Explain how you manage your money including the fees you charge, your income, and monthly expenses.
- S1.3: Management Structure: List the names of the people who run or are responsible for the programme. For a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), this would be your management committee.
- S1.4: Daily Programme: Show what you do and when you do the daily activities in your ECD centre including activities like play, toilet time, meals, rest, and learning.
- S1.5: Discipline Policy: Explain how you manage children’s challenging behaviour by using positive guidance and avoiding harsh or physical punishment.
S2 – Site plan/hand drawn site plan
Imagine you are looking at your ECD centre from the sky above and the building has no roof and make a simple sketch of what you see. Take a look at the example below:
What to Include:
- Draw the layout of your site as seen from above.
- Label rooms (e.g. classroom, kitchen, toilets, play area).
- Add the size of the rooms and features like windows, doors, basins, and outdoor play area.
S3 – Founding Document (Constitution)
This only applies for centre based ECD centres that are registered as a legal entity i.e. voluntary association, non-profit organisation, trust, for-profit company, partnership. If your centre falls within one of the above types of organisations, you will need to submit your founding governance document or a constitution.
A constitution is a document that describes why a voluntary association exists and how it is governed. You can submit your already existing founding documents/constitutions that are submitted to CPIC or to the Department of Social Development that you used to register as a legal entity, otherwise, an example of a constitution developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development is also provided below:
Key Sections to Include in a Constitution are:
- The organisation’s name and purpose
- How it is governed and the roles different people play
- Rules for decision-making and finances
S4. Emergency Plan
An Emergency Plan is a legal requirement in all ECD centres and should be displayed where the staff and visitors can see it. This document provides details about the steps to follow in case of emergencies or disasters including a route for leaving the building quickly and safely. It must include a list of emergency phone numbers. A template of an emergency plan template is provided below:
S5. Implementation plan
An implementation plan shows the general learning and development areas/themes and concepts that will be covered in a year for the children in your ECD centre to learn key concepts or skills through themes and play-based learning. The implementation for the year must be detailed both monthly and weekly. You can refer to the NCF for ECD for skills and concepts appropriate to different ages. A template of the implementation plan is provided below:
QUALIFICATIONS or PROOF OF EXPERIENCE
Just like any other profession, qualifications and experience provide the necessary skills to equip practitioners with the knowhow to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
Silver eligibility
To be eligible for Silver registration the supervisor or a practitioner of the ECD centre should have an ECD qualification e.g. NQF Level 1-6 or an appropriate ECD qualification or accredited short course (e.g. EDTP SETA, QCTO, SACE), a copy of this qualification should be submitted under staff qualifications.
OR
If none of the staff have a an ECD qualification, then proof of 3 years’ experience is required in the form of a CV or work contract or reference
Gold eligibility
To be eligible for Gold registration the applicant of the ECD centre’s applicant (ECD Owner/Supervisor/Principal/Committee Chair) should have an ECD qualification e.g. NQF Level 1-6 or an appropriate ECD qualification, a copy of this qualification should be submitted under staff qualifications.
OR
If the applicant (ECD Owner/Supervisor/Principal/Committee Chair) of the ECD centre does not have ECD qualification, then proof of at least 3 years’ experience is required in the form of a CV or work contract or reference.
Preparing for municipal inspections from an environmental health office and social worker
Municipal inspections from an environmental health office and social worker form part of the COMPLY phase of the registration process.
Social workers will review some of the documents listed below during their visit to your ECD centre. Make sure that all Silver/Gold documents you submitted are also available at your programme for the social worker visit.
What the social worker will inspect on their site visit?
| Attendance Register | Knowing who is absent and present each day is important to show good management and planning, and essential if you want to apply for the ECD subsidy. |
|---|---|
| Accident and Incident Register | Records of accidents, illnesses and other harmful events that occur at your ECD centre. These provide an important record, which can be shared with parents, detailing what happened and what steps you or your staff took to resolve the incident. |
| Discipline register | Records behavioural issues or incidents of children and the discipline method used to address it. |
| Medicine Register | Records any medicines given to children if your ECD centre has written parent consent to administer medicine. |
| Structural disaster and emergency procedures (Gold only) | Outlines the steps to follow during disasters or emergencies that are beyond the control of your ECD centre. |
| Child Admission/Registration Forms | Before a child enrols in a programme, parents should complete a child admission/registration form that provides basic personal information about the child. It is important that you or your staff know about any medical or other problems the children might have. |
| Health and Hygiene Policy | Lists your rules for keeping your facility clean, ensuring that children and staff are safe and healthy, and describes how you manage sick children. |
What the environmental health officer will inspect on the site visit
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the municipality will visit your centre during the COMPLY stage of registration. They will check your ECD centre is safe, not overcrowded and a healthy environment for children to learn and grow.
If you meet all the required standards, you will receive a Health Certificate that states the maximum number of children allowed to attend your programme. If you do not meet all municipal requirements, you will receive a Health Inspection Report outlining the gaps in your ECD centre that you need to work on. The certificate or report must be submitted with your Silver/Gold application.
There may be other municipal requirements that you need to fulfil depending on your municipality and you must comply with all of these. The main ones relate to land use, buildings and fire safety. Ask your social worker who to contact at the municipality to find out more.
Some municipalities may want to inspect the health and safety of your food preparation area. You can download the list of templates around your food safety below:
Refusal Notice
If you receive a refusal notice, it means you didn’t make it, but you have another chance. You will be told what the reasons are for the refusal, but you might have another chance. You will be given 1–6 months to address the problems before the social worker makes a follow-up visit. An ELP won’t have another chance if it is deemed to pose an immediate serious risk to children.
After your site visit
The EHP will issue one of 3 documents. These documents must be uploaded as part of the application process.
Inspection Report
Eligible for SilverIf you received a inspection your programmes will be eligible for silver registration provided all other requirements are met.
Health Certificate
Eligible for GoldIf you received a health certificate your programmes will be eligible for gold registration provided all other requirements are met.
Compliance Notice
Refusal NoticeIf you received a compliance notice, this will lead to a refusal notice which means you will get time to remedy the gaps.
Completing the registration process
This is the last stage. You are almost done!
Once all your documents are uploaded and your site visits are completed, the Department of Basic Education in your district will check all your documents. If you have completed your Silver/Gold application correctly and meet the basic standards for registration you will be eligible for Silver or Gold registration. If not, you may get a refusal notice where you will be given time to address any gaps at your programme. In serious cases you may be instructed to close your programme.
You’re Closer Than You Think
Every improvement you make, every document you complete and every step you take brings you closer to achieving Silver or Gold Registration.
You are more than an ECD practitioner. You are a teacher, a mentor, a business owner and a leader shaping the future of children in your community.
By continuing your registration journey, you are strengthening your ECD centre, growing your centre and creating better opportunities for the children and families who depend on you. Thousands of practitioners across South Africa are taking this journey alongside you.
With the support of Bana Pele you have access to the tools, guidance and encouragement needed to succeed. SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels.
The next step is within reach.
Need help?
You can get support through Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask family members, neighbours and community members you trust for assistance when completing your registration. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels.
If you have any issues with the registration process, you can reach out for help on:
Bana Pele USSD
Dial *1347*7776# and someone from the Bana Pele team will call you back on 010 476 1004.
Bana Pele WhatsApp
Bana Pele support email
SmartStart WhatsApp line
SmartStart free call line
Bana Pele ECD Registration Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start preparing for Silver or Gold Registration?
As soon as your Bronze Registration is approved.
2. How long is Bronze Registration valid?
Bronze Registration is valid for 12 months.
3. How long is Silver Registration valid?
Silver Registration is valid for 3 years.
4. How long is Gold Registration valid?
Gold Registration is valid for 5 years.
5. Do all ECD centres qualify for Silver or Gold Registration?
Only centres that complete the registration process and meet the standards and norms will qualify Silver and Gold are intended for qualifying centre-based programmes.
Some centres may receive a refusal notice. If you receive a refusal notice, it means you didn’t make it, but you have another chance to improve your centre to meet the standards and norms and register again. You will be told what the reasons are for the refusal, but you might have another chance. You will be given 1–6 months to address the problems before the social worker makes a follow-up visit. An ECD centre won’t have another chance if site visits or DBE deems that it poses an immediate serious risk to children.
6. What documents will I need?
You will need documents such as a business plan, programme profile, management structure and related policies. You can download the full registration guide and templates you will need below:
7. Do I need a municipal inspection?
Yes, municipal inspections from an environmental health office and social worker form part of the COMPLY phase of the registration process.
8. What happens during a site inspection?
Inspectors review safety, health, documentation and programme readiness including the following documents:
- Medicine Register
- Discipline Register
- Structural disaster and emergency procedures (Gold only)
- Approved building plan/application for building plan/
- hand drawn site plan
- Emergency plan
- Discipline policy
- Daily programme
- Accident and incident register
- Health, illness and hygiene policy
- Attendance Register
- Child admission/registration form
9. Will someone help me prepare?
Yes. You can get support through Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask for assistance from family members, neighbours and community members when completing online registration. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels:
10. What if my documents are incomplete?
Support is available to help you complete outstanding requirements. You can get support through Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask for assistance from family members, neighbours and community members when completing online registration. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels:
11. Can I apply for the R18/Child/Day subsidy once I complete Silver/Gold registered?
It is important to note that not all ECD centres will benefit directly from this allocation. The DBE has developed eligibility criteria that prioritise children in poverty wards, particularly those from households that cannot afford fees, as well as vulnerable children and children with disabilities. The targeting has been undertaken in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to ensure equitable access across the system.
Only ECD programmes that are Silver or Gold registered in line with the National Integrated ECD Policy and registration framework will qualify for funding. This approach ensures compliance with quality standards and accountability in the use of public funds. The DBE will monitor the implementation of this grant on a continuous basis through existing reporting mechanisms, including monthly and quarterly performance reviews.
12. Does registration help me access the R18 subsidy?
It is important to note that not all ECD centres will benefit directly from this allocation. The DBE has developed eligibility criteria that prioritise children in poverty wards, particularly those from households that cannot afford fees, as well as vulnerable children and children with disabilities. The targeting has been undertaken in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to ensure equitable access across the system.
Only ECD programmes that are Silver or Gold registered in line with the National Integrated ECD Policy and registration framework will qualify for funding. This approach ensures compliance with quality standards and accountability in the use of public funds. The DBE will monitor the implementation of this grant on a continuous basis through existing reporting mechanisms, including monthly and quarterly performance reviews.
In terms of the Conditional Grant Framework, 40% of the allocation is dedicated to supporting stipends for practitioners and staff employed in eligible early learning programmes where children are subsidised (households dependant on the child grant). The DBE’s role is to support and improve the value of stipends for qualified ECD practitioners rather than to serve as the direct employer, as ECD centres operate as independent entities under the management of registered service providers.
13. What if my centre needs improvements?
Many centres improve gradually while progressing through the registration journey and as the centre continues to grow.
14. Can I move from Silver to Gold later?
Yes. Silver provides a pathway towards Gold Registration. When you’re Silver registration is close to expiring you can restart the Silver/Gold Registration process and show that your centre should be eligible by complying with the Gold registration requirements.
DBE will review of your submitted documents and the outcomes of the social worker and environmental health officer’s site visits and decide whether your centre receives Silver or Gold certification depending on the standards your centre meets.
To see the full list of Silver vs Gold registration requirements for centre based and non-centre based ELPs download the guide below:
15. Where can I get help?
You can get support through Bana Pele support channels. You can also ask for assistance from family members, neighbours and community members when completing online registration. You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
SmartStart franchisees can also get support from SmartStart coaches, SmartStart Clubs, the Funda App and WhatsApp support channels.
If you have any issues with the registration process, you can reach out for help on:
Bana Pele USSD
Dial *1347*7776# and someone from the Bana Pele team will call you back on 010 476 1004.
