{"id":483,"date":"2022-05-19T12:22:46","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T12:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/?page_id=483"},"modified":"2023-10-18T08:12:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T08:12:20","slug":"ecd-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/ecd-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"ECD in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video alignfull video-banner\"><video controls muted poster=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/homepage-video.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Smartstart-Mosselbay-Boy_-Foosball-Edit-003-1.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-3b0daea4\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\"><div class=\"ast-breadcrumbs-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ast-breadcrumbs-inner\"><nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumb-trail breadcrumbs\" ><div class=\"ast-breadcrumbs\"><ul class=\"trail-items\" ><li  class=\"trail-item trail-end\"><span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/\" rel=\"home\"><span >Home<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-eaf37d48\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-9acabb34 uagb-heading-text uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><\/h1><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><\/h1><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">The Current Situation<\/h1><\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-7b7508b9 uagb-heading-text uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><h6 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><h6 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><\/h6><h6 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\">A significant number of children in South Africa miss out on early learning opportunities that develop their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical potential.<br><br>It is estimated that 1.1 million children aged 3-4 years are not in any early learning programme. Nearly 500 000 of these young children are from underserved communities across South Africa.<br><br>A further two million attend unregistered early learning programmes. Most of these unregistered programmes operate <em>under the radar<\/em>, run from private homes and other community premises, to meet demand. Unable to access subsidies required for advancement, these makeshift facilities remain trapped in a cycle of low quality and inadequate funding.<\/p><\/h6><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\"><\/p><\/h6><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\">A significant number of children in South Africa miss out on early learning opportunities that develop their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical potential.<br><br>It is estimated that 1.1 million children aged 3-4 years are not in any early learning programme. Nearly 500 000 of these young children are from underserved communities across South Africa.<br><br>A further two million attend unregistered early learning programmes. Most of these unregistered programmes operate <em>under the radar<\/em>, run from private homes and other community premises, to meet demand. Unable to access subsidies required for advancement, these makeshift facilities remain trapped in a cycle of low quality and inadequate funding.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-e273d77b uagb-heading-text uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\"><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><\/h1><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><\/h1><h1 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">The Current Situation<\/h1><\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"undefined uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\">A significant number of children in South Africa miss out on early learning opportunities that develop their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"undefined uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\">It is estimated that 1.1 million children aged 3-4 years are not in any early learning programme. Nearly 500 000 of these young children are from underserved communities across South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"undefined uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\">A further two million attend unregistered early learning programmes. Most of these unregistered programmes operate <em>under the radar<\/em>, run from private homes and other community premises, to meet demand. Unable to access subsidies required for advancement, these makeshift facilities remain trapped in a cycle of low quality and inadequate funding.A significant number of children in South Africa currently miss out on evidence-based foundations for developing their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:48px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"undefined uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\" style=\"font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Jump to menu: <a href=\"#smart-solution\">Smart Solution<\/a> | <a href=\"#policy-hub\">Policy Hub<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop wp-elements-4012078d212589845b1c68faa259c331\" style=\"font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Jump to menu:<br><\/strong><a href=\"#smart-solution-mobile\">Smart Solution <\/a>| <a href=\"#policy-hub-mobile\">Policy Hub<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-a7839450 uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-4f4cd352 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Main Barriers to Quality Early Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer 35\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png\" alt=\"Financial\" class=\"wp-image-539 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Financial<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Seed and growth capital; revenue for costs and salaries<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school-300x207.png\" alt=\"Infrastructure\" class=\"wp-image-547 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Infrastructure<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Lack of suitable venues and no access to land to erect even basic structures<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills-296x300.png\" alt=\"Training and skills\" class=\"wp-image-551 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills-296x300.png 296w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Training and skills<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Inaccessible courses and lack of professional development pathways<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books-300x248.png\" alt=\"Curriculum\" class=\"wp-image-554 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books-300x248.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Curriculum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Limited user-friendly curricula and programme materials<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified-300x248.png\" alt=\"Regulatory\" class=\"wp-image-559 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified-300x248.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Regulatory<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">No formal registration or accreditation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star-300x240.png\" alt=\"Quality\" class=\"wp-image-562 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Systems for ongoing support and quality assurance<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-37494bfa stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Main Barriers for Parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb-300x265.png\" alt=\"Knowledge and information\" class=\"wp-image-571 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb-300x265.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Knowledge and information<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">About the role and nature of quality early learning<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png\" alt=\"Cost and affordability\" class=\"wp-image-539 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Cost and affordability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">For all households<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"220\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc-300x220.png\" alt=\"Accessibility and choice\" class=\"wp-image-574 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc-300x220.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Accessibility and choice <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Local and suitable alternatives)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-262b7542 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Building More Schools is Not The Only Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Relying on new purpose-built facilities is problematic because these divert limited funding to expensive infrastructure and slow the roll out of affordable, quality early learning programmes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-03d97689 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" id=\"smart-solution\" style=\"color:#50b848\">The Smart Solution:<br>Harnessing Our Wealth of Social Capital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many unemployed and under-employed South Africans lack formal qualifications, and this is particularly true of women and young people. However, they do have the aptitude and caring instinct to be effective early learning practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SmartStart is committed to recruiting, training and helping to set up tens of thousands of practitioners with the skills and understanding to run affordable, quality early learning programmes from existing homes and community premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">This has the potential to unlock access to quality early learning on a huge scale while creating direct employment. Our approach further supports economic development by providing childcare options for parents who would otherwise be unable to work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-294418b2 uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-898afae8 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-b-0 has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Main Barriers to Quality Early Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png\" alt=\"Financial\" class=\"wp-image-539 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Financial<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Seed and growth capital; revenue for costs and salaries<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school-300x207.png\" alt=\"Infrastructure\" class=\"wp-image-547 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-school.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Infrastructure <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Lack of suitable venues and no access to land to erect even basic structures<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills-296x300.png\" alt=\"Training and skills\" class=\"wp-image-551 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills-296x300.png 296w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-skills.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Training and skills <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Inaccessible courses and lack of professional development pathways<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books-300x248.png\" alt=\"Curriculum\" class=\"wp-image-554 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books-300x248.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-books.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Curriculum <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Limited user-friendly curricula and programme materials<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified-300x248.png\" alt=\"Regulatory\" class=\"wp-image-559 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified-300x248.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-certified.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Regulatory<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">No formal registration or accreditation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star-300x240.png\" alt=\"Quality\" class=\"wp-image-562 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-star.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Quality<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Systems for ongoing support and quality assurance<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-dfd1a9bf stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-b-0 has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Main Barriers for Parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb-300x265.png\" alt=\"Knowledge and information\" class=\"wp-image-571 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb-300x265.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-light-bulb.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Knowledge and information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">About the role and nature of quality early learning<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png\" alt=\"Cost and affordability\" class=\"wp-image-539 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Cost and affordability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">For all households<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"220\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc-300x220.png\" alt=\"Accessibility and choice\" class=\"wp-image-574 size-medium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc-300x220.png 300w, https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-abc.png 413w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0\"><strong>Accessibility and choice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Local and suitable alternatives<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-1d51a349 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Building More Schools is Not The Only Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Relying on new purpose-built facilities is problematic because these divert the limited funding to expensive infrastructure and slow the pace of rolling out affordable, quality early learning programmes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-2926c6fd stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" id=\"smart-solution-mobile\" style=\"color:#50b848\">The Smart Solution:<br>Harnessing Our Wealth of Social Capital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a massive pool of untapped human resources within South Africa\u2019s communities. While many of the unemployed and under-employed (particularly women and young people) may lack formal qualifications, they do possess the aptitude and caring instinct to be effective early learning practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SmartStart is committed to recruiting, training and helping to set up tens of thousands of practitioners with the skills and understanding to run affordable, quality early learning programmes from existing homes and community premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">With the potential to unlock access to quality early learning on a huge scale while creating direct employment, the approach further supports economic development through the provision of childcare options for parents who would otherwise be unable to go to work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-0aef58a4 text-center\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-tablet uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-6773a6c2 uagb-columns__columns-4 uagb-columns__max_width-custom\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-4\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-e4b2045e stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-1 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"#\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-01-icon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-962\" style=\"width:95px;height:115px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"#\">Download our SmartStart Programme brochure<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-1d42c613 stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-2 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"\/sign-up-form\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-02-icon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-961\" style=\"width:95px;height:115px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"\/sign-up-form\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"\/sign-up-form\/\">Sign up to find out more about how SmartStart can benefit your child<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-9b39432d stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-3 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"\/practitioners\/practitioner-registration-form\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-03-icon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-960\" style=\"width:95px;height:115px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"\/practitioners\/practitioner-registration-form\/\">Apply to become a Smart Practitioner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-1ceccf4d stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-4 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"\/investors-funders\/donation-form\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-04-icon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-959\" style=\"width:95px;height:115px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"\/investors-funders\/donation-form\/\">Donate and become a Smart Investor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-tablet uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-51f0668b uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-custom\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-none uagb-block-8f4f6f95\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-5cf8890d stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-5 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"\/contact\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-09-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-991\" style=\"width:100px;height:115px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"\/contact\">Contact us<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-none uagb-block-0e0fab18\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-bb8953d9\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-f5ec3581 stepping-stone uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" id=\"policy-hub\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Policy Hub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SmartStart works closely with public, private and community-based organisations to increase awareness around the value of early learning, especially amongst parents, and to advocate for policy reforms that will achieve access for all by 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you can find all the latest information from government and parliament, as well as news from the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Click here for all the latest news and documents relating to the Children\u2019s Amendment Bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group more-button-group is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full image-button more-button\"><a href=\"\/about\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"187\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/button-more.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1202\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><a href=\"\/resource-centre\">More<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group more-button-hover-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full image-button more-button\"><a href=\"\/about\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"187\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/button-more-hover.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1204\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><a href=\"\/resource-centre\">More<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-bbd38ed9 stepping-stone uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" id=\"policy-hub-mobile\" style=\"color:#50b848\">Policy Hub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SmartStart works closely with public, private and community-based organisations to increase awareness around the value of early learning, especially amongst parents, and to advocate for policy reforms that will achieve access for all by 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you can find all the latest information from government and parliament, as well as news from the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"m-b-0\">Click here for all the latest news and documents relating to the Children\u2019s Amendment Bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group more-button-group is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full image-button more-button\"><a href=\"\/about\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"187\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/button-more.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1202\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><a href=\"\/resource-centre\">More<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group more-button-hover-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full image-button more-button\"><a href=\"\/about\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"187\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/button-more-hover.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1204\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><a href=\"\/resource-centre\">More<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-8573f951 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">ECD Advocacy Bulletins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/May-2023-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; May 2023<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Jan-23-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; January 2023<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Sep-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; September 2022<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211;<\/span><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">January 2022<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Aug-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; August 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/May-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; May 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mar-21-SmartStart-Special-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Special Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; March 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; January 2021<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-0d08005c stepping-stone uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#50b848\">ECD Advocacy Bulletins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/May-2023-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; May 2023<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; January 2023<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Sep-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; September 2022<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-22-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; January 2022<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Aug-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; August 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/May-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; May 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mar-21-SmartStart-Special-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Special Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; March 2021<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Jan-21-SmartStart-Advocacy-Bulletin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Advocacy Bulletin &#8211; January 2021<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-aaceab18\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-tablet uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-30 align uagb-block-b4470693 uagb-columns__columns-2 uagb-columns__max_width-custom\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-3d75571f stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-6\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"\/ecd-in-south-africa\/resource-centre\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"151\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-11.png\" alt=\"Resource Centre\" class=\"wp-image-1019 size-full\"\/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-mob uag-hide-mob wp-elements-25227ad81b608c63596d88694ab35266\"><a href=\"\/ecd-in-south-africa\/resource-centre\"><strong>Resource Centre<br><\/strong>Access relevant law, policy and research.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab wp-elements-524942d2a6e170c926c559dc0ab6b66f\"><a href=\"\/ecd-in-south-africa\/resource-centre\"><strong>Resource Centre<br><\/strong>Access relevant law, policy and research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-b591cb1e stepping-stone-col\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center ecd-button-pic ecd-button-pic-7\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"\/videos\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"151\" height=\"151\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buttons_ECD-13.png\" alt=\"Videos\" class=\"wp-image-1017 size-full\"\/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-mob uag-hide-mob wp-elements-1f9b1d5b81788aaaee2332c5de114ec1\"><a href=\"\/videos\/\"><strong>Videos<br><\/strong>Watch videos on the power of early learning programmes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab wp-elements-e6a235495310decd7970414fd0447935\"><a href=\"\/videos\/\"><strong>Videos<br><\/strong>Watch videos on the power of early learning programmes.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-e7a9395d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-1770376e stepping-stone uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-vertically-aligned-center media-text-button uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/practitioners-06-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1922 size-full\"\/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-07907a0298fe8df0f146f600581bf95c\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-vertically-aligned-center media-text-button uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/practitioners-06-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1922 size-full\"\/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7d06dcc328b67f08effdaafaab4bea7e\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-15a7fc08 stepping-stone uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center ecd-button-pic uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-desktop\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/practitioners-06-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1922 size-full\"\/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-mob uag-hide-mob wp-elements-8e2c15ebe98737e175aae458fb76196a\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center m-b-0 has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab wp-elements-8788957b903b75b9c72702e5f54f6754\"><a href=\"\/faq\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"inherit-container-width wp-block-group alignfull lightbox has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;background-color:#000000a6;padding-top:40px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:20px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-image uagb-block-114ea708 stepping-stone stepping-stone-mobile\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"text-right\"><span class=\"lightbox-close\"><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"sign-up\">Message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Get in touch with SmartStart by leaving a message below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div 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\/><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"child-name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"child&#039;s name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"child-name\" \/><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p><input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner send\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Send\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<script>\njQuery(document).ready(function($){\n    \/* ECD button images *\/\n    const ecdBtnPic1 = $('.ecd-button-pic-1 img').attr('src');\n    const ecdBtnPic2 = $('.ecd-button-pic-2 img').attr('src');\n    const ecdBtnPic3 = $('.ecd-button-pic-3 img').attr('src');\n    const ecdBtnPic4 = $('.ecd-button-pic-4 img').attr('src');\n    const ecdBtnPic5 = $('.ecd-button-pic-5 img').attr('src');\n    const ecdBtnPic6 = 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-->\n<title>ECD in South Africa | SmartStart<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/ecd-in-south-africa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ECD in South Africa | SmartStart\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/ecd-in-south-africa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SmartStart\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.fb.com\/smartstartsa\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-10-18T08:12:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/smartstart.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/icon-cash-300x191.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" 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