City steps up ECD support with compliance and mental health training
22 May 2025
The Community, Arts & Culture Development Department has assisted 170 ECDs in its drive to improve safety and compliance in the ECD sector. It’s also trained over 800 ECD staffers in disaster risk and mental health matters this year.
The Community, Arts & Culture Development (CACD) Department promotes access to Early Childhood Development, through support and capacity building for ECDs, the provision of resources and streamlining compliance processes to help centres towards registration with the Western Cape Department of Education.
Registered ECDs are able to access funding from the provincial government.
In the first six months of the current financial year, the department assisted 170 ECDs via its ECD modernisation tool with land use applications, and facilitating inspections of their premises to secure the necessary clearance certificates from the Fire & Rescue Service and Environmental Health.
These efforts align with the City’s goal of improving early childhood care outcomes and making regulatory processes easier for community-based centres.
‘There are numerous regulations in place for the ECD sector, but compliance is often a bridge too far for many. Our Community, Arts & Culture Development Department works closely with ECDs to guide them towards compliance, and ultimately registering with the Western Cape Government so that they can access critical funding. This work is about protecting our children, empowering staff, and ensuring every centre can meet essential standards. I urge parents to ask questions and take an active interest in their child’s care environment. We cannot compromise on child safety, and so it does require all hands on deck,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The City also places specific emphasis on capacitating ECD staff.
Training interventions include NGO Governance, Financial Literacy and Child Protection.
In the current financial year, nearly 800 staff members from 82 ECDs have participated in 21 training sessions on disaster prevention and mitigation, and mental health matters.
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING
• 36 ECDs from Mitchells Plain, Samora Machel and Siqalo attended the Disaster Risk Management Training.
• Topics included: Hazard identification and ranking, Mapping Skills; Emergency Planning & Evacuation Role Plays
• Participating ECDs received safety resources like fire extinguishers; fire blankets; reflective vests; gloves & ropes
MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING
• 46 ECDs from Strandfontein, Mitchells Plain, Grassy Park, Retreat, Ottery and Fairways attended
• The training included: Types of mental health disorders, understanding mental illness; treatment and support, and self-care
ECDs or members of the public who want to know more about training interventions or have questions about ECD registration, can contact their nearest CACD area office.
Area North: First Floor, Bloemhof Building, 112 Edward Street, Bellville
Area East: Ground Floor, 94 Van Riebeeck Street, Omniforum Building, Kuils River
Area Central: Unit 201, Block 2, De Tijger Office Park, Hannes Louw Drive, Parow
Area South: Third Floor, 200 Main Road, Claremont
Captions: Participants at one of the Mental Health training sessions held at Kirstenbosch
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
