Status of compliance of Mamelodi ECD centres to the city of Tshwane ECD funding strategy: a social work perspective

Abstract

Early childhood development centres play a major role in supporting the development of children from zero to six years. For sustainability and strengthening ECD Centres funding is provided by government departments, municipalities and the private sector. The City of Tshwane is funding a number of ECD centres in Mamelodi. The CoT has clear guidelines, policies and procedures outlined in the funding strategy. The challenge faced by the CoT is the compliance and accountability of the funded ECD centres. Utilizing the qualitative approach, this study communicates the challenges faced by the eight Mamelodi ECD centres in keeping to the allocated line items outlined by the CoT funding strategy. The study describes the status of compliance of these centres. It further outlines the CoT funding processes, the ECD managers’ understanding, concerns and reasons behind the lack of compliance. Based on the findings, the study makes recommendations for practice, policy and further research studies.