Building Blocks of Learning: The Role of Educator Training in Early Childhood Development

Inadequate educator training is among the primary challenges in Early Childhood Development (ECD) in South Africa, as it impedes access to early quality education. Research indicates that only 34% of educators in local ECD centres have the required National Qualification Framework (NQF) 4 or 5 entry-level qualifications (Department of Basic Education, 2021). Whilst 35% of children aged 0 to 5 years fall behind the expected standard for early learning (Thrivebyfive, 2022) in the Western Cape province. Furthermore, 81% of South African 9 to 10-year-olds cannot read for comprehension in any official language (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, 2021). In light of these challenges, the case study aims to identify effective strategies for improving the quality of early learning outcomes in socioeconomically marginalised communities.

The research will explore educator training programmes at ECD centres in impoverished informal settlements of Cape Town, Western Cape. The focus will be on the current state of such interventions in these hard-to-reach residential areas, barriers hindering effective and quality training programmes, and the role played by the government, non-governmental organisations and policymakers in improving teacher training standards for quality early learning.