Nutrition Guidelines for ECD Programmes

Good nutrition plays a vital role in the healthy growth and development of young children. In Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, providing balanced and nutritious meals supports children’s physical development, concentration and ability to learn.

The nutrition guidelines for ECD programmes encourage the provision of healthy meals and snacks that include a variety of food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. These guidelines also promote safe food preparation, clean drinking water and the development of healthy eating habits from an early age.

By following these guidelines, ECD centres can help ensure that children receive the nutrients they need to grow, stay healthy and participate fully in learning activities.

View the Nutrition Guidelines

see Nutrition on page 74

ECD Policy

Teacher reading a book with a class of preschool children

The South African government recognises that the early years of a child’s life are critical for healthy development and lifelong learning. For this reason, Early Childhood Development (ECD) has been prioritised in the country’s National Development Plan 2030, which aims to improve access to quality early learning opportunities for all children.

The National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy provides a national framework for delivering ECD services across the country. It outlines how government departments, communities and organisations should work together to support children from birth until the year before they start formal schooling.

The policy focuses on ensuring that all young children have access to essential services, including early learning, nutrition, healthcare, safety and supportive caregiving. By strengthening ECD programmes and improving access to quality services, the policy aims to give every child the best possible start in life.

Read the National Integrated ECD Policy

DO MORE Foundation

Excited African children with their hands up in the air

The DO MORE Foundation is a South African nonprofit organisation focused on improving the lives of young children and strengthening communities. The foundation works by building partnerships between businesses, government, nonprofits and communities to support Early Childhood Development (ECD), food security and community upliftment initiatives.

Through its programmes, the foundation helps ensure that young children – especially those in under-resourced communities – have access to early learning opportunities, proper nutrition and supportive caregiving environments.

The foundation also recognises individuals who are making a difference in their communities through its Do More Heroes initiative. These “Heroes” are people doing inspiring charitable work that supports children, families and community development across South Africa.

Discover DO MORE Heroes

Shine Literacy Programme

image of two children with a book reading

Shine Literacy was a South African nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping children from disadvantaged communities improve their reading and writing skills. Its programmes focused mainly on Grade 2 and Grade 3 learners, providing additional support during the crucial early years of learning to read.

The programme worked closely with schools, teachers, volunteers and parents to give children more individual attention than they typically receive in crowded classrooms. Through structured sessions that included paired reading, shared reading, writing practice and educational games, learners developed stronger literacy skills and a growing love for books and learning.

Over more than two decades, the organisation supported thousands of children across South Africa and trained volunteers and youth facilitators to help struggling readers become confident learners. Although the organisation closed in 2024, its resources and literacy model continue to support schools and community organisations working to improve reading outcomes for children.

Learn More About Shine Literacy

Free PLAY Training Courses

Children, magnifying glass and explore nature outdoor for education, vacation journey or wildlife discover. Siblings, grass park and forest for research on mountain field or adventure, holiday or fun.

Take learning to new heights with free online PLAY courses designed for people who work with young children. These courses help Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners, teachers and caregivers strengthen their skills in using play-based learning to support children’s development.

As a PLAY member, you can complete as many courses as you wish at your own pace. The flexible online format includes practical activities, videos and learning resources that can be applied in early learning centres, classrooms and community programmes.

Start Free PLAY Courses

ECD Certificate Programme

side-view-children-walking-against-house

Running an Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme is a meaningful way to support young children and strengthen your community. If you operate a crèche, daycare or preschool programme in South Africa, obtaining an ECD Programme Certificate helps ensure that your programme meets national standards for care, safety and child development.

An ECD Programme Certificate confirms that your programme provides a safe and structured environment where children can learn, grow and develop. Registered programmes are expected to support children’s emotional, social, physical and cognitive development while promoting their dignity, culture and individuality.

To apply for certification, practitioners typically need appropriate ECD training or experience and must provide information about their programme. This may include details about staff, facilities, the learning programme and how the service will be managed. Applications are submitted through the Department of Social Development or the relevant local authority.

Once approved, the certificate may be issued for up to five years. Registration is free and can take several weeks to process. Being registered can also open doors to potential support and funding opportunities for qualifying programmes.

If you already run or are planning to start an ECD programme, applying for certification is an important step toward providing quality early childhood care and education.

Learn How to Apply for an ECD Programme Certificate