Early Childhood Development (ECD) is defined in Section 91 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as “the process of emotional, cognitive, sensory, spiritual, moral, physical, and social and communication development of children from birth to school-going age.”1 It is a comprehensive approach to programmes and policies for children from birth to nine years of age, with the active participation of their parents and caregivers. Its purpose is to protect the rights of children to develop their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential.

Paper by CPLO