Early Childhood Development (ECD) is one of the key focus areas in education as this is the phase at which the learning foundations are laid. Grade R is the cornerstone of improving educational outcomes in respect to literacy and numeracy levels.
The department’s target of 85% set for universal access to Grade R as is stipulated in White Paper 5 has been exceeded. As the new school year begins the KZN Department of Education has established 186 Grade R classes at Partial Care Centres (Community Based Sites or crèches) and 6 070 Classes at 3 881 schools. 197 schools do not have Grade R classes as they draw their learners from private institutions in their vicinity. The roll out of Grade R classes started early in 2000. Presently, KZN has reached more than 90% of its five-year-old population.
In his 2010/11 Budget Speech the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu announced that the Department will increase the stipend for Grade R practitioners to R3 000 from R2 500, and this has been achieved. Grade R practitioners have to have at least a Grade 12 qualification and individuals with ECD Levels 4 and 5 are also recruited as practitioners.
All partial care facilities (or Community Based Sites or Crèches) with Grade R have to be registered with the Department of Education. Ensuring that a Grade R facility is registered is important as officials visit these sites to ensure that the proper syllabus is being taught.
Although it is not compulsory for children to go to Grade R, it is however important as it provides a strong foundation for later learning. Research has shown that learners who go through a high quality Grade R programme are less likely to repeat grades or drop out of school.
For more information contact:
Mbali Thusi
Cell: 082 881 7484
Sihle Mlotshwa
Cell: 072 207 2018
