City to revise early childhood development centre criteria

THE City has proposed a review of the Early Childhood Development exemption criteria that could see the scrapping of development charges for many of the estimated 1 400 unregistered ECDs in Cape Town.

The once-off fee is imposed at the time of a land development application or when an application is made to change the lawful land use or zoning of a property.

“Experience has shown that where ECD operators convert residences into early learning spaces, many are unable to pay the development charges for rezoning etc, and are therefore unable to register with the Western Cape department of social development,” the City said.

The department is now proposing that the exemption be extended to ECDs with more than 35 children that can prove the joint income of parents is less than R15 000 per month.

“Regulations surrounding ECDs pose many challenges for those centres located in impoverished communities and informal settlements.

“Many of these centres generate very little income and therefore cannot afford the costs associated with becoming registered entities.

“It is estimated that 1 400 unregistered ECDs operate within the City and many will benefit from the review of the exemption criteria. Early learning plays a vital role in giving children the right start to their education journey and the City is committed to making it easier for ECDs to register so that they can have access to resources, but also be the safe spaces that children deserve,” said the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The proposed ECD exemption criteria is available for viewing on www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.

Copies are available at subcouncil offices and City libraries. An info session with the ECD sector on the proposed changes is to be held at 10am next Saturday at the council chambers, civic centre, Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town.