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Starting an ECD Day Care Centre Business in South Africa – Business Plan (PDF, Word & Excel)

Posted by BizBolts | All Articles , Business Ideas , Business Plans

Starting an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Care Centre in South Africa presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about child development and education. As the nation continues to grow and evolve, the demand for quality early childhood education has never been higher. This business venture not only offers a chance to contribute positively to the community but also presents a sustainable and highly profitable business model. As the average income increases steadily, accompanied by an increase in the birth-rate, more Early Childhood Development (ECD) day care centres are required. The increase in the demand for ECD centres in recent years is not only due to high birth rates. Immigration has been playing a huge role because a lot of families migrate to South Africa with their young children. There is more than 6 million children living in South Africa currently, and half of them cannot access educational facilities. This problem has created an opportunity for more ECD day care centres businesses.

Preschool Day care centres are necessary because toddlers need to  spend a reasonable amount of time in an environment that stimulates their learning abilities, which is not the case if they have no access to ECD day care centres. Most of these children, especially in low income groups stay with working single parents or with their grandparents in some cases. There is a huge gap in childcare services. Childhood development is critical for the social and economic development of a country. This article will outline how to start an ECD day care centre in South Africa, and the ECD Day Care business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

Market Research

Market research is a crucial first step when considering starting an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Care Centre business in South Africa. This process involves gathering essential data and insights about the local childcare industry, the target market, and the competitive landscape. Conducting thorough market research enables prospective entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and develop a business strategy that aligns with the unique needs and preferences of the South African community. In South Africa, the demand for quality ECD services has been steadily increasing, driven by the growing number of working parents seeking reliable childcare solutions. Market research can help potential daycare center owners identify the specific needs of parents in their chosen location, whether it’s urban or rural, and determine the appropriate pricing, hours of operation, and curriculum offerings. Additionally, understanding the regulatory requirements and licensing processes within South Africa’s childcare sector is essential for ensuring compliance and building a trustworthy reputation in the community. Furthermore, market research can shed light on the competitive landscape, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of existing ECD daycares in the area. This information can guide the development of a unique value proposition and marketing strategy that sets the new daycare center apart from the competition.

Location & Premises

The location and premises of your ECD day care centre are important before you decide on any other thing. It is important that you locate your ECD day care centre close to your target market. Consider the amount of road traffic, parent or guardian easy access, or a place where parents can easily pick and drop off their children. There are several possible locations, including close to the CBD where most workplaces are or residential areas close to the homes of your target market. Your premises should be safe and suitable for children. It should have sufficient parking space for staff and children. A playground is also required at your preschool for the children outdoor activities.  When selecting the premises of an ECD Day Care Centre, consider the effect of playground noise on the neighbourhood. Also take into consideration the effect of increased vehicle traffic especially with respect to drop off and pickup of children. Your business plan for ECD centre should cater for costs of renting or leasing the premises. 

Furniture and Equipment For An ECD Day Care Centre

In order to run your day care centre successfully you need various furniture and equipment. The choice of furniture and equipment plays a pivotal role in creating an ideal learning environment for children. The first step is to invest in child-sized furniture, including chairs, tables, and shelving units, designed with young learners in mind. These ergonomic furnishings not only ensure their comfort but also encourage age-appropriate activities, fostering independence and a sense of ownership in the learning space. Equally crucial are the educational materials that stimulate young minds. Stock up on an array of educational tools such as books, puzzles, building blocks, and art supplies. These materials promote creativity, cognitive development, and hands-on learning experiences. Dedicated play areas with age-appropriate toys and equipment, including climbing structures and play kitchens, provide opportunities for physical activity and imaginative play. Safety is paramount, and measures like safety gates, secure locks, and childproofing safeguards should be in place. Additionally, naptime essentials like cribs or cots with comfortable bedding must be provided. Ample storage solutions, outdoor equipment for play, art and creative spaces, hygiene stations, and even age-appropriate technology like computers are all integral components of a well-equipped ECD center. Regular maintenance and upkeep of all furniture and equipment are vital to ensure a safe, inviting, and nurturing learning environment for both children and staff. Your day care business plan should cater for such costs including the equipment and other essentials you will need to run the business successfully.

Products And Services

The kind of products and services you will provide are determined by your target niche. First and foremost, your center should offer reliable childcare services, creating a secure and nurturing environment for infants and toddlers, where their basic needs, including feeding, diaper changing, and napping, are met by a trained and compassionate staff. This fundamental care lays the groundwork for a loving and safe atmosphere that parents can trust. Equally important is the provision of early education programs designed to stimulate young minds. Craft a curriculum that focuses on age-appropriate skills such as pre-reading, pre-math, art, and music while emphasizing play-based learning to make education enjoyable. A commitment to providing balanced and nutritious meals and snacks is paramount for the children’s growth and well-being, adhering to South African nutritional guidelines and requirements. Outdoor play and physical activities should be a staple, promoting gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness through a safe and equipped outdoor play area.

Moreover, maintaining health and safety measures is non-negotiable, with stringent hygiene and sanitation practices, clean facilities, and adherence to safety regulations. Establish strong parental engagement through open communication and regular updates on their child’s progress, encouraging parental involvement in center events. Don’t forget to provide support for children with special needs, ensuring inclusivity and a trained staff capable of accommodating diverse abilities. Consider offering extended hours or flexible schedules to cater to working parents and transportation services to ease commuting. Finally, expand your services with holiday and after-school programs to cater to a broader range of clients. These services collectively shape a reputable and successful ECD Day Care Centre in South Africa, underpinned by a commitment to the children’s well-being and development.

Staff & Management for an ECD Day Care Center

For your ECD centre to be a successful it’s important that you hire employees that are friendly, efficient and who are qualified caregivers. Your employees should be passionate about taking care of children. If you want to hit the ground running it’s better to hire a team of people who have experience in this type of business. Your caregivers and teachers should be able to work with children, their parents and guardians.  Inexperienced staff members need to get extensive training before they can be given child minding tasks. Looking after children is a sensitive matter thus, working with qualified teachers for your preschool is important. There are plenty of risks associated with childcare that only experienced caregivers can manage. Depending on the size of your facility the actual number of your staff will vary however, you will need teachers, childminders, cooks, cleaners, security, as well as management. Your ECD business plan should cater for the salaries and day to day expenses of running the facility.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Budgeting and financial planning are foundational aspects when establishing an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Care Centre in South Africa. These financial strategies are pivotal not only for ensuring the longevity of your center but also for delivering top-notch services to the young minds under your care. To begin, a thorough analysis of startup costs is paramount. This involves a meticulous examination of initial expenditures, including facility rental or purchase, permits, insurance, and educational materials. A clear understanding of these financial requirements sets the stage for a well-prepared launch.

Creating an ongoing operational budget is equally crucial. It encompasses daily expenses such as staffing, utilities, maintenance, supplies, and potentially, meal provisions. Precise estimates of these outlays are essential to avoid unexpected financial strains. Revenue projections, based on enrollment and pricing structures, are indispensable for gauging income potential. It’s vital to maintain realistic expectations, especially when considering various enrollment scenarios, such as full-time and part-time.

Additionally, a competitive and sustainable fee structure should be determined. Striking the right balance between covering operational costs and remaining affordable for parents is key. Consider offering flexible payment options to attract a wider clientele. Establishing an emergency fund within your budget is a prudent move, serving as a financial buffer for unforeseen challenges without compromising the quality of care. Leveraging financial tracking software streamlines the budgeting process and ensures accurate record-keeping. Explore opportunities for fundraising and grant applications to supplement revenue, and continually seek ways to optimize costs without compromising quality. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plans keeps your ECD center on the path to financial stability and success.

Marketing Plan

Crafting an effective marketing plan is a cornerstone of success for your Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Care Centre business in South Africa. In a competitive market, a comprehensive plan is essential to not only promote your daycare but also resonate with parents and caregivers in your target audience. Firstly, establishing a robust online presence is vital. This entails creating a professional website showcasing your daycare’s facilities and curriculum, as well as engaging with parents on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Leveraging search engine optimization techniques can help boost your online visibility. In addition to these digital approaches, consider traditional marketing methods like flyer distribution in the target market area. Distributing flyers can help you reach a local audience effectively, especially in neighborhoods where parents might be looking for quality childcare services. Community engagement is another key strategy; hosting open houses and partnering with local schools, pediatricians, and parenting groups can foster trust within the community. Furthermore, implementing referral programs can harness the power of word-of-mouth marketing, while providing quality service is perhaps the most potent tool in your marketing arsenal. Happy children and satisfied parents become your brand advocates. Online advertising, such as pay-per-click and social media ads, can help you reach a wider audience, and content marketing—through blogs, videos, and infographics—can establish your daycare as a trusted source of information. Also encourage feedback and reviews from parents, and respond professionally to both positive and negative feedback to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.

There are a lot of children living in urban areas. The number of children living in urban areas has been increasing over the years, especially in Gauteng. A large number of the children living in urban areas are taken care of by working parents or guardians who will benefit greatly from ECD day care centres. Overall, there is more than 6 million children living in South Africa under the age of 6 years and the country is currently sitting on 2.31 births per woman. This is a huge market base for day care centres. The continuous increase in population which is influenced by a high fertility rate is more than likely going to translate into a continual increase in the demand for childcare services especially among younger working-class couples. Research has shown that the market for day care services is likely to increase overtime as more women enter the workforce.  There is a need for quality ECD daycare centres in the country, especially for children that come from low to middle income groups. More and more women are entering the workforce plus the increase in disposable income has also increased the demand for quality childcare centres. Your preschool business plan should include a proper marketing strategy for your business.

Is An ECD Day Care A Good Investment?

There is no denying that there is a reasonable number of ECD day care centres in a lot of South African neighbourhoods that already take up a reasonable market share. Nonetheless, you can open you own successful and profitable ECD day care centre. There is still a large number of children who cannot access educational facilities including quality preschools. Investing in a day care centre is profitable, but this will depend on many factors such as your target market, costs, and management. Apart from the obvious advantages of becoming financially independent and becoming your own boss, running an ECD centre can be a rewarding way of uplifting your community.

Given that the South African market is one of the leading emerging economies on the African continent with a relatively high fertility rate there is potential for good returns. The early childhood and development industry (ECD) can be competitive and complex. The sector has a lot of challenges given how it has developed overtime, but these challenges can be opportunities for your day-care facility. For example, there is still a large number of poor African children with no access to quality childcare services.

On the other hand, there are improvements in the sector due to increased government spending and ECD subsidies.  Whether you are a young entrepreneur, a professional seeking to start your own business or someone who needs a retirement plan, investing in a day care facility is something worth considering. One thing that can set you apart before investing in any venture is developing a business plan. A well thought out day care business plan will help you in both the short term and long term. There are various risks associated with running a day care centre so your ECD business plan should clearly outline these risks as well as the plans you have to minimise them.

Keys To Profitability

Unlocking profitability for your Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Care Centre business in South Africa hinges on several strategic keys. Firstly, effective enrollment management is paramount. Craft a compelling marketing strategy, offer competitive pricing, and consider referral programs to expand your client base. Secondly, optimizing staffing levels ensures both safety and cost management, striking a balance to provide quality care and education without overstaffing. Thirdly, prudent cost control and budgeting practices are essential, involving meticulous monitoring of staffing costs, supplies, and operational expenses to allocate resources wisely.

Investing in staff training and development is another essential step toward profitability. Educators who are well-trained and motivated can significantly enhance the quality of care and education, attracting more enrollees and increasing customer satisfaction. Maximize your facility’s utilization by considering after-school or holiday programs, renting space for events, or collaborating with other organizations to optimize non-operational hours. Ensuring compliance with regulations and licensing requirements is non-negotiable, as compliance issues can lead to financial penalties or even business closure.

Efficiency in administrative systems, including digital solutions and streamlined record-keeping, can reduce administrative overhead and enhance operational efficiency. Strong parent engagement and retention, facilitated through open communication and prompt issue resolution, foster satisfied parents who are more likely to refer others and remain loyal customers. Incorporate financial planning and forecasting into your business strategy to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement based on regular financial performance reviews. Lastly, consider diversifying your revenue streams by offering supplementary services such as tutoring, educational workshops for parents, or the sale of educational materials. By implementing these key strategies, your ECD Day Care Centre can flourish financially, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.

PRE-WRITTEN ECD DAY CARE CENTRE BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL): COMPREHENSIVE VERSION, SHORT FUNDING/BANK LOAN VERSION AND AUTOMATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For an in-depth analysis of the ECD Day Care Centre business in South Africa, purchase our day care business plan. We decided to introduce the business plans after noting that many South Africans were venturing into the preschool business without a full understanding of the industry, market, how to run the business, the risks involved, profitability of the business and the costs involved, leading to a high failure rate of their businesses.

Our business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run a day care business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. It will be easier to plan and budget as the ECD business plan will lay out all the costs involved in setting up and running the ECD Day Care Centre business. The business plan is designed specifically for the South African market.

USES OF THE ECD BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The daycare business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
• Applying for a bank loan
• Start-up guide to launch your preschool business
• As a ECD Day Care business project proposal
• Assessing profitability of the ECD Centre business
• Finding a business partner
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

CONTENTS OF THE DAY CARE CENTRE BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The business plan includes, but not limited to:

• Market Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• 5 Year Automated Financial Statements [ Income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, monthly cash flow projections (3 years monthly cash flow projections, the remaining two years annually),break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortisation]
• Marketing Strategy
• Risk Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements
• Operational Strategy
• Why some South Africans in the ECD Day Care Centre business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your ECD business in South Africa

The ECD Day Care Business Plan package consist of 4 files

• ECD Day Care Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive – 87 pages)
• ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive – 87 pages)
• ECD Day Care Business Plan Funding Version – Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan – 48 pages)
• ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel file)

Testimonial 1

Many thanks to the BizBolts team for putting together a fantastic business plan, I could not have done this business plan on my own. I managed to get funding from investors to start my butchery business using your business plan.

Testimonial 5

The BizBolts poultry business plan led us down the path from start to finish. Contact details of suppliers of key requirements were included in the business plan. It helped us crystallize our strategy, and the business plan was well received by the bank.

Testimonial 7

Thank you BizBolts for the business plan. I received the business plan immediately after payment, it was money well spent ! I was able to easily edit the business plan. After using the BizBolts business plan, I can wholeheartedly recommend their products and skills.

Testimonial 6

It is with excitement and pleasure to inform you that I have been successful in securing a loan from my bank. This would not have been possible if not for the BizBolts Business Plan. Thank you for your help, my dreams are now coming true.

Testimonial 2

I am extremely pleased with the business plan and financial statements. The business plan is very detailed & it meets my requirements. I feel better equipped with tools that can help me secure funding.  I would have no hesitation of recommending your business plans to other people.

Testimonial 4

The business plan was very helpful, you did a great job of taking ideas and putting them into words as well as pointing out other aspects of the business plan I wouldn’t have thought of. I got funding using your business plan and it’s now 4 months since I started my poultry business, and everything is going well.

Testimonial 3

The business plan has a highly professional look and feel. The research really helps me look deep into the market that I am targeting, it’s well suited for the South African market. The business plan clearly outlined everything I need to start the business and the costs. It’s now easier to budget and plan. Thank you very much.

GET THE ECD DAY CARE CENTRE BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL) - R500 Only.

We decided to make the business plan affordable to anyone who would want to start the business, and the price for the pre-written business plan is only 500 Rand.

We have several payment methods which you can use.

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Click  Buy Now  below to purchase. After you have purchased, you will instantly see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. We will also email you the download link. Get instant access to the business plan now!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once using Visa Card/MasterCard then  click here: Business Plans Store

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

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About The Author

BizBolts (Pty) Ltd is a business research company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. We sell prewritten business plans for various industries including livestock production, crop farming and retail businesses. BizBolts also publishes articles on business ideas, business news, business tips, personal finance, and entrepreneur profiles.

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Mastering Your ECD Business Plan in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

As the demand for quality early childhood development (ECD) centers continues to grow in South Africa, starting an ECD business can be a lucrative venture. However, it also requires careful planning and strategy. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide insights and tips on how to master your ECD business plan in South Africa.

Understanding the Market Demand

The first step towards creating a successful ECD center is understanding the market demand. Conduct thorough research of your local area and identify gaps in service delivery. Consider aspects such as location, affordability, accessibility, and quality of education offered by existing providers.

Research Tips:

• Look at census data for population density and demographics
• Analyze income levels of residents within catchment area.
• Identify potential partners or stakeholders that can support your initiative.

Assessing Legal Requirements

Operating an ECD center involves legal requirements which need to be addressed before launching operations. These include:

Legal documents you’ll need :

• Registration with Department of Social Development (DSD)
• e.g., municipal health department clearance certificate
• fire safety compliance certificate
• zoning approval.

It is critical to obtain all required documentation before starting operations; otherwise, you risk penalties or even closure.

## Develop sound Financial Plan

A solid financial plan for your ECD center provides clarity on how much capital is needed upfront costs expected once operationalization commences like rent/lease or bond payments salaries for staff including administrative employees etc.

Financial Planning Steps:

• Determine startup costs which include construction expenses if new building purchases are made along with licensing fees paid out initially until profit begins rolling into from parents/guardians monthly fees collected over many years.
• Evaluate cash flow projections carefully project revenue streams attained during peak enrolment periods versus low seasons where enrolment may fall well below target figures
• Estimate financial viability and profitability potential by conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of the sectoric factors affecting your operations.

Focus on Staffing

The quality of educators and support staff heavily impacts ECD center’s success. They should be qualified professionals able to guide children through their development journey while also providing supportive care.

Staffing Tips :

• Identify job roles needed from teaching to administrative positions.
• Conduct thorough background checks including verification of qualifications
• Develop training programs for upskilling staff members or hiring capable ones where required

Starting an ECD business in South Africa can be challenging but rewarding when done right. By analyzing market demand and legal requirements beforehand developing sound financial plans alongside focusing strongly on staffing needs provides a solid foundation for success over months/years ahead. Remember that consistency is key – successful implementation requires ongoing review of strategies implemented with frequent optimization along the way!

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Certainly! Here are three popular FAQs along with their answers for ‘Mastering Your ECD Business Plan in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide’:

Q: What is the purpose of a business plan for an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center in South Africa? A: The purpose of a business plan for an ECD center is to provide a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the strategies, goals, and objectives required to operate and sustain a successful child care enterprise. It serves as a management tool that helps owners or managers make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, set priorities and allocate resources appropriately.

Q: What should be included in an ECD business plan? A: An ECD business plan should include important elements such as executive summary, description of services provided by the centre, market research findings including target market analysis and competition overview; marketing strategy outlining how you will promote your services online/offline; SWOT Analysis; financial projections (expenses/revenues); staffing needs & organizational structure.

Q: How long does it take to write an ECD business plan? A: The time taken to prepare an ECD Business Plan depends on various factors including content depth/complexity level, experience/knowledge about industry trends/markets etc. In most cases,it takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks to complete all sections/steps involved in creating this type of document.The process can be shorter if one has existing knowledge base on which they can leverage for faster progress,prioritize what matters & expedite tasks accordingly.

I hope these FAQs help clarify some common questions related to creating an effective early childhood development (ECD) business plan in South Africa.

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Practical advice

This How To page serves as your roadmap, offering step-by-step guidance on essential processes such as registering an ECD, accessing government funding opportunities, and addressing frequently asked questions. With user-friendly instructions and valuable insights, the aim to streamline your journey towards providing quality early childhood experiences and fostering thriving communities.

Mass Registration Drive

In January 2024, the Minister of Basic Education announced a new mass registration drive for ECD programmes. This means that government will support registration of ECD programmes by using a simpler and user-friendly online registration system.

The goal is to pull every ECD programme into the regulatory net, and to support ECD programmes in all communities to comply with legal requirements, by recognising the different contexts in which they operate.

The new Mass Registration process will be implemented in a phased approach to ensure complete testing of the new enabling tools in the pilot sites in Gauteng. The pilot will shape and guide the final roll-out programme to be delivered in partnership with Provinces and the ECD sector.

Please keep checking this page as new information and resources will be added on a regular basis.

The new registration process will still be guided by the three tiers of Bronze, Silver and Gold to complete an ECD programme registration. Details of the new registration system continue to be in cycle of design and improvement, and the DBE is totally committed to a transparent and consultative process with provinces and the sector to ensure an optimal registration programme.

The following highlights capture some of the changes to the new registration process.

Access pathways to registration

A new eCares (early childhood administration and reporting system) platform will facilitate online application, review and registration of ECD programmes.

The DBE will deploy an interactive WhatsApp messaging channel to reach unregistered ECD’s for initiating a formal registration process.

New online registration will be supported by a Contact Centre channel to guide the ECD Practitioner through the entire Bronze application stage.

The new registration process will comprise three stages through which every ECD programme will undergo.

APPLY: The ECD programme submits an application through an online form or WhatsApp Bot and receives an initial Bronze certificate.

COMPLY: The ECD programme receives site visits to check that they comply with the norms and standards, and submits remaining documentation.

COMPLETE: The ECD programme receives a Silver or Gold certificate.

The NGOs as key partners in the ECD sector will fulfil a meaningful role as we pilot and plan the roll-out of mass registration drive by sharing their capability to support and enable the ECD programmes to fulfil the application process in line with the defined requirements.

Click Here  for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the new mass registration process.

A partial care facility or ECD Centre may qualify for funding from the department if it complies with the norms and standards, and if it is in a community where families lack the means to provide proper shelter, food and other basic necessities of life to their children.

What you should do:

Apply for the registration or conditional registration of a partial care facility/ecd centre at your nearest local dbe office where you will be given form to complete., your application must contain the following:.

• your particulars (identity number, address and telephone numbers)
• the physical and postal address of the partial care facility/ECD Centre
• the number of children that will be accommodated by the facility
• your qualifications, skills and experience
• a description of the programmes and services to be offered, including the aims and objectives

Submit the following:

• the business hours of the partial care facility
• the fee structure
• the day-care plan
• the staff composition
• the disciplinary policy
• name of the partial care facility/ECD Centre
• composition, powers and duties of the management
• an original copy of the approved building plans
• an emergency plan
• a clearance certificate
• a health certificate from the local municipality.

Continuous assessment visits by officials from the Department of Basic Education and the municipality will be made to your facility.

Advocating for an Early Childhood Development (ECD) center in South Africa is essential for ensuring the provision of high-quality care and education for young children. Below are some practical guidance steps which can assist in effectively advocating for your ECD center:

Know Your Center’s Needs : Begin by identifying the specific needs and challenges facing your ECD center. This could include infrastructure improvements, staffing requirements, access to resources and materials, or regulatory compliance issues. Understanding these needs will inform your advocacy efforts and help prioritize areas for improvement.

Build Relationships : Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders who can support your advocacy efforts. This may include local government officials, community leaders, parents, caregivers, and other ECD providers. Cultivate partnerships based on mutual goals and collaborate to address shared challenges.

Understand ECD Policy and Regulations : Familiarize yourself with relevant national and local policies, regulations, and guidelines governing ECD centers in the country (some of these have been shared in the resource page of this site). This includes understanding registration requirements, curriculum standards, health and safety regulations, and funding mechanisms. Advocate for policies that support the needs of ECD centers and advocate for changes where necessary.

Communicate Impact : Highlight the positive impact of your ECD center on children, families, and the community. Collect and share data, testimonials, and success stories that demonstrate the benefits of quality early childhood development. Use this evidence to advocate for increased support and investment in your center.

Engage with the Community : Involve parents, caregivers, and community members in your advocacy efforts. Hold joint community meetings with other local ECD centers, workshops, and events to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development and the role of your ECD’s in the community. Encourage community members to become advocates for your center and involve them in decision-making processes.

Advocate for Resources : Advocate for the resources and support needed to maintain and improve your ECD center. This may include securing funding for facility upgrades, professional development opportunities for staff, access to learner-teacher support materials and resources, and support for outreach and engagement activities.

Document and Share Successes : Keep track of your ECD center’s achievements, milestones, and challenges. Document the progress made towards addressing identified needs and share this information with stakeholders, funders, and the wider community. Celebrate successes and use them to demonstrate the value of investing in early childhood education.

Be Persistent and Resilient : Advocacy is an ongoing process that requires persistence and resilience. Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks. Continue to advocate for your ECD center and the children it serves, knowing that your efforts can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

By following these practical guidance steps, you can effectively advocate for your ECD center in South Africa, ensuring that it receives the support and resources needed to provide quality care and education for young children.

General ECD FAQ

1. What does the 2030 Strategy for ECD Programmes mean for the children of South Africa? The government wants every child to be able to access a quality ECD programme. The Strategy provides a framework (plan) for all the different role players to work together to make this happen.

2. What does the 2030 Strategy mean for my programme? The 2030 Strategy wants to address the different challenges that ECD programmes face, such as registration, funding, training and materials. It provides a map for building solutions to these challenges, which will be implemented gradually over the next seven years.

3. What is an early learning programme (ELP)? An ELP is one type of ECD programme. ELPs are attended by children in a range of spaces away from their home, and include ECD centres, playgroups and day mothers. On the other hand, parent support programmes are provided to parents and caregivers to support their child’s early development, and include home visiting and parent workshops.

4. Do all ELPs have to register? Yes. The Children’s Act says that all ECD programmes need to be registered, and the DBE is prioritising this. If your programme is not registered, get in touch with the social worker from your local education department to find out how you can apply.

5. Why should I register my ELP? Registration enables an ELP to apply for the ECD subsidy for eligible children. It also makes it easier for government to make sure that different types of support – like training and materials – can reach you.

6. Has the registration system changed? Since the shift of the ECD function to DBE, the registration system has stayed the same but is now run by the provincial department of education, instead of social development. You do not have to re-register your facility or programme unless your current registration has expired. A list of provincial and district contacts to support with registration is available here.

7. What is conditional registration? If your ELP received a certificate for conditional registration, it means that it did not meet all the requirements. The certificate should show which standards were not met and how long you have to comply with them. If you are not sure, then get back in touch with your local social worker.

8. What is the ECD subsidy and how can I apply for the children at my programme? The ECD subsidy is a daily amount provided by the government for some children at ELPs. In order to qualify, the child must be eligible for the Child Support Grant. An ELP can submit an application to the local education department for the ECD subsidy, but only if the programme is fully or conditionally registered.

9. Will the government pay for upgrades to private homes where ELPs are run? No. ELPs that are run in facilities registered as non-profit organisations can apply to the local education department for the ECD maintenance grant, to help ensure their facility is safe. This grant is not available to ELPs run in private residences. The DBE is investigating wider ways of providing pre-registration support to these ELPs; for example, by funding key equipment.

10. My ELP has a Health Certificate, does that mean it is registered? No. ELPs have to comply with various processes that are run by the local municipality. These include zoning and health inspections. These processes are different to the registration process, which is run by provincial education departments through its local officials.

11. My ELP has an NPO certificate, does that mean it is registered? No it is registered as an NPO but not as a partial care facility or ECD programme. Under the Children’s Act, ELPs have to register with the provincial education department. This is a separate process to NPO registration, which is done through the department of social development. 

12. Will the DBE be establishing state-owned ELPs? In the beginning, in order to reach as many children as quickly as possible, there will be a greater focus on supporting community-based ELPs which make use of existing premises, including homes. Over time, as more government resources are made available, the DBE will focus on establishing more ELPs in purpose-built facilities, both state-owned and non-state-owned.

13. Do ECD practitioners now need to get a degree? No. The DBE is encouraging ECD practitioners to obtain an NQF Level 4 qualification, but this is not compulsory at this stage.

14. Will the DBE be providing training opportunities for ECD practitioners? Provincial education departments are working with partners to provide NQF Level 4 training for ECD Practitioners. These training opportunities will be gradually rolled out in line with avavailable funding.

15. Is there a curriculum that ELPs must implement? In 2014, the DBE produced the National Curriculum Framework for Birth to Four (sometimes called the NCF). This is a Framework which gives a broad description of the types of learning and development opportunities that all ELPs should provide. The DBE is developing supporting tools and materials to help ELPs that do not have a curriculum to implement the NCF. Other curriculums exist for ELPs, and it is important to check before using one of these that it is aligned with the NCF.

16. Is the DBE going to start employing ECD practitioners? Unlike schools, ELPs are run independently. Some are private businesses, and some are local community services that are set up as ‘voluntary associations’. This means that most ELPs are independent, and the practitioners who work there are either employed by the programme or are self-employed.

The 2024 Mass Registration Drive FAQ

1. what is the mass registration drive.

Over the next year, government will be supporting many more ECD programmes to get registered as quickly as possible. The main difference in the new system is that it easier to access and more straightforward to move through.

2. What are the aims of the mass registration drive?

The mass registration drive has four main aims:

• To enable government to pull every ECD programme into the regulatory net.
• To support ECD programmes to comply with legal requirements.
• Further down the line, to enable ECD programmes to apply for the ECD subsidy for children from low-income households.
• To make the registration process less resource-intensive for officials so that government can process registration applications faster.

3. Why do we need a mass registration drive?

Nationally at least half of all ECD programmes are not registered under the Children’s Act. This means that more than 20,000 ECD programmes operate outside the regulatory net. This particularly affects ECD programmes in low-income communities.

4. How does the mass registration drive relate to Vangasali?

The Vangasali campaign used a new Registration Framework to support more ECD programmes to register. This was a big step forward, because it recognised that gradual compliance with some registration requirements is allowed for conditional registration. The mass registration drive is replacing this campaign, but builds on the foundations laid by this approach.

5. What is the new process under the mass registration drive?

Every ECD programme will move through three stages:

6. What is the APPLY stage?

APPLY is the first step in the registration journey. The goal of this stage is to get every ECD programme into the system. ECD programmes that complete the APPLY stage will receive a Bronze certificate for one year, in which time the ECD programme must complete all remaining stages.

7. Can any ECD programme submit an online application?

The mass registration drive is targeting ECD programmes that already exist on the DBE’s database and so have been verified to exist. For the moment, ECD programmes should only submit an online application when they are invited to do so. In the next phase of the mass registration drive, ECD programmes that are not yet on the database will be included.

8. What is the COMPLY stage?

The COMPLY stage is the full application for Silver/Gold. During this stage, ECD programmes will:

• submit other documents that are required.
• take steps to make sure their ECD programme complies with norms and standards.
• receive site inspections by the Education District and environmental health practitioners.

9. Will templates and forms be provided?

Yes, a submission pack with templates for all forms and policies for Silver/Gold registration will be made available to ECD programmes that have received their Bronze certificate.

10. What support will there be?

Some ECD programmes might struggle with an online application form. There will be a call centre to help those who have started an application but been unable to complete it. In addition, local NGOs with formal relationships with 20+ ECD programmes will be invited to support the mass registration drive through:

• Sharing their database of ECD programmes (in case they were missed by the Census).
• Communications and awareness to their networks.
• For APPLY: Support with online application and document uploads.
• For COMPLY: Support with document completion and site compliance.

11. When is the mass registration drive coming to my area?

The mass registration drive is currently being piloted in some areas of Gauteng. It will be rolled out to other provinces in phases. ECD programmes will be contacted directly when the roll-out reaches their area. In the meantime, programmes can keep checking back on the website below for updates and more information on how to get ready.

12. How much does it cost to register and apply for funding?

The service is free.

13. Where can I get more information?

Information, guidelines and tools will be added to DBE’s web page and the ECD Info Hub site as they become available. for the DBE page, Go to:  https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/ECD/ECDMassRegistrationDrive.aspx

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How to Start Your Own ECD Centre in South Africa

Posted by Lauren Frost | Apr 20, 2018 | Childcare , General | 14 |

All parents want to know that their children are safe and properly cared for while they are at work, and that their children are given the opportunity to grow and develop in a healthy manner. Parents also want to know that the people who will be looking after their children are properly trained and that they have the necessary skills to look after and teach the children.  

It is therefore important for everyone who is interested in starting an ECD (Early Childhood Development) centre in South Africa to know what the rules and regulations are that need to be followed in this regard.

For example: Did you know that there must be one toilet and washbasin for every 20 children? Or that the kitchen must be in a separate room? Or that there has to be a separate area for children who are sick?

Starting your own ECD centre is not easy, which is why we have created a short infographic to help you determine whether or not you have what it takes to do so:

Also check out our e-book: The A – Z of Starting an Early Childhood Development Centre (free download)

If you are interested in starting your own ECD centre, and you’d like to study a childcare course to prepare yourself for doing so, you can click here to view the childcare courses available at Oxbridge Academy.

Note: This article was originally published on 27 May 2016, and has been updated by Lungiswa Nyatyowa for comprehensiveness and accuracy.

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14 Comments

My name is Amukelani Nkuna Iam 31 years old lady,i have a certificate of Business Administration and I need a job.Thanx

COMMENT i would like to know how the government funding work when u open up a daycare and educare im staying in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape i dont know were to start im doing my NQF level 4this year im saving aswell

Good day i’m Mahlatse Moloto i’m 22 years old i have a degree in Human Resource and would like to start a ECD I’m ready to do anything please help

Hi, Mahlatse Please contact our student support team at [email protected] . They will help you further your studies. Kind regards Oxbridge Academy

Good morning. I want to start my own preschool in Cape Town, Brackenfel area. I have a B Ed in Junior primary and Pre primary with 15 years experience. I am planning to have at least 30 children for a start. Could you please advice as I am currently teaching in Oman, UAE and plan on coming back to SA end of this year. How do I go about opening the school and who can I get in contact with?

Kind regards Anita Smit Cell nr +968 9391 2753

Hi, Anita This is unfortunately not our area of expertise as we are an educational institution. Kind regards Oxbridge Academy

I think i have to do this cause to build up my future career”I hope if I’m done about its were I’m going to be professional and understand how to treat all people equally!

I want to study ecd.

My first study …i want to open up my own daycare someday after completing.

What should i be doing. How much is your fees on the ecd courses

Hi, Justine You will have to do N4-N6 Educare, if you want to find our more please contact our student advisors at [email protected] And here is a link to the description and fees of the first year N4: https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/childcare/national-certificate-n4-educare/ Kind regards Oxbridge Academy

Hey dear I want to study ECD,First thing How much fees. and what should I done so that I can get this course? Pls rply

Hi, Siphokazi You can find most of the onformation on Educare N4 on this page . If you want to know more, please contact one of our student advisors on [email protected] . Kind regards Oxbridge Academy

Greetings I Miss Mbatha would love to open a cresh for souls that age from 3 moths to 5 years old. I am asking for clarification and guidance on how go about finances, mentorship. I have done research and I am currently busy with business plan as part of the requirements. Thanking you

Dear Sir/Madam

i would like to one day open my own ECD center one day. As of now i would like to do studies on becoming an ECD teacher.

where and how do i apply for the course?

Hi Marvelous You would have to do the N4-N6 Educare course. If you study through Oxbridge Academy, you can study from home, no classes. PLease take a look at the details here: https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/childcare/national-certificate-n4-educare/ For more information contact our student advisors [email protected] Kind regards

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Starting an ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan (PDF)

Early childhood development (ECD) refers to that stage where young children are taught or cared for by people other than their family, or in settings outside of the home. This is typically before the age of normal schooling. Day care refers to the daytime supervision of children. Thus, an ECD day care business focuses on the daytime care and supervision of young children who have not yet reached normal schooling age.  A day care business is a very lucrative and profitable business venture. In the past it was common for parents to stay at home with their children during the day, therefore Early Child Development (ECD) day care centers were seen as more of a luxury than a necessity. Today, only one a few children stay at home with their parents during the day. Challenging economic and financial times have prompted many parents to seek employment. In this regard, in most homes, both parents rarely have time to spend with their toddlers. This has led to increased demand for childcare services. Therefore, the ECD day care business is one of the most lucrative in the world today. With parents becoming busier and children being born every day, it is unlikely that you will struggle to find clients for your preschool business. This article will outline how to start the ECD Day Care business, and the day care business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

Market Research

While childcare services are in high demand, it is important to note that there are many other daycare centers already in existence. Thus you have to carry out a market research. This includes assessing the demand and supply of day care centers in your area. As part of your market research, you should interview your potential customers i.e. talk to several parents and families, asking what kind of day care services they could benefit from. Identify the day care center businesses which are already operating in your area i.e. your competitors. Note their strengths and weaknesses, and plan on how you can distinguish yourself from the competition. Ways of distinguishing your business include the kind of facilities at your daycare center, and the nature & quality of services which you offer. Most importantly you require a detailed day care business plan before you venture into this business.

Business Model

You can charge your services by the hour. This is because some parents or guardians might not leave their children there daily. The other approach fits well for those who leave their children daily. You can charge them as if you are charging school fees. It could be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or even quarterly. Parents or guardians can pay more for other specialist services you might choose to offer. You can extend to product sales for things like children toys, books, clothing, and the like.

Location and Premises for a Day Care

Obviously the ECD Day care centre should be located close to your target market. This is usually in the residential areas where your target market resides. One of the biggest challenges to overcome when starting a day care centre is find suitable premises for it. Suitable sites may be difficult to find or they maybe just too expensive. You have to make a decision on the size and type of premises that you require. This will be determined by the intended size and services of your ECD Day care centre. Usually you will have to rent an already existing building, and renovate it till its suitable to be a day care centre. Sufficient parking should be provided for staff and visitors. The premises should have a large playground for the kids. Take into consideration the impact of playground noise on the neighbourhood. Consider impact of vehicles and increased traffic especially with respect to drop off and pickup of children. Ideally the front entrance should be equipped with a security system and/or intercom. The structure and layout of the building should be such that it does not pose difficulties in the supervision of children or danger to children. The premise you settle on should have sufficient square footage for children to play, eat and sleep. Also, it should be big enough to make it easy to separate kids into different age groups. Also consider the space that will house the toys, furniture, and storage. The indoor space should be large enough to accommodate the desired number of children. The costs of acquiring or renting the premises should be included in the business plan for ECD Centre.

Competitive Analysis

Context and associated circumstances matter.

The ECD day care business’ competition dynamics depends on the context in question. Some locations do not have any ECD day care centers. Some locations have one or several. Find out where existing ECD day care centers are located. Some are located in central business districts, some at the peripheries of central business districts. Other ECD day care centers are located within residential neighbourhoods. The point here is that ECD day care centers can be situated anywhere. It is contextual and premised on wide-ranging circumstances. To not do guesswork you must find out who your competitors are, if any. It might not be surprising to find that you could be breaking new ground in a particular location.

Figuring Out How To Offer A Superior Value Proposition

This brings us to another competition dynamic. Why would parents or guardians prefer to find someone to babysit as opposed to using an ECD day care center? A look into that can help you understand what you would need to do to make your ECD day care center competitive. If there are indeed direct competitor ECD day care centers close-by, study them. Find out about their services, the prices, operating hours, the types of clients they serve, their location and why that location, amongst others. There is never a shortage of ways through which you can differentiate your ECD day care business.

There is a lot of equipment which is required for a preschool. This includes various types of play equipment (for both indoors and outdoors), safety equipment, computers, kitchen equipment, furniture, education equipment and cleaning equipment. Other requirements include toys, children books, arts and crafts materials. There is also need of safety devices (e.g., first-aid kits, carbon-monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, child-proofing supplies, etc.). If you decide to offer transport services to the children, you will have to purchase a vehicle. The preschool business plan should cater for the costs of purchasing the furniture and equipment.

Permits/Licenses, Insurance & Business Bank Account

Permits or licenses.

Get the ECD day care business formally registered as a business or company. You might have to get it registered with an applicable regulatory board. This will depend on the laws that apply to your specific region. In some places, an ECD day care business must get registered with a regulatory education board. You have to find out what applies to your context. You must also check with your respective local authorities. They might need to ratify and formalize your operations by giving you an operating license. At the end of the day you must ensure you are licensed properly or you have all the requisite permits. Your personnel that handle the children also need to be properly certified.

Insurance & Business Bank Account

You are dealing with young children here; your ECD day care business must be comprehensively covered. Insurance cover must cater for property and the children as well. You would not want a situation where something happens and you have no insurance cover. Not only will it lead to material or human damage or loss; you can end up in jail. Protect your personal monies from any liabilities that may stem from the ECD day care business. You can do this by opening a business bank account for your ECD day care business. That way the finances will not mix.

Capital for ECD Day Care Centre

One of the most important factors to consider when starting a business is seed capital. For a day care business, you will need to have a substantial amount of money. This money will cater for the premise to be rented, the furniture and equipment. Also, you will need to draft a budget for your business. When drafting a budget be sure to reserve a certain amount of money for future monetary needs. When drafting a budget, it is important to consider how many employees you will be hiring and whether you will be renting space or using already existing space either in your house or in your commercial premise. Also, calculate the amount of money you will require to spend on furniture, toys and other equipment. The amount of money will vary depending on the nature and size of your daycare center. That’s it’s very important to have a good and detailed daycare business plan.

The expenses for operating daycare center business include rent, wages, food, transport, advertising, licencing, insurance, food and utility fees. So the expenses of running a daycare center are quite substantial; however, so are the profits that accrue from your business. Your revenue will come from the money which the customers pay for their children to come to your ECD day care center. When you follow all the requisite legal avenues without cutting corners, you will be able to recoup your investment within a short period of time.

Staff & Management

To be successful as an ECD day care business owner, it is important that you hire qualified and well-trained staff. When hiring staff for your business, it is important to outline a clear criterion to follow. This criterion may include experience working with children, education background, and a clean criminal record. Another important tip is to ensure that each one of your clients signs a contract. This contract will outline what services your business will be offering as well as the fee. The contract should also include a policy statement. The required staff depends on the size of the early childhood education centre. You need child minders, teachers, assistants, kitchen staff, security and logistics personnel. The ECD Day Care Centre business plan should cater for the salaries and wages costs.

As with any other business, it is important to maintain books of accounts that show clearly how much money you spend on running the business. The financial statements should also indicate how much profits your business makes. Also, do not mix business and personal funds.

Marketing Strategies

Be visible online.

If you want your ECD day care business to be quickly discovered, be visible online. It might seem unnecessary but putting up a website for your ECD day care business is paramount. There are countless people who will search for such businesses online. Set up social media accounts for the ECD day care business as well. Include clear and actionable details on all your online content. Include an up to date Google Maps location of the place. Include high definition visuals outlining the facility, services, and prices. Always post regular and engaging content.

Inspire, Solicit, And Propagate User-Generated Content

When it comes to the ECD day care business, word of mouth and referrals are the secret. Often time parents or guardians will only leave their children at ECD day care centers recommended by others. This is usually people who would have used (or use) the ECD day care center. People whose word they trust. This means you can spread brand awareness by inspiring your clients to make positive reviews and testimonials. By propagating such user-generated content you increase the likelihood of more clients who value such social proofs.

Approach Parent Or Guardian Communities

You can push your marketing by identifying parent or guardian communities. For instance, you can tap into residents associations. You can tap into employee groupings. You can even tap into business people or entrepreneur groupings. You can do this offline or online. You can sell you ECD day care business to such communities and generate substantial leads.

There are many reasons why starting a daycare business is a hugely rewarding venture. The demand for child care services is on the increase. The number of women in their childbearing years joining the labor force has increased and will continue to increase. Every year millions of children are being born. Thus your day care business is assured of customers. To attract more clients through referrals, ensure that all children in your day care are well cared for nurtured and play in a safe environment. The primary customers of your day care center will be working mothers and small families that want a place where they can leave their children. A proper marketing strategy should be included in your day care centre business plan.

Working with children can be stressful. However, given that children are usually honest, working with them can be a breath of fresh air especially if you have worked with adults in the past. Therefore, apart from being a highly lucrative business venture, starting a preschool business is also emotionally rewarding. This is especially true since you get to learn and understand human development and different human personalities. Starting a daycare business is challenging; however, this is something that applies to all businesses. Additionally, you will recover the money you invest when starting the business once your ECD center is up and running.

Keys To Profitability

Reputation is important in this line of business. Clients want peace of mind knowing their children are safe. Many security risks these days. They also want an ECD day care center that provides holistic services. Your ECD day care business must provide a better alternative to a client just finding someone to babysit at home. You have to sell and provide benefits and convenience. Cost management is important since enrolment is typically not that big. You need to keep your operating costs at bay to maximize on profits. Inspire customer loyalty and reward referrals to enjoy business growth.

Ascertain the presence of a market before starting an ECD day care business. Not every place is ideal for an ECD day care center. Find cheaper ways of starting it e.g. renting or converting your or part of your house. Find out as much as you can from target parents or guardians prior.

Pre-Written Day Care Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements

For an in-depth analysis of the day care business, we encourage you to purchase our well-researched and comprehensive ECD centre business plan. We introduced the business plans after discovering that many were venturing into the preschool business without enough knowledge and understanding of how to run the business, lack of understanding of the financial side of the business, lack of understanding of : the industry, the risks involved , costs and profitability of the business; which often leads to disastrous losses.

The StartupBiz Global day care business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run your day care business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. This is a complete business plan for a day care centre. It will be easier to plan and budget as you will be aware of all the costs involved in setting up and running the ECD business.

Uses of the Preschool Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The day care business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
• Applying for a bank loan
• Start-up guide to launch your ECD Day care centre business
• As a day care business proposal
• Assessing profitability of the preschool business
• Finding a business partner
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

Contents of the Day Care Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The business plan for ECD Centre includes, but not limited to:

• Marketing Strategy
• Financial Statements (monthly cash flow projections, income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortization)
• Industry Analysis
• Market Analysis
• Risk Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements
• Operational Strategy
• Why some people in the day care business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your day care business

The day care business plan package consists of 4 files

• ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive Version – 81 Pages)
• ECD Day Care Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive Version – 81 Pages)
• ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan Funding/Bank Loan Version- Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan/funding – 46 pages)
• ECD Day Care Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel File)

The business plan can be used in any country and can be easily edited. The financial statements are automated. This implies that you can change eg the number of students, salaries etc, and all the other financial statements will automatically adjust to reflect the change. 

Click below to download the Contents Page of the Day Care Business Plan (PDF)

Testimonial 3

I was extremely lucky to come across StartupBiz Global. Their business plan exceeded my expectations, and most importantly I was able to secure a loan from my bank. Thank you guys, now my dreams are coming true!

Testimonial 6

I purchased a business plan from you, and I’m glad to inform you that I was able to get my loan, and I’m starting my poultry farming business on the 1 st of July. This was made possible because of your business plan. Thank you very much, you made my dream come true.

Testimonial 1

StartupBiz Global provided a very professional and comprehensive business plan which I used for my business. The business plan was easy to edit, and I was able to get the funding which I wanted. I highly recommend their business plans.

Testimonial 5

I was able to understand the business side of farming because of your business plan. You did extensive research; the business plan was well prepared and fully detailed.  It made everything clear, and I have somewhere to start now. I am confident that I am going to succeed in my business because of the guidance from your business plan.

Testimonial 8

Just wanted to say I am very happy with the business plan and I will gladly recommend your products, thank you very much and have a great day.

Testimonial 7

I found Startupbiz Global online when I was in desperate need of a business plan. I was overwhelmed by the quality of the business plan, it’s comprehensive and well researched! I did not have to wait to get the business plan, I got it instantly after payment. I highly recommend Startupbiz Global, and would happily use them again in the future.

Testimonial 4

The business plan which I purchased from your website saved me TIME and MONEY! The layout of the business plan was excellent. The financial statements were detailed and easy for me to edit. I will come back to purchase another business plan soon.

Testimonial 2

Many thanks for your incredibly efficient service and thorough business plan. I am very impressed with the business plan. Before I bought the business plan, I tried to do my own business plan – it was such a nightmare and it turned out badly, also not to mention the stress it caused me. I wish I knew about your website earlier!

Get the ECD Day Care Centre Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

Click Buy Now  below to purchase using Paypal, Credit Card, or Debit Card. After you have purchased, you will immediately see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. You will also immediately get an email with the business plan download link. The Pre-written business plan package (PDF, Word, and Excel) costs $30 only!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once then click here: Business Plans Store.

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

We wish you the best in your day care business! Check out our collection of business plans  , and more business ideas .

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ECD Business Accelerator Training

Avoid sleepless nights worrying about your centre. learn how to grow your business and make your ecd centre profitable..

Do you dream of running an ECD centre that is profitable and sustainable? Do you have sleepless nights about your preschool’s finances, staff issues, registration or the quality and consistency of education happening in your classrooms? Do you need practical skills, tools and support to help you take your preschool to the next level?

What is the course about?

Grow ECD has been helping ECD centre owners like you run their preschools like a business for over 8 years. We know how lonely and stressful it can be to have big dreams but no support.  

In this 6-part Business Accelerator training programme, we will give you the basic skills, tools and resources you need to manage your ECD centre like a business!  

This programme is available in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Gqeberha only.

In this accelerator training you will learn:

• Personal leadership
• How to manage your money
• How to run your preschool like a business
• How to achieve  sustainability
• What it takes to provide quality early learning
• The steps to get registered
• How to work smarter, using technology
• How to access ECD finance to grow your business

Who can apply?

To qualify for the ecd business accelerator you must:.

• Be a current ECD Centre owner or principal 
• Have an ECD qualification NQF4
• Have 25 or more learners at the centre OR legal capacity for 30 learners
• Have access to an Android smartphone or tablet
• Have own transport to attend training at our office
• Charge at least R350 per month (or more) in school fees

How does it work?

Apply online.

We have limited space. There is a shortlisting and selection process to make sure this course matches your needs.

Pay to confirm your spot

If you are accepted, we will send you our banking details and you will make payment via eft using your unique reference.

Attend 6 modules of training

Learn how to lead yourself and your business to the next level. Connect with a community of passionate owners like you.

Be ready to take your business to the next level

You will have a clear action plan, a certificate of completion, plus access to resources and opportunities to grow your business.

Course Details

The course is valued at R2 500, but thanks to the generous support of a funder, we are able to offer it at R600 per person! 

ECD Accelerator Training

• The fees include training by a professional facilitator
• Handouts and notes
• Certificate of completion
• It does not include any travel cost. You will need to make your own travel arrangements.

This 6-part course will take place over 6 weeks.

Once you have selected your option this is the day you will attend each week.  

Cohort 4: Gqeberha

Thursday classes: 09h00 to 15h00.

26 September and 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 October

Cohort 4: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban

Friday classes: 09h00 to 15h00.

27 September, 4, 11, 18, 25 October and 1 November

Head Office: Cape Town, Western Cape

31 Thor Circle, Thornton, Cape Town

Regional Office: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

272 Umbilo Rd, Bonela, Durban

Regional Office: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Building 12, Platinum Close, 18 Tsessebe Crescent, Corporate Park South, Midrand

Peter Rademeyer Hall: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

19 Kamdebo Street, Algoa Park, Gqeberha

If you are accepted, we will send you our banking details. You will make payment via eft using your unique reference. Please send us proof of payment to secure your spot. 

We will review all applications and confirm whether you are selected within 2 weeks before the course starts. If the course is full, we will keep your name on our list and invite you to our next course.  

No, this is not an accredited course. During this programme you will get practical and professional development and will receive a certificate of completion.

To apply for this programme please ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Be an ECD Centre owner or principal
• Must have 25 or more learners at the centre
• Must have access to an Android smartphone or tablet
• Must have own transport to attend training at our office
• Must charge R350 per month (or more) in school fees

Keep In Touch

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Guide to ECD Programmes in South Africa

An early childhood development (ECD) programme provides one or a collection of services and support to a child and/or caregiver to promote ECD.

This brochure, developed for the North West Department of Social Development, explains the nature of ECD programmes in brief, and outlines the most common types of non-centre and centre based programmes available in South Africa.

Published by Ilifa in 2016.

Click here to download

Resource:   A Guide to ECD Programmes in South Africa.pdf