Several Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners and centres in the Vaal community have been recognised and awarded for creating a positive impact on the lives of young children and displaying outstanding excellence in their line of work by the Vaal Preschool Association (VAPSA) this past Saturday.

The Vaal community was recognised and awarded for creating a positive impact on the lives of young children and displaying outstanding excellence in their line of work by the Vaal Preschool Association (VAPSA) this past Saturday.

Established in 1991, VAPSA serves as a governing body, ensuring adherence to the norms and standards set by the Department of Education. VAPSA oversees the operations of 20 centres, providing care and education to over a thousand children and supported by a dedicated team of practitioners.

Carly Mokoena, the owner of Itumeleng Carly’s Daycare and chairperson of VAPSA, explained some of the inputs the association make include monthly site visits to the ECD centres, where they observe the practitioners’ daily programmes and provide feedback as well as recommendation for improvements, making sure that all their practitioners have relevant qualifications, and ensuring all centres are registered with the Department of Education and also see to it that they all receive funding from the department.

Carly Mokoena. Picture: Masabata Mkwananzi

“Our main aim is to ensure that all our teachers have qualifications, and for those who don’t have, we see to it that they go back to school to further their studies while working at the centres. We also have monthly visits to our centres to ensure that the standards are set out according to the department,” Mokoena said.

This, she said, makes it easier for them to monitor the centres that fall under their umbrella, as they work hand in hand with the Department of Education officials and social workers to ensure the safety, health, and standard of education for the children. All the other requirements are exceptional as the inspectors and social workers occasionally make site visits to their centres, and if they are not on par the centres can easily have funding cut off or even worse have the day-care centres closed.

In addition, VAPSA acknowledges that many day-care centres face difficulties in securing funding. This challenge often arises from lack of awareness about the funding application process. To address this, VAPSA is committed to ensuring that all centres receive the necessary funding.

“Out of the 20 centres we have under us, 16 of them have funding and the remaining four don’t have funding, but we are in the process of registering,” she said.

Mokoena said it was because of this significant milestone that they decided as an association to express their gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated practitioners and caregivers who serve as the organisations backbone.

Acknowledging their commitment and service, teachers were honoured in three categories: the bronze category recognised practitioners with 0 to 5 years of service, followed by the silver category for those with 5 to 10 years, and the gold category for practitioners with 10 to 15 years of service, with some exceptional individuals contributing for more than 31 years in the field.

The bronze category recognised practitioners with 0 to 5 years of service. Picture: Masabata Mkwananzi

The silver category recognised practitioners with 5 to 10 years. Picture: Masabata Mkwananzi

The gold category recognised practitioners with 10 to 15 years of service, with some exceptional individuals contributing for more than 31 years in the field. Picture: Masabata Mkwananzi

Rechel Seshabela, the proud owner of Boitumelo Pre-School and an active member of VAPSA, spoke highly of the association’s unwavering efforts and contributions throughout the years.

Rechel Seshabela. Picture: Masabata Mkwananzi

Since its inception in 1993, Boitumelo Pre-School has been in operation. Seshabela’s love for children and her concern about many children roaming the streets during that period motivated her to open a day-care centre. Over time, this daycare evolved into a registered preschool.

“During those years we didn’t have a lot of crèches; in fact in my area, we had only two at the time and the government didn’t invest in crèches like they do today. I would see a lot of kids on the streets, and not being attended to, and that is why I choose to open my home to them,” Seshabela said.

She added that VAPSA provided her with assistance in the registration process of her preschool. Without their guidance, she lacked the necessary knowledge to proceed. Consequently, she successfully established her preschool and employed a team of eight individuals.

Notably, one of these employees is a young woman whom she had previously cared for from the age of 2. This individual has since grown up and now holds an administrative position, contributing to the management of the preschool.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za

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VAPSA shines a light on dedicated ECD teachers