Abstract
Background
The number of Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) operating in residential areas and informal settlements in South Africa (SA) is on the rise. Adherence to Environmental Health regulations is crucial for the well-being and safety of children, as well as a prerequisite for funding. This study aims to investigate compliance with Environmental Health requirements at ECDCs within the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).
Methodology
A quantitative research approach utilizing a cross-sectional design and a sample size of 271 participants was employed. The study targeted ECD owners, managers, and principals in selected ECD centres under the jurisdiction of Emfuleni Local Municipality. Data collection involved structured self-administered questionnaires. The collected data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 29.0, with graphical representation and tables used to present the study findings.
Results
An impressive response rate of 96% was achieved, with 259 participants indicating their roles as 167 (64.5%) ECD owners, 20 (7.7%) ECD managers, and 72 (27.8%) ECD principals. Regarding health certificates, 125 (48%) of participants reported lacking them, while 134 (51.7%) possessed valid health certificates. The study identified several factors contributing to non-compliance with environmental health requirements in ECDCs, including insufficient pest control measures 93 (35.9%), structural issues 90 (34.7%), inadequate sanitary facilities 68 (26.3%), absence of a sick bay 65 (25.1%), inadequate outdoor play areas and non-compliant food preparation spaces 64 (24.7%), lack of designated food-preparation zones 62 (23.9%), missing refuse disposal and office areas 56 (21.6%), limited indoor space 49 (18.9%), and absence of fencing and gates 45 (17.4%). The study found the least cited reason for non-compliance to be the absence of a first aid box 44 (17.0%).
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Conclusion
Compliance of ECDCs with Environmental Health requirements is still a challenge. The findings of the study show that 125 (48.3%) participants indicated they do not have a health certificate for operating an ECDC. It is still prevalent, as reflected from the findings of this study and past studies on the compliance of ECDC. The findings reflect that interventions for rendering quality ECDC sector is a priority. Factors identified in the study that affect compliance currently provide a great opportunity for the country to create targeted interventions that will aim at quality ECD provision.
Keywords
Compliance, Early childhood development, Early childhood development centre, Environmental health requirements