Children's Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005)Chapter 6 : Early Childhood Development94. National norms and standards for early childhood development programmes |
| (1) | The Minister must determine national norms and standards for early childhood development programmes by regulation after consultation with interested persons and the Ministers of Education, Finance, Health, Provincial and Local Government and Transport. |
| (2) | The prescribed national norms and standards contemplated in subsection (1) must relate to the following: |
| (a) | The provision of appropriate developmental opportunities; |
| (b) | programmes aimed at helping children to realise their full potential; |
| (c) | caring for children in a constructive manner and providing support and security; |
| (d) | ensuring development of positive social behaviour; |
| (e) | respect for and nurturing of the culture, spirit, dignity, individuality, language and development of each child; and |
| (f) | meeting the emotional, cognitive, sensory, spiritual, moral, physical, social and communication development needs of children. |
| (3) | An early childhood development programme provided in terms of this section must be appropriate to the needs of the children to whom the programme is provided, including children with a disability, chronic illness and other special needs. |