Developing literacy through home visiting programmes: The case of the Family in Focus (FIF) programme

The value of early childhood development (ECD) programmes for young children is now generally accepted. However the situation of ECD in South Africa is that the vast majority of poor children are not exposed to ECD programmes due to financial constraints or to an absence of programmes in communities – only half of 3-4 year olds have had exposure to any form of out-of-home child care, let alone good quality early childhood education1. Among poor children, the proportion is even less. Reaching the majority requires outreach and home-based programmes to ensure that children are afforded some opportunity to reach and develop their potential. The National Integrated Plan proposes substantial expansion of Home Care Based ECD to ensure reach to the poorest and most vulnerable children. Read more…