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This article analysed the level of social validity on implementing the updated Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum in Epworth, Mabvuku, Tafara (EPMAFARA) District in Harare, Zimbabwe. To address the ever-changing world economy, Zimbabwe introduced an updated curriculum in all its primary schools, in 2017. The updated curriculum provides a framework for the knowledge that help young people to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. A qualitative method was employed to explore curriculum implementation in Zimbabwean primary schools. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of two District Schools Inspectors, four School Heads/ Teachers in Charge and eight ECD teachers. The data were analysed using the NVivo software. The researchers discovered that as well as exposing some gaps in the implementation practice, the study revealed some advantages namely, competence-based component, child centred methods, skills-based approaches, change and nurturing of various children’s talents among others. The disadvantages encountered comprised lack of financial and human resources and school basic infrastructures, excessive workload for teachers, lack of Information, Communication and Technology skills and high- teacher: pupil ratio. The qualitative research method used was one major limitation since it was time consuming and, labour intensive. The researchers' initial sample was further affected by COVID-19's onset in the country in March 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) advised lockdown limitations, causing schools to close abruptly. The paper’s findings underscored the significance of planning for change in ECD educational programs in terms of teachers’ preparedness and stakeholders’ resourcefulness. These findings imply that teachers should be trained to become innovative and creative in curriculum implementation. Stakeholders are recommended to support teachers and schools with prerequisite resources.

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to highlight the significance of pedagogical leadership (PL) in improving the quality of practice in early childhood development (ECD) centres. ECD in South Africa is defined as the procedures by means of which children from birth to 9 years grow and flourish emotionally, morally, socially, physically and spiritually (DoE, 2001, p. 7). The paper further argues how professional training and development can equip ECD leaders and teachers with the necessary skills for pedagogical leadership. Currently, in South Africa the majority of ECD leaders, especially those in the previously marginalised ECD communities, have assumed their positions without any professional training. Most ECD leaders are owners who react to the government’s call to establish ECD centres in order to make ECD services accessible to all South African children. Leadership in ECD is a less discussed and poorly researched subject in South Africa. Pedagogical leadership in ECD is defined and its status in South Africa is examined in this paper and suggestions are made concerning how it may be transformed and developed.

This paper explores how early childhood (EC) leaders in South Africa support the EC centres in the townships of Gauteng Province. The term township refers to underdeveloped and racially segregated urban areas reserved for black communities, specifically Coloured, Africans and Indians. The townships are usually built outside the cities and towns. The term (township) also has a discrete legal implication in South Africa’s system of land title, which carries no tribal connotations. Gauteng Province is one of the nine provinces of South Africa. It is the economic hub of the country and consists of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to understand the support practices by EC leaders through providing insight into the subjective experiences of practitioners. In this paper, support means empowering practitioners. This paper followed the qualitative approach in exploring how EC leaders support practitioners in a diverse cultural milieu. The paradigm used is interpretive because the author interpreted the support mechanisms offered. Data was collected through literature review. The paper contends that knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures is significance in giving support to culturally diverse EC centres. The expectation is that EC leaders should have the skill and ability to support practitioners in any given context. Findings reveal that good support can happen when there is collaboration between principals, practitioners and communities.

This chapter seeks to consider strategies and means that early childhood development (ECD) leadership in South Africa can use to create a non-violent environment at ECD centers and in the foundation phase in primary schools. In South Africa, ECD is defined as a term indicating the procedures under which children from birth to nine years of age grow and flourish emotionally, morally, socially, physically, and spiritually. The chapter focuses on Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 3 environments. It also addresses the roles that relevant stakeholders can play in support of school leadership in the creation of a violent-free environment. The research is guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. Since early childhood is a sensitive and impressionable stage in children's lives, a living, supportive atmosphere as well as an enabling social setting is essential to ensure their complete development. This requires the involvement of all stakeholders (school governing bodies), especially members of the schools' leadership teams in considering policy.

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight importance of training Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners to ensure safety of learners in ECD centres, known as ECE in other countries. Several government departments have established policies to ensure effective implementation of health and safety practices in ECD centres. The problem with ECD policy implementation seems to be minimal training and support of practitioners and caregivers focusing on health and safety issues in ECD centres. Policy cannot always mandate what matters to outcomes at ECD centres because individual practices ought to be central to local responses. ECD policies in South Africa provide guidelines that direct the day-to-day practices of ECD practitioners. However, health and safety of young children appears to be in the hands of untrained practitioners and caregivers. Furthermore, ECD policy implementation reveals an uncertain relationship between policies and program implementation.