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Early Childhood Education Development Centre (ECD)

The Education Act [Chapter 25:04] (“the Act”) does not define the term Early Childhood Education Development Centre. Notwithstanding the lack of a definition in the Act, Early Childhood Education Development Centres (ECDs) are centres for the early development of children from the age of two years in preparation for primary education.

ECDs are concerned with the physical, mental and social development of children. The National Employment Council for the Welfare and Educational Institutions recognises the following four types of ECDs, namely: Private ECDs, Rural ECDs, Trust ECDs and Urban ECDs. A Private ECD in Zimbabwe is an early development centre for children which operates on a private school and is run by private individuals, organisations or registered companies.

A Rural ECD is an early development centre for children which is located in a rural set up and is run by private individuals, organisations or registered companies. On the other hand, Trust ECDs are ECDS, Nurseys Schools or Pre-Schools which operate under a Trust School and are run by the Board of Governors or Trustees. Lastly, Urban ECDs which are located in low or medium density suburbs and high-density suburbs.