Department of Early Childhood Care and Development

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Browsing Department of Early Childhood Care and Development by Subject "Caregivers"

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    The implementation challenges of the Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) approach at early childhood development centers in Windhoek, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Daniel, Indileni Ndeshipanda; Haihambo, Cynthy K.
    Like any other developing country in Africa and globally, Namibia is challenged with delivering Early Childhood Development (ECD) services as well as implementing the Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) approach. More importantly, various studies have indicated that for Namibia to obtain maximum benefits of Early Childhood Developement, it is imperative that investment in human capital commences in the early years of child development. Hence, the need to invest in ECD is imperative. Due to the rapid incursion of people into urban areas with the hope of employment opportunities, Windhoek, the capital city has the highest and fastest population growth of all towns in Namibia. Moreover, people of reproductive age mostly migrate from rural areas to towns for employment opportunities and enhanced living standards. It is imperative to note that approximately half of the population in Windhoek live in informal settlements. Consequently, this has exert pressure on ECD service delivery regarding infrastructure, resources, and capacitated educarers. Importantly, this has rendered a number of ECD centers potential risky areas of operation for young children as they scarcely receive the Integrated Early Childhood Development benefits. This study explored the implementation challenges of the Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) approach at early childhood development centres in Windhoek, Namibia. In addition, a qualitative research design, with a phenomenological approach was employed. The data was collected over six weeks in selected ECD centres in Windhoek suburbs and settlements. A non-participatory observation was also conducted at the same ECD centres. More importantly, the study employed purposive sampling to select ECD centres and participants who matched the criteria of five years ii or more of experience in ECD service delivery in their specific settlements and locations. Moreover, data was collected through observation by means of an observation checklist and interviews adopting semi-structured interview guides. Heidegger’s interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted to analyse the data by establishing themes. The study revealed that there were major disparities amongst ECD centers regarding equity and quality of ECD service delivery, infrastructures, materials, as well as level of educarers/caregivers qualification. Equally important, numerous ECD service providers lacked knowledge about the IECD policy document and its approach. The study’s findings further revealed that the children of affluent parents attended well-resourced ECD centers, with caregivers who were wellequipped to deliver the IECD curriculum. Despite the challenges, it is worth noting that the ECD service providers contributed to children's holistic development, at times without formal knowledge or training. The study concludes that for improved and satisfactory IECD service delivery, there is an urgent need for resource mobilisation and coordination at national, community, and centre levels. Furthermore, it is also imperative to adopt the inter-sectoral approach for well-coordinated programmes and sufficient funding. Finally, the Namibian nation should embrace the slogans: “Thrive by five” and “Make Every Child’s First Step, the Right Step”