Scaling Up Early Childhood Development (ECD) (0-4 years) in South Africa: The Availability of Government Indicator Systems for Monitoring the National Integrated Plan for ECD
by DAWES A , 2008Research Report. Human Sciences Research Council
This paper is one of a series developed to inform the Scaling Up ECD Services (0–4 years) Research Project with the aim of improving child development and significant job creation. This paper reviews the extent to which input and outcome indicators are currently available in the government’s administrative data system, which can be utilised for monitoring and packaging services covered by the National Integrated Plan (NIP) for Early Childhood Development (ECD). Apart from reviewing existing and proposed indicator systems, the paper also draws on indicators recommended for tracking the situation of children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, as published in various intersectoral plans. The conclusion of this review is that a range of data is available but that there are major gaps, particularly in non-health areas. Measurement of the inputs and quality of services is absent for the range of non-health interventions proposed in the NIP. It would be optimal for the ECD indicators to follow the example of the Department of Health’s Essential Data Set, which includes the same information collected in an identical manner using a common platform in every province (initially collected at district level). This system gives policymakers from district level and up a comprehensive view of the situation. Indicators for integrated service delivery would have to be discussed and developed by those charged with intersectoral planning for ECD. None exist at present. It would be optimal for the ECD indicators to follow the example of the Department of Health’s Essential Data Set, which includes the same information collected in an identical manner using a common platform in every province (initially collected at district level). This system gives policymakers from district level and up a comprehensive view of the situation. Indicators for integrated service delivery would have to be discussed and developed by those charged with intersectoral planning for ECD. None exist at present.
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