Abstract:
Research has indicated that educational resources used at early
childhood development (ECD) centres advance and enrich the
developmental domains, health and wellbeing of young children.
However, most ECD centres in South Africa seem to lack many
educational resources that enhance quality early childhood care
and education (ECCE). This study aimed to explore the experience
of the ECD principals in accessing learning resources for their
centre. A qualitative research approach that employed a multiple
case study research design was utilised. Data were gathered
through individual semi-structured interviews with four principals
and four practitioners from the four selected ECD centres. The
collected data were analysed thematically. This study was guided
by Britto, Yoshikawa and Boller’s (2011) framework as a theoretical
base. The findings revealed that ECD centres only access
resources from the users’ fees charged and a stipend from the
government, which seems insufficient to promote quality ECCE.
This study recommends that ECD principals become proactive
regarding effective management and leadership skills by engaging
with internal and external environment opportunities to access
learning resources effectively. This study further recommends
that ECD principals be exposed to various seminars, workshops,
symposiums and training where they can network with influencers and develop their leadership and relational abilities that will assist
them in being creative when accessing learning resources.
