How the Daycare Originated
According to the Deed of Transfer, the land was purchased and officially registered on 20 September 1963. The daycare centre, an initiative by SKDB and CMR, opened its doors in 1964. Miss N. Botha, a young and dedicated social worker, served as its first head.
Years later, Prof. Botha served on the Management Board of Badisa and played a pivotal role in advancing the supervision of social workers in South Africa.
The initial aim of Uit-en-Tuis Crèche was to provide care for the children of parents who had to work due to financial pressures. In the early years, government subsidies helped keep fees low, making it accessible for more families. The crèche began with 26 children and, within three months, expanded to accommodate 54 children.
Important Milestones
- Infrastructure and Staff Development: Since 2018, significant efforts have been made to upgrade classrooms and playgrounds. Staff members are trained in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and Early Learning Development Areas (ELDAs) and are provided with uniforms to project a professional image. Many staff members have been with the crèche since 2006, marking 18 years of dedicated service.
- Digital Presence: A website was launched, along with a Facebook page and a WhatsApp channel to keep parents and the community informed and engaged.
- Special Needs Class: In June 2023, a special class was started for children with learning disabilities, including those on the Autism spectrum. This class began with three children and has since grown to eight.
Current Services and Community Involvement
- Children and Parental Circumstances: Uit-en-Tuis Crèche currently serves 88 children, ranging from 3 months to 6 years old. Most parents are employed in surrounding areas and earn above the subsidy threshold, so the crèche does not receive government subsidies.
- Location and Accessibility: Situated in a business area on a main route, Uit-en-Tuis Crèche is convenient for parents commuting from Kraaifontein to Muizenberg, even though it lacks a traditional “community.”
- Community Engagement: Every year, local businesses participate in community days, such as Mandela Day, with the crèche. Uit-en-Tuis also provides a practical training home for students. Additionally, the Parow Dutch Reformed Church makes annual donations, typically of non-perishable food items.
Uit-en-Tuis Crèche remains committed to providing quality care and education, continuously adapting to meet the needs of its children and their families.
