How to Register your ECD centre through the eCares Online Registration System
Last updated: 01 April 2025 (This page will be updated as DBE shares new information)
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has launched the eCares online registration system to help all ECD centres across South Africa get certified. This system is now available nationwide. The registration process is divided into three stages.
Every ECD Centre in the country must register.
What’s are the different stages?
Stage 1: Apply – Bronze Certificate (Bronze is only valid for one year)
After completing registration, your ECD centre will receive a Bronze Certificate – a recognition of your first steps toward full registration. You’ll have a year (12 months) to work towards higher certification levels, which include further inspections.
Stage 2: Comply – Site Visits
During the silver/gold registration process, you will be required to submit any remaining outstanding documentation. There will be site inspections by the Education District and Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) to check compliance with all norms and standards.
Stage 3: Complete – Silver and Gold Registration
Once the ECD centre receives a Silver or Gold certificate the process is complete.
Getting Ready to Register
Here’s a straightforward guide to prepare for Stage 1:
- Check Your Device: You can use a computer, laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone to register. Make sure your device is ready and has a good internet connection.
- Read the MRD Information: Go through the MRD information documents thoroughly (all provided under the “Useful Links” heading at the bottom). These documents will give you all the details you need and include the link to the DBE online registration system.
- Save the eCares Registration Chatbot’s Number: Add the eCares Registration Chatbot’s number (087 725 2059) to your phone contacts. This is the number you’ll use during registration. You’ll need to interact with this chatbot during the process.
- Contact the Chatbot Open WhatsApp and send a “Hi” or “Hello” message to the chatbot’s number. Follow the instructions the chatbot gives you to proceed with registration.
- Gather Your Documents Before you start, make sure you have the following documents saved on your device:
- Collect certified copies of ID or passport for yourself and your staff.
- Complete the Form 30 for all the individuals mentioned (Form 29 is not needed).
- Save each of these documents as separate files with clear names (e.g., “ID Jane Doe,” “Form30 Jane Doe”).
- Prepare a photo of your learning programme eg. tables and chairs, educational posters etc. If you upload a photo with children present, make sure the children’s faces are not visible in the photo.
- Prepare Your Information: See the information needed for Stage 1 below
- Review the Health and Safety questions: See information below.
- Proceed with online registration: Use the links below. Create a unique profile and keep your password safe. Complete all the steps and submit your application.
Information Needed for Stage 1
Prepare the following information before you get started:
- Staff Details: Highest ECD qualification for each staff member, their email addresses, and mobile numbers.
- Children’s Details: Organise information into these age groups:
- Birth to 18 months
- 18 months to 3 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 4 to 5 years
- 5 to 6 years
For each age group, gather:
- Number of boys and girls
- Boys and girls receiving the Child Support Grant
- Boys and girls with special needs
- Number of staff members
- Total number of children
Need help? Use the Excel tables linked at the bottom of this page to help collect and organise this information.
Health and Safety
Review the MRD Health Norms and Standards. You can apply for the Bronze Certificate (stage 1) without having these fully in place, but you’ll need to commit to implementing them before your site inspection in Stage 2 for the Silver Certificate.
Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety questionnaire, which you’ll fill out online during registration – there’s no need to complete it on paper.
Starting the Registration
Once you have everything ready, go to the DBE’s registration portal.
Follow the instructions to create a profile, upload your documents, complete the questions and submit your registration and get your Bronze Certificate.
The MRD Contact Centre Number: 010 476 1004
- The contact centre is strictly outbound, this means you cannot call the number to make enquiries but this number may call you with regards to your application.
- We recommend you save this number on your phone so that you know to answer this important call.
Click to download:
- Form 30
- MRD Health Norms and Standards
- Health and Safety Questionnaire
- Excel Tables for Collecting Information
The DBE aims to make the registration process as smooth as possible. Gather your documents and information, and proceed confidently. You’re on your way to achieving your Bronze Certificate!
What’s next?
After completing registration, your ECD centre will receive a Bronze Certificate – a recognition of your first steps toward full registration. You’ll have a year (12 months) to submit outstanding documents and make any changes and updates required for you to move on to silver/gold registration. On-site inspections will be arranged to check all silver or gold norms and standards have been met.
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