Abstract

Although the role of the home in supporting early childhood development, early learning and school outcomes is well established, the perspectives of caregivers on child development and schooling outcomes are comparatively underexplored. This study was conducted with caregivers of children aged 6 to 10 years in Mahikeng, South Africa, and aimed to explore their practices and beliefs related to the interconnected developmental continuum of ECD, school readiness and educational outcomes. A mixed methods approach was used, with 290 caregivers participating in a household survey, while 18 caregivers participated in focus group discussions. Caregivers expressed beliefs that they played an important role in early language development and in socioemotional development for older children. However, their behaviour was not necessarily motivated explicitly by child outcomes. Additionally, many contextual factors constrain the ability of households to support child development. Caregiving interventions must be informed by contextual understanding and help to overcome these barriers.