Assessing Health and Safety Management in Early Childhood Development Centres: Evidence from Mufakose District, Zimbabwe

Introduction: This study evaluated the management of health and safety for Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners in Mufakose District, Zimbabwe. Ensuring the well-being of young learners is critical for their development, yet limited data exist on how effectively these standards are upheld in local educational settings. Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data were gathered through interview guides and an observation checklist. Three primary schools—two government and one private—were randomly selected. From these schools, a purposive sample of 3 ECD teachers, 3 Teachers-in-Charge (TICs), and 3 school heads participated in the study. Results: Findings indicated that the health and safety practices in the sampled schools generally met the minimum operational standards. However, gaps were identified in areas such as staff training, infrastructure adequacy, and availability of safety resources. Factors influencing effective health and safety management included teacher qualifications and experience, teacher attitudes, resource constraints, and class size. Conclusion: The study concluded that while foundational health and safety measures are in place, significant improvements are needed to meet optimal standards. Recommendations include enhanced parental involvement, continuous professional development for ECD teachers and administrators on health and safety practices, and the implementation of robust performance monitoring frameworks.