In 2001, the Government of Zambia launched a child care reform program called the Child Care Upgrading Program (CCUP) through the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, with the support of UNICEF. The program sought changes to the child care system through five primary activities: (1) identifying all child care facilities in Zambia, (2) registering all child care facilities, (3) collecting information on child care facilities and their employees and establishing a national database, (4) upgrading skill levels of staff in child care facilities, and (5) developing and applying minimum standards for the operation of child care facilities. This report addresses the fifth activity as it contains a set of regulations and procedures which the Zambian Government has established as the “Minimum Standards of Care,” in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The document serves as a “blueprint” for applying those minimum standards and thus ensuring the best interests of the child in care facilities.
The document includes a chapter on the “regulatory principles and statutory provisions for child care facilities” as well as an outline of the necessary procedures and administrative actions regarding child care facilities including registration, applying for certification, record-keeping, and compliance. The report also describes the minimum standards for child care facility staff including minimum qualifications, screening procedures, orientation, record-keeping, training, and health requirements. In addition to staff, the minimum standards also address the appropriate conditions for the facilities themselves, with particular attention to play equipment, bathroom facilities, general sanitation, and safety. Minimum standards are also applied to the admission and care of children, i.e. child care plans, education, nutrition, health care, and child participation. The document concludes with the minimum standards for transportation of children, discipline, supervision, and procedures for leaving care and providing after-care support.
