ECD Business & Finances: Subsidies, Fees and Funding
The money side of an ECD business in South Africa decides whether your centre survives. The ECD subsidy, unpredictable school fee payments, rising food and staff costs and almost no time for financial admin put real pressure on creche and preschool owners.
These guides cover ECD funding and the DBE subsidy, what it really costs to run a centre, building a simple creche business plan and budget, setting sustainable fees and dealing with late and unpaid school fees.
Use the sections below to jump straight to the guides you need, from subsidy applications to preschool fees management.
The ECD Subsidy Explained: How to Qualify and Apply
How the per-child ECD subsidy works, who qualifies, current rates, required documents and how to apply through your provincial DBE.
Subsidies & Funding
The ECD subsidy, government funding and other financial support available to South African centres.
The ECD Subsidy Explained: How to Qualify and Apply in 2026
The ECD Subsidy Explained: How to Qualify and Apply in 2026 What the subsidy is, who...
Read MoreCosts, Fees & Budgeting
What it really costs to run a centre, how to set fees, and budgeting that keeps you sustainable.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an ECD Centre? Full Budget Breakdown
How Much Does It Cost to Run an ECD Centre? Full Budget Breakdown A research-based look...
Read MoreManaging School Fees & Arrears
Fee policies, payment plans and practical, legal ways to handle late and unpaid fees.
How to Handle Late and Unpaid School Fees at Your ECD Centre
How to Handle Late and Unpaid School Fees at Your ECD Centre Protecting your centre's cash...
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