The cost of care: Payment delays and socioeconomic pressures facing early childhood development practitioners in South Africa

Early childhood development (ECD) practitioners are at core of care and overall well-being for children in ECD centers. Despite their importance, ECD practitioners’ psychosocial well-being is often overlooked in policy and research. While prior studies have documented challenges such as low pay and limited career progression, less attention has been given to the problem of delayed salary payments. This is an often overlooked form of economic insecurity that disproportionately affects women and household breadwinners. This study aimed to explore the interplay between salary payment and ECD practitioners’ work conditions, economic insecurity, and professional recognition. The cross-sectional, nationally representative Thrive by Five Index data collected in 2021 among 2288 ECD practitioners were analyzed. Data were analyzed at the univariate, bivariate, and multivariable levels. Using logistic regression, the outcome of the study was delayed salary payment. The findings showed that being a breadwinner significantly increased the likelihood of delayed salary payment (OR = 1.33, p = .009). Practitioners residing in large households (nine or more members) were also significantly more likely to report delayed salary payments (OR = 2.74, p < .001). Conversely, the presence of workplace support (OR = 0.65, p < .001) and access to special referrals and mentoring significantly reduced the odds of delayed salary payment. This study highlights that delayed salary payment among ECD practitioners is associated with poor working conditions, income insecurity, and lack of professional recognition. A coordinated, intersectoral community of practice involving government departments, ECD centers, and parents is essential. Such collaboration should focus on ensuring equitable access to ECD services and promoting supportive working environments. Importantly, the sector must move toward formalizing employment conditions , securing stable contracts, fair wages, and consistent payments for practitioners. Addressing payment delays is not only a labor rights issue but it is essential for delivering quality early learning and achieving equity in ECD.