Abstract

This paper contains an analysis of services for young children set within the social and economic context of a less developed country, namely South Africa. It deals first with the present status of provision, and illustrates the level of ethnic bias prevailing; it then examines four mainstream models of more equitable provision, and highlights the formidable costs involved. The paper concludes that provision for young South African children will probably remain conservative in terms of impact, but illustrates the importance of developing economically realistic models.