As Johannesburg’s inner city densifies and increasingly accommodates low- and middle-income families, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres have become essential complementary land uses within the Central Business District (CBD). However, many centres operate in high-rise and mixed-use buildings not designed for childcare, raising concerns about spatial justice, child-friendly urbanism, and the adaptability of planning systems. This paper examines the alignment between planning and regulatory frameworks for ECD provision and the spatial realities of ECD centres operating in Johannesburg’s CBD. Using a qualitative explanatory case study approach, the study combines non-participant observation of selected ECD centres with analysis of zoning schemes, national norms and standards, policy documents, and demographic data. Findings reveal a persistent mismatch between regulatory expectations largely premised on low-density, purpose-built assumptions and the constrained, vertical environments of the inner city. While regulations aim to safeguard child wellbeing, their rigid application often hinders compliance and contributes to informality. At the same time, ECD centres demonstrate adaptive spatial practices that respond to urban densification but remain weakly recognised within formal planning systems. The paper argues for child-sensitive, context-responsive planning approaches that recognise ECD centres as integral urban social infrastructure and align regulatory frameworks with the realities of dense city centres.
Mzobe et al. (Thu,) studied this question.