In raising awareness of Early Child development (ECD) in the SACD region, editors need to be cognizant of the legislative statutes utilized in the regulating of ECD in their specific regions while also being aware that all laws exist within a global context. They should also learn to write ECD matters from a legislative point of view and write to influence ECD legislation. Financing should also be included in the dialogue as communicating in this context can proof futile without the financial backing to make it a feasible reality.
Writing to influence ECD legislation/Financing requires journalistic comprehensive understanding of policy related issues in general and public policy in particular. Any democratic government cannot afford to turn a blind eye on the plight of the society it represents. It should also take measures to improve the lives of its citizens.
With well-defined governmental policies in place this can be done while pertaining to each and every aspect of their intended actions. At the heart process of each is an institution seeking to enforce the prescribed policies.
Media within the Public Policy Making Cycle asserts that there are four media policy feedback stages which comprise of Agenda setting, Policy formulation, Policy Implementation and Policy evaluation.
In writing news on policy making and formulation, as media can have negative influences on child development, but can also be a potential instrument in fostering change if developmentally appropriate communication can be crafted pertaining to policies of ECD related issues, communication for, with, and about young children that is inclusive and culturally sensitive can help them develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Strategic writing in this field can also strengthen, provide support of and complement broader integrated early child development policies, strategies and specific development.
Policymaking is a political process which is affected by various social and economic factors and the media