This essay examines the provision of early childhood education and day care (educare) structure, provision, and funding. The essay's analysis of these factors indicates that current educare provisions are poorly structured, racially discriminatory, underfunded, and generally inadequate for most children and their families, especially in black communities. Specific recommendations are made to improve and revamp the current system, noting that national, regional, and local governmental bodies need to place more emphasis on providing effective educare to all South African families that need it, and private sources of funding and support must be utilized in tandem with increased government expenditures. (MDM)