In a significant development for early childhood education in South Africa, the latest 2024 Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM) results have revealed that preschools employing the Grow early childhood development (ECD) online curriculum are not only keeping pace but exceeding national averages in child development outcomes.
With 70% of learners assessed as being on track across vital developmental domains, the Grow ECD programme is setting a gold standard for early education.
Presented as a free resource for all ECD centres, the Grow ECD curriculum caters to two age groups: children aged 0-2 years and those aged 2-5 years, making it an invaluable tool in the quest for universal access to quality education by 2030 as outlined in the South African government goals.
“We’re so excited to share the positive 2024 ELOM Dipstick Report results and be in a position to now offer the Grow Curriculum free of charge to all ECD centres in South Africa,” says Lisa Voortman, head of education at Grow ECD. “It is our gift to the sector.”
The data from the ELOM assessment reflects the curriculum’s impact. Children from Grow ECD centres scored significantly higher in holistic development, particularly in the Social-Emotional Rating Scale. Eighty percent of learners demonstrated strong social relationships, while 76% exhibited emotional readiness for school – indicators that these children are being nurtured in a supportive and engaging environment.
Challenges in early childhood education
Despite the positive outlook, the road to effective early learning is fraught with challenges. Voortman highlights that many ECD teachers work in under-resourced settings, often lacking qualifications and adequate support. “Teachers are not appreciated and supported,” she says.
Understanding these issues, Grow ECD designed and developed its interactive daily lesson planner specifically to address the educational challenges faced by early learning teachers. This user-friendly and multimedia-rich curriculum not only alleviates the burden of lesson planning but also integrates play-based learning strategies that are crucial for child development.
A curriculum that adapts to modern needs
The curriculum is nimble and accessible, available data-free on any Android device. Voortman described it as “a mentor in a teacher’s ear,” assisting teachers with detailed, step-by-step guides for every activity during the school day. From engaging videos and voice notes to photos, songs, and printouts, the curriculum caters to various learning styles, ensuring inclusivity and engagement.
“Much of what you find online is American and not appropriate for our learners,” Voortman explains. “The online curriculum is always up to date, colourful, and exciting to look at. It is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and complies with the Department of Basic Education’s requirements, making it a vital resource for South African preschools.”
A bright future for early learners
Currently, over 232 ECD centres are employing the Grow curriculum, benefiting more than 11 300 children daily. The positive learning environment fostered by this curriculum has resonated with centre owners like Pamela Petersen of Sunset Educare Centre in Cape Town, who noted an uptick in her students’ enthusiasm and engagement in learning through play.
Moreover, the curriculum has garnered international recognition, scoring an impressive 93% in pedagogical quality from Education Alliance Finland (EAF), underscoring its potential on a global scale.
ECD centre owners can easily access the curriculum by downloading the Grow Giraffe app and can reach the helpdesk via WhatsApp at +27 82 795 4693 for assistance.
