The recent 2024 Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM) results show that learners in preschools properly implementing the Grow ECD curriculum are achieving great results, with 70% of learners on track across the developmental domains and even higher scores on the Social-Emotional Rating Scale. The government has recently announced its goal of universal access to ECD by 2030. Rolling out the Grow ECD curriculum free of charge to all ECD centres is a step in reaching this target, says the organisation.  

"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. It is our gift to the sector," says Lisa Voortman, Head of Education at Grow ECD. 

"Research has proven that early childhood education is the foundation of a child's learning journey. Ensuring that children receive quality education in their formative years sets them up for success. The ELOM results show that preschools using the Grow curriculum are providing a quality education to their learners," Voortman says.

Grow Understands the Challenges ECD Teachers Face 

Grow ECD has been working with early learning centres for 15 years. "The work is rewarding, but we see the challenges preschools face, particularly in under-resourced areas," says Voortman. "Teachers are not appreciated and supported. Often, they are unqualified and don't know how, or don't have the time, to plan and prepare for lessons. We also see that some teachers don't know how to use educational resources adequately to support children's developmental milestones. Teachers need a curriculum that is easy to understand and implement." 

"We have seen that ECD centres struggle to integrate best practice play-based learning despite having qualified teachers because teachers of all levels need ongoing support, mentorship and guidance. Another issue we've found is that there is usually no stimulating programme for zero to two year old children,” says Voortman.  

A curriculum for Early Learning Teachers at Every Level

Grow ECD says it created the online curriculum and teacher's guide with these challenges in mind. 

"The curriculum acts like a mentor in a teacher's ear, showing and guiding her step-by-step to implement play-based education. It is not limited to a physical book, so every teacher can access the planner at any time, on her phone and data-free," Voortman says. "We know a teacher's day is incredibly busy, and taking time to plan and prepare is crucial if you want your week to run smoothly. The curriculum supports her with that planning by showing her exactly what to do for every day of the week and every hour of the day."

Data-Free, Multimedia Content Brings the Daily Curriculum to Life 

Grow has taken the book-based written curriculum, given it an upgrade and put it onto the phone with new features. Voortman says, "The multimedia, locally-relevant content is engaging and inspiring with videos, voice notes, photos, songs, rhymes, printouts and tips for every day's lessons. It provides an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide that teachers can use to plan every hour of every day, from morning ring to extension activities. It is data-free and available on any Android phone, tablet or laptop, so teachers can plan their lessons at home."

"Much of what you find online is American and not appropriate for our learners, and not aligned to the NCF. Curriculum books are limiting as they cannot be updated regularly, so they become outdated. They also require teachers to read a lot of print, sometimes in their second language. The online curriculum is always up to date, it is colourful and exciting to look at," says Voortman. The curriculum also complies with the Department of Basic Education's registration requirements. 

Grow ECD Preschools Are Developmentally on Track 

The 2024 ELOM results prove that the Grow ECD Curriculum works. Grow ECD says it conducted an ELOM study across three provinces, evaluating 91 learners aged between four and five years. The results show that 70% of children in Grow ECD centres are developmentally on track, compared to the national Thrive by Five Index, which reports that only 45.7% of children are on track. 

Grow ECD-aligned schools also scored well on the Social-Emotional Rating Scale, which assesses emotional readiness for school and peer relationships. Results showed that 80% of Grow ECD learners met the standard for social relations, while 76% demonstrated emotional readiness for school, says the organisation. 

Voortman says, "Many teachers spend hours planning and preparing without being sure that the planning does not leave gaps in the children's learning. These results prove that following the Grow ECD Curriculum is covering all the necessary bases and ensuring learners are on track for their age."

Grow ECD concludes that to get started, ECD centre owners must download the Grow Giraffe app on an Android device. For assistance, they can contact the Grow ECD helpdesk at +27827954693 or email [email protected].

For more information, visit www.growecd.org.za. You can also follow Grow ECD on Facebook, LinkedIn or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor