To help ECD owners and teachers, several free preschool resources are available to make their lives easier and ensure successful back-to-school preparations. These platforms are not only free but also credible, locally relevant and designed to empower ECD centres in South Africa, says the NPO.

 

Grow ECD's Resource Centre

Grow ECD is a non-profit organisation that helps preschool owners run sustainable ECD centres that offer learners a five star education. Grow's free Resource Centre includes over 450 downloads, such as policies, procedures, templates, classroom tools, songs and rhymes and parent newsletters, designed specifically for South African preschools, adds the NPO.

Helene Brand, Grow ECD's Marketing Manager, says, "It's a library of free downloads that will give you access to real, practical tools you can use immediately in any classroom or preschool office. The 2026 ECD calendar is one of our most popular downloads. It is a great planning tool, with themes and other important information, like school holidays, special days and term dates, already added in."

The Department of Basic Education's Free Online P.L.A.Y. Course

The course is focused on play-based learning. It is ideal for preschool owners and teachers already working in classrooms, crèches, or community centres. It offers self-paced modules with practical strategies to integrate play into daily classroom routines. The course is recognised by the Department of Basic Education as part of its ECD professionalisation, says the NPO.

The ECD Information Hub

The hub is a collaborative platform between the Department of Basic Education, UNICEF and the Lego Foundation, provides sector-wide resources, research and insights for educators, caregivers, policymakers and NGOs. The ECD Information Hub is designed as a knowledge-sharing repository to strengthen ECD quality and access nationwide, adds the NPO.

The Ubuntu Hub

Developed by Ubuntu Education, the Ubuntu Hub is the largest online community of teachers and school leaders in Africa. It's a teacher-centred platform that lets educators access everything they need to advance their careers. This vibrant community of teachers and school leaders across Africa connects, grows and shapes the future of education. It is linked to a growing network of schools, education organisations and academics across the continent, working together to shape the future of education, says the NPO.

Along with free resources available to ECD owners and teachers, Grow ECD's Marketing Manager, Helene Brand, has three tips to help preschool owners get ready for the new school year. 

Choose a Great Curriculum for 2026

"A daily, practical and play-based curriculum will transform your classrooms," says Brand. "You can use Grow ECD's online curriculum for free. There is a special curriculum for babies and one for two-to five-year-olds. They are NCF aligned and approved by DBE. To access the curriculum, simply download Grow ECD's free Giraffe app."

Use a Free ECD Management App

"Using a management app that helps you manage your preschool like a business is like having an extra staff member to do your admin. The Grow ECD Giraffe App, for example, is free and available to all South African preschools. It helps you manage your admin, finances, learner assessments and reports, teacher development and much more." says Brand.

Plan the Year Properly With a Good Calendar

"We offer a free online 2026 calendar that includes learning themes, term dates and public holidays and special dates you can include in your learning. It's a good idea to prepare with a good calendar before school starts," adds Brand.  

"Grow ECD wishes all South African preschool owners, teachers, parents and learners a successful 2026, full of quality learning and good, sustainable management," concludes Brand.

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

*Image courtesy of contributor