Early Childhood Development
Building Strong Foundations – Where Every Child’s Journey Begins
Why ECD Matters
The first six years of life are the most critical for a child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. That’s why we focus on strengthening early foundations – because every child deserves the best possible start.
Our impact in the Overstrand, in numbers:
- 63 Educare centres supported – reaching 2,747 children
- 174 teachers upskilled annually in play-based learning methodologies
- Parent coaching programmes bridge the gap between home and school
Our ECD Programmes
Teacher Development
- CAPS-aligned workshops to support national curriculum goals
- Trauma-informed care support for safer, more nurturing learning environments
- 30 student teachers placed in 2023 through our partnership with Boland College
Toy Libraries And Play Therapy
- 300+ members actively borrowing educational toys
- Sensory play resources for children with learning barriers
- 200 children celebrated World Play Day with us
"Mandjie” Project
- A signature initiative offering educational toy kits, resources and guided support to help educators and parents create enriched learning environments.
School Readiness
- Close collaboration between Grade R teachers and parents
- Activity booklets provided in learners’ home languages
- Parents report 40% faster concept mastery with our materials
Nosipho Sixasi
ECD principal
Nosipho: Assistant To Principal
Nosipho began as a classroom assistant. With support from Enlighten’s ECD programmes, she earned her qualifications, became the principal of a fully accredited ECD centre, and now mentors new teachers – proving that investing in potential delivers tangible results.
“Even with obstacles in your path, it is still possible to achieve your goals – it is important to dream big.”