The Learning Tree Model Preschool Turns 7
KET’s model preschool celebrated its 7th birthday on the 7th of June 2024. In a short seven years, the preschool grew from accommodating 3 children to its capacity of 100. Concentrating on play-based learning, the children are encouraged to care for the natural forest environment on their border, creating a thriving center of learning within the township community of Khayalethu.
So, what makes The Learning Tree (TLT) a model preschool? We have narrowed it down to four aspects:
1. Focus on values – Practitioners are deeply focused on instilling important values in the children in their care, encouraging a sense of belonging; independence; mastery and generosity.
2. Staff development and retention – TLT staff attend regular training to help them develop both professionally and personally. This ensures their wellbeing and supports them to excel in their work. Three of the staff have been working at TLT since it opened – teachers Ntombi and Akhona, and the chef, Mama Thandi.
3. Parent involvement – Parents attend regular meetings and participate in fundraisers for the school. Principal Julie fosters relationships with them and gives them insight into their children’s learning journeys.
4. Building a strong community – The preschool is involved in various community projects, building strong stakeholder relationships and embedding themselves as a pillar in the community. These include beneficial relationships with the library, the church across the road from them, other ECD centers, Sanparks, Clean Knysna and the municipality. In addition, The Rotary Club of Knysna sponsors the Grade R Learners to attend swimming lessons, while Big builders/Young Engineers visit the GR R class on a weekly basis as part of their outreach programme.
TLT is also a model preschool in the sense that new teachers complete their practical training there. Twelve teachers have trained at TLT over the years, earning valuable experience to assist them in building their careers.
Overcoming Challenges
TLT experiences a lot of the same issues that other ECD facilities in township areas face – lack of funding, little space and ongoing transport difficulties. It takes thorough planning and good problem solving to run a successful preschool, and Principal Julie often shares her knowledge with other ECD principals.
Fostering inclusivity, children whose parents are unemployed or earn very little can attend through a bursary programme. Funders sponsor children’s fees for R6700 per year. The Ingrid Diesel Scholarship for Girls is the biggest contributor to this programme, sponsoring 25 children. Their main fundraiser is the annual golf day, set to take place on the 9th of August 2024. Other donors combined sponsor a further 21 children.
Some advice from Principal Julie for those who wish to start their own ECD facility:
1. Look at ways to make the facility financially viable, while maintaining good health and safety protocol in a fun and supportive environment.
2. Hire the best staff you can afford and build good supportive relationships with them, providing them with opportunities for self-development.
3. Align with an organisation like KET for the invaluable support they provide. KET assists with skills development, registration protocol, learning programmes and much more.