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Blog

ECD Practitioner’s Newsletter – August 2024

MESSAGE FROM KET

Building a strong ECD community is important to us. As ECD practitioners, you are paving the way for future generations, ensuring that the littlest members of society get the foundation to carry them through a successful school career. We want to support you in this and help your small business thrive. We have put together this newsletter to update you on what’s happening in our local ECD community. You can expect a newsletter once every two months!

Congratulations to the following ECD facilities that earned Western Cape Education Department (WCED) registration in the last two months:

  • Knysna Educare Nursery
  • Little Steps Daycare & Preschool
  • Building Blocks Educare

ECD facilities that are registered with the WCED are compliant with the Children’s Act of South Africa. This means they have the infrastructure and planning in place to ensure the children in their care are in an environment conducive to learning. 

Besides being required by law, there are benefits to registering your ECD facility. Registered facilities that also register as a non-profit organisation may qualify for government funding. This will help you pay for education equipment, a portion of salaries and feeding the children. 

If you are in the process of registering your ECD facility, we encourage you to keep going! It may seem like a lot of work but it is worth it for the sustainability of your small business. 

Knysna Educare Centre & Little Steps Daycare and Preschool
Building Blocks Educare

SMARTSTART CLUB HOSTS SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

On the 9th of August 2024, the Concordia SmartStart Club invited parents to their annual concert. The event was lots of fun, with the children singing and dancing. Each of the ECD facilities performed a few items for the audience. 

The Concordia SmartStart Club is made up of 7 ECD facilities – Entabeni Nursery & Preschool; Sophakama Playschool; Zanolwazi Preschool; Maranatha Playschool; Khanyisa Daycare; Happy Kids Daycare and Kingdom kiddies.

The idea behind the Club is to support each other hosting events, share teaching tips, and offer guidance to each other. It is essential to have a support system, and even if you are not a SmartStart franchisee we encourage all preschools to get together with the other facilities in their area to form a supportive network.

KET’s registration manager, Nella Gysman, was a guest speaker at the concert. She thanked parents for being involved in their children’s education, explaining the importance of sending your child daily and emphasizing that ECD practitioners deserve to be paid well for their services.

Events like these are a great opportunity for fundraising, as you can sell drinks or food to the attendees and raise money for your preschool. We find that it is always good to have a goal in mind when fundraising. For example, if you mention that you are selling cool drinks so that you can buy new books for the preschool, parents will be motivated to support.

Are you hosting an event for parents in the near future? Let us know!

Concordia SmartStart concert
Concordia SmartStart concert

PRACTITIONER TIP OF THE MONTH

Encourage independence in your classroom by creating a “helper” rotation where each child gets the chance to be responsible for small tasks, like handing out materials or being in charge of the weather chart. This fosters a sense of responsibility and gives children opportunities to practice decision-making and problem-solving in a supportive environment.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Upcoming Capacity Building in KET’s training centre: 

  • 18/09/2024 – Importance of Art in the Classroom & KET Curriculum 
  • 23/10/2024 – Funding, Administration & KET Curriculum 
PAL Marilyn at Bethel Creche

PRACTITIONER’S WELLNESS

Incorporate micro-breaks into your day! These are short, 1-2 minute pauses where you focus on deep breathing or simple stretches. You can encourage your learners to join in. Breathing and stretching are two marvellous exercises to do when transitioning from one activity to the next. These brief moments of relaxation can help reset your energy and mindset, preventing burnout and keeping you centered throughout the day.

Click here for 16 “Brain Gym” exercises

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM

Introducing our newest Preschool Area Lead (PAL) Chaney Quine! 

Chaney has been working with Knysna’s ECD facilities since 2021. She will use her experience and expertise to empower ECD practitioners, guiding them to make the most out of KET’s programmes and improve their day-to-day activities for the benefit of the children.

Fun facts about Chaney: She likes dressing herself fashionably. She enjoys restaurant hopping and trying different cuisines. She loves going on drives, whether alone or accompanied, and appreciates the calmness that nature brings. Lastly, Chaney absolutely loves having pictures taken of herself, but doesn’t need to ask anyone to take her picture as she will flip her camera and take her own selfie.

Chaney Quine, KET's new PAL

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

During the Knysna Oyster Festival, KET joined the Art Walk by hosting a children’s exhibition at Pam Golding on Thesen Island. Fifteen ECD facilities provided art done by the children. Look at this creativity! 

KET's Art Exhibiton at Pam Golding

UPCOMING EVENTS

A group of ECD facilities in Hornlee are hosting a Colour Walk fundraiser. Show them support and join in on the fun!

Do you have good news to share with us? Or perhaps you have suggestions on what you would like to see in our next newsletter? Let us know through the KET WhatsApp line: 076 192 3680