Children are sociable little people and they enjoy, thrive on and learn from other children. In an ECD centre children are grouped together according to age and the programme is structured to suit their developmental stage. Activities and resources are also pitched at a level to challenge them and allow them to experience success. Children also learn best from other children and they learn through play, and playing with other children helps them to develop in totality i.e. social, emotional, physical and cognitively.
In an ECD centre the teacher is qualified to work with small children and also knows to observe them and knows when a child needs additional support and when they need yo be referred to a specialist. The daily programme is planned in such a way that active and less active activities alternate each other to release energy and to get them to start concentrating for short periods of time.
A good ECD centre will have a prescribed menu and will serve a healthy balanced diet suitable for the young child's needs. The first few months in an ECD centre could be difficult as your child might suffer numerous infections but even this could be seen in a positive light, with every infection the body is building more and more antibodies.
So yes, go for it! Book a place in that ECD centre near your home and become involved in the running of your child's first school.
By: Riette Els, ECD Manager
Great article. They both have their own pros and cons. I guess just do what you think is best for your child. If one choose to educate them at home rather than sending them to Enrichment Class for Kids, then one should be prepared to give what is lacking and prepare the child for what to come.
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