Mentoring & support for trainees

ECD Departmental Goal: To grow the potential of children receiving Ikamva Labantu early childhood development services (including early identification and management of suspected challenges) to equip them with school readiness skills.

Practitioners' Training Objective: To provide experiential learning, mentoring & support for ECD practitioners to improve the quality of stimulation & nurturing given to children under 5 years, so that they are school-ready (i.e., prepared for Gr R).

Principals' Training & Registration Help Desk Objective: To support & mentor ECD Principals through training & information sharing around Educare Management (informed by DBE norms & standards) so that they foster a stimulating learning environment for Children, and a desired employment environment for Practitioners.

Kwakhanya Educare Objectives: To manage a best-practice Educare (upholding Department of Basic Education norms & standards) which provides:

1. A practical learning environment for Trainee Practitioners where theory is reinforced through observation, practice, feedback & discussions, and
2. a nurturing & stimulating environment for children 4 months -5 years old so that they are adequately prepared for school (Gr R).

After-School Care Objective: To support and mentor After-School Care Managers through sharing information around after-school care management (informed by the DSD Norms and Standards) so that they foster a stimulating learning environment for children.

Target Beneficiaries: Children, from birth to 5 years ECD Principals ECD Practitioners After-school care Principals

Geographic Scope: The Cape Town Metro, with more focus on Khayelitsha.

Outcomes: Principals' Training:

1. Principals gain theoretical knowledge and start to put systems in place (admin, finance, governance, leadership, etc
2. Principals support Practitioners to implement Learning Programme (ILPDLP)

Practitioners' Training

1. Practitioners become aware of the importance of ECD, especially nurturing & stimulation.
2. Practitioners gain theoretical knowledge of Early Childhood Development and skill in how to implement a Learning Programme.

Kwakhanya Educare:

1. Trainee Practitioners reinforce theoretical training by observing, practising, discussing & getting feedback from staff at Kwakhanya
2. Children feel emotionally supported in a positive learning environment, creating the opportunity for learning

Registration Help Desk:

1. ECD centres meet all norms & standards & become registered with the Department of Basic Education and subsequently receive subsidies.

After School Care:

1. After-School care facilities meet all norms & standards & become registered with the Department of Social Development and subsequently receive subsidies.

Lesson Learned: No intervention can be successful and sustainable if it is done for the community without being informed by the community.