ECD Service Providers
Looking for new ways to improve your ECD Centre? Here are some tools, products and training that will help you, your learners and staff.
Booktalk (Pty) Ltd
Booktalk was formed in 1992, with the initial focus on supplying libraries with audiobooks, educational videos, books, and large-print format books. It then evolved to include the fast-growing end-user use of technology through e-books. One of their products is a student reading application called Sora. Booktalk is the authorised reseller of OverDrive Inc., a digital e-lending library service for schools through the Sora student reading platform and app. The Sora app allows you to have a library in your pocket!
Evergreen Parenting
Evergreen Parenting provides training material that consists of Christian principles on parenting and education. Based on Psalm 1, it provides hope and inspiration for parents and educators to feel evergreen during every season of raising a child and teaching them. The material has been developed by Hettie Brittz, author of ‘Growing Kids with Character‘ (David C Cook 2018). We invite you to join the Evergreen@School Initiative to give parents and educators in your community access to an online video course focused on children aged 0-5 years old. We offer three opportunities for preschools: sponsorship, membership or fundraising.
Isivuno Training
Isivuno Training strives to offer training and support to preschool teachers of under-privileged children from disadvantaged areas, especially to those teachers who do not have a formal qualification and who currently provide a service in homes, crèches and preschools, or those who would like to start a preschool. For Isivuno it is about expanding the Kingdom of God. Biblical principles are integrated into our training, including the daily programmes and lesson plans for preschool teachers. When teachers have a Biblical Worldview and use Biblically integrated material, children will hear about God’s love and will be able to follow Him and also have a chance at a better future.
EcoHome
EcoHome is a unique Environmental Education program for young learners, empowering them with the knowledge and values that are necessary to become caretakers of our planet. EcoHome’s activities allow the learners to assemble an eco-house as well as 16 eco-friendly items. Each of the items represents sustainable living. There are nine exciting and fun lessons and stories with characters that are EcoHome warriors and superheroes. The lessons teach the young learners important information such as the different types of energy and how all living things need energy; what it means when we talk about renewable and non-renewable resources; how life on Earth depends on trees, water, bees and other pollinators; how frogs are essential to the environment; and so much more. The EcoHome program assists educators with the advancement of Environmental Education by addressing the challenges of limited resources, teacher training, as well as awareness and prioritisation.
The Centre for Early Childhood Development
The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) first opened its doors in 1994. We are a non-profit organisation, committed to putting young children first by ensuring quality early childhood development for our country’s youngest citizens.
Godly Play
Godly Play is a Christian faith formation programme for children, used worldwide, which teaches children religious language and gives them space and time to come close to God. It is a story-based programme with roots in Montessori philosophy and was developed by theologian and author, Dr Jerome Berryman. The Godly Play circle where the stories are told, supports children’s spirituality by allowing them to integrate God’s stories with their own story as they make meaning of God’s presence in their lives. The Godly Play circle builds a community of children as they learn to listen not only to God’s stories but to one another with respect. Godly Play South Africa has 4 trainers, accredited by the Godly Play Foundation, and we offer Introductory workshops, as well as a 22 hour of Core Training held over 3 days, which will equip you to use this method successfully in your context through practical hands-on experience and by learning more about the philosophy and theology which underpins Godly Play.