GOD's LITTLE LAMBS PRE-SCHOOL
Programmes
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
TEACHING PROGRAMME
Our programme is based on learning through play.
On arrival the children have a breakfast of fortified porridge and this is followed by prayers. Thereafter follows a First Ring structured programme for each of the age groups with their teachers. There is early mathematics, language extension, cognitive games, puzzles, matching cards, positions in space, eye hand co-ordination activities such as cutting and pasting and many other planned activities.
For free play there is a Fantasy Corner and Creative activities. Outdoor activities include Sand and Water Play and a climbing frame.
Second Ring consists of Developmental Play, Music and Song and Discussion
THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY PRESCHOOL INTERVENTION
The late Kate Ter Morshuizen, who was on the management committee and mentored the teachers, was a retired lecturer and Head of Department of the Foundation Phase in the KZN Department of Education. She later was appointed to UKZN. She oversaw the programme and assisted the teachers in many different ways. Many years ago, as part of the research for her M.Ed. Degree she visited a programme based in the USA which had a twenty year longitudinal study on the impact of quality early care on Pre-schoolers by Teachers who did not have formal College training. She implemented this training at the Africa Enterprise Centre and once a month had residential weekend workshops. These were for teachers who did not have a formal College qualification but were running Preschool centres. It is amazing how this experience was in preparation for the work being done at God’s Little Lambs. Recent research bears out what she learned many years ago.
Facts supporting importance of high quality early learning care:
Children can learn up to 80% of their vocabulary in their formative years from birth to 5 with 90% of a child’s brain developing before 5 years. Language stimulation though talking, reading books, questioning and discussions is vital. The following comparison by Art Rolwick and Rob Grunewald is from the Federal Reserve Bank. In a nutshell, it highlights how the return on dollars invested in our little ones is worthwhile:
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In the long term
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High rate of school completion
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Better preparedness for future labour force
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Increase in Early Education jobs
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Higher income and tax payments
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Lower criminal justice and prison costs
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Fewer social welfare grants
However, it is not only the economic and cognitive gains that are important but from a spiritual point of view, we believe that the impact of the training they receive at God’s Little Lambs, will last them long after they have left us.
FEEDING PROGRAMME
Each child receives two meals a day. For breakfast each child receives fortified porridge then a protein, starch and vegetables or fruit for lunch. In some cases this is the only food they receive.
WINTER WARMTH PROGRAMME
We have a Winter Warmth programme where each child receives a hand knitted jersey and beanie. We try to assist the Carers by giving them blankets in winter.