Daycare & Aftercare

Easy Hearts Daycare incorporate classic and engaging games like hide-and-seek, Simon Says, and musical chairs, alongside more creative activities like scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. These games foster social interaction, problem-solving skills, and physical development.

Specific Games and Activities:

Classic Games:

Musical chairs, Simon Says, hide-and-seek, duck, duck, goose, and red light, green light are all popular choices.

Active Games:

Obstacle courses follow the leader, and red rover encourages physical activity and teamwork.

Educational Games:

Scavenger hunts, letter sound/sight word games, and number hopscotch can be incorporated to make learning fun.

Creative Activities:

Arts and crafts, making playthings from household items, and building dens promote creativity and fine motor skills.

Circle Time:

Story time, music stops, and simple movements can make circle time more dynamic and engaging.

Benefits of Games in Daycare:

Social Interaction:

Games like hide-and-seek, red rover, and musical chairs encourage children to interact with their peers.

Problem-Solving:

Games like Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses teach children how to think critically and solve problems.

Physical Development:

Active games like hopscotch, tag, and obstacle courses improve coordination, balance, and motor skills.

Cognitive Development:

Games like Simon Says and memory games help children develop listening skills, memory, and attention spans.

Emotional Development:

Games like Hide-and-seek and pretend play can help children develop emotional regulation skills and express themselves.

Our Expert teachers in Early Childhood Development (ECD) have advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in their field, enabling them to effectively support the holistic development of young children. They understand child development, curriculum design, learning environments, and assessment strategies. Easy Hearts Daycare ECD teachers are also skilled at fostering positive learning environments, collaborating with parents and other professionals, and advocating for children's needs.

Here's a more detailed look at what makes them expert:

Knowledge and Skills:

In-depth understanding of child development:

Experts understand the various stages of development and how to tailor learning experiences to meet the needs of individual children.

Curriculum expertise:

They can design and implement age-appropriate and engaging curricula, ensuring children acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

Assessment skills:

They use a variety of assessment methods to monitor children's progress and identify areas where they may need extra support.

Strong communication and facilitation skills:

They can effectively communicate with children, parents, and colleagues, creating positive and supportive learning environments.

Knowledge of relevant policies and regulations:

They are familiar with national and local policies related to ECD, ensuring that their practices are in line with best practices.

Expert Characteristics:

Reflection and continuous learning:

Expert teachers are lifelong learners, constantly seeking to improve their practice and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices.

Collaboration and teamwork:

They work effectively with parents, other educators, and community members to support children's holistic development.

Advocacy for children:

Expert teachers are passionate about supporting the needs of children, especially those who may be at risk or facing challenges.

Adaptability:

They can adapt their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of children in their classrooms.

Passion for teaching:

Expert teachers are passionate about their work and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young children.

Examples of Expert Actions:

Identifying and addressing learning gaps:

Expert teachers are skilled at identifying individual learning gaps and implementing appropriate interventions to support children's development.

Creating engaging and stimulating learning environments:

They create environments that encourage exploration, discovery, and social interaction.

Working collaboratively with parents:

They communicate regularly with parents, sharing insights into their children's development and working together to support their learning.

Advocating for children's needs:

They actively advocate for children's rights and well-being, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive.

At Easy Hearts Day care we promote Active play thus involves physical activity during play, such as running, jumping, or crawling, and is crucial for a child's development. It helps them develop physical literacy, including movement skills like agility and balance, and fosters confidence in their ability to be active. Our Active play program can be a natural and fun way for children to burn energy and improve their health.

Benefits of Active Play:

Physical Development:

Active play helps children develop their muscles and bones, and it strengthens their heart and lungs.

Cognitive Development:

Active play can improve brain function and help children learn more effectively.

Social and Emotional Development:

Playing together can help children learn how to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts.

Physical Literacy:

Active play helps children develop fundamental movement skills, which are important for participating in a variety of physical activities.

Improved Sleep:

Active play can help children sleep better at night.

Examples of Active Play:

Outdoor play: Playing on the playground, running in the park, or playing tag.

Indoor play: Jumping on a trampoline, dancing to music, or building with blocks.

Simple games: Throwing a ball, playing hopscotch, or having a scavenger hunt.

Unstructured play: Letting children explore their surroundings and create their own activities.

Encouraging Active Play:

Provide opportunities for active play:

Make sure children have access to safe and stimulating environments where they can move and play.

Model active play:

Encourage your children to move and be active by participating in activities with them.

Make it fun:

Choose activities that children enjoy and that are age-appropriate.

Promote physical literacy:

Help children learn fundamental movement skills by providing them with opportunities to practice and improve their abilities.

Limit sedentary activities:

Reduce screen time and we encourage children to spend more time being physically active.

Easy Hearts Daycare Early Childhood Development (ECD) learning encompasses various aspects of a child's development, primarily focused on the years from birth to approximately five years of age. This period is crucial for building a strong foundation for future learning and well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral growth.

We provide oppotunities for play interaction and early learning activities preparing children for school and developing essential skills for life.

We also introduce basic concepts like number , letters and shapes helping children prepare for school

Easy Hearts Daycare (ECD) learning aims to help children achieve their full potential by providing nurturing care, educational opportunities, and a stimulating environment.

Key Aspects of ECD Learning:

Holistic Development:

ECD emphasizes the importance of nurturing all aspects of a child's development, including their physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral well-being.

Early Learning:

ECD provides children with early learning experiences that stimulate their brains and help them develop foundational skills.

Quality Programs:

ECD programs should be of high quality, providing children with a supportive and enriching environment.

Long-Term Impact:

Investing in ECD has a significant impact on a child's future success, both academically and in life.

Why is ECD Learning Important?

Foundation for Future Learning: ECD lays the groundwork for a child's future academic success and overall development.

Improved School Readiness: Quality ECD programs enhance a child's readiness for school.

Enhanced Well-being: ECD programs can improve a child's emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Lifelong Learning: ECD fosters a love for learning and a curiosity that lasts a lifetime.

ECD in South Africa:

The South African Government and the Department of Basic Education are involved in promoting and supporting ECD programs.

ECD Info Hub is a resource for information and resources related to ECD in South Africa.

Overall, ECD learning is a vital component of a child's development, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

Easy Hearts Daycare Primary medium of instruction is English, Afrikaans. We also intergrate Home language which is isiSwati to promote a sense of cultural identity and belonging with the added benefit of fostering multilingualism.

Easy Hearts Daycare (ECD propgrame) focuses on nurturing children's language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Cognitive Development:

Language development is closely linked to cognitive development, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and academic achievement.

Literacy Development:

ECD lays the foundation for literacy development, providing children with the skills they need to read, write, and engage with written materials.

Social-Emotional Development:

Language skills are essential for social interaction and emotional expression, allowing children to build relationships and communicate their needs.

Easy Hearts Daycare Early Childhood Development (ECD), excursions, also known as field trips, are planned educational outings that take children outside the classroom to enhance learning. They provide real-world experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts through observation, interaction, and engagement.

Why Excursions Matter in ECD:

Experiential Learning:

Our Excursions program offer hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.

Enhanced Understanding:

Easy Hearts Daycare excursions program allow children to explore and engage with their environment, solidifying their knowledge.

School Readiness:

Excursions can help children become more familiar with school environments.

Confidence Building:

Group outings encourage children to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, fostering confidence.

Social and Emotional Development:

Excursions provide opportunities for social interaction and emotional exploration.

Broader Horizons:

Visits to museums, cultural centers, or nature reserves can expose children to diverse cultures and traditions.

Connecting Theory to Practice:

this help link abstract concepts to real-world examples, making learning more meaningful.

Examples of ECD Excursions:

Zoos: Allow children to observe animals in their natural habitats.

Botanical Gardens: Provide opportunities to learn about plants and nature.

Museums: Offer educational experiences in art, history, and other fields.

Nature Reserves: Enable children to connect with nature and learn about ecosystems.

Farmland: Provide insights into agriculture and farm life.

Other Locations: Factories, water purification plants, and even international trips can be used to enhance learning.

Planning and Considerations:

Educational Purpose:

Our Excursions are carefully planned and align with curriculum goals and learning objectives.

Safety:

Easy Hearts Daycare safety is crucial during excursions, including thorough planning, risk assessments, and we have emergency protocols in place. Which includes walking rope, tag strap.

Age Appropriateness:

Our Excursion activities are tailored to the age and developmental level of the children.

Parental Consent:

Easy Hearts Daycare, believes in obtaining parental consent and providing clear information about the excursion.

Documentation:

We Maintains records of excursion activities, including dates, times, and participants, as this is a good practice.

Follow-up Activities:

We Encourage discussion and reflection after the excursion thus reinforce learning.

Cost:

Budgeting for transportation, entry fees, and other expenses is important you will be informed about any planned excursions