By Genevieve Allen, founder and CEO of Club Engage.
It is well understood that education is the foundation for success as President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2018 State of The Nation Address (SoNA) stressed, and Club Engage makes education a priority through their after-school programmes (ASPs) and holiday care programmes.
Education is a broad field and parents need to remember that playing is part of that education process, especially in the early years of a child’s development. Quality play is important for children to ensure optimum success during the education and development cycle.
But what is Quality play? It is an approach to learning that allows children to be children. It emphasises learning through play and the experience of a wide range of artistic, cultural, cognitive, social, and physical activities. While structure and routine are important, they are not over-emphasised to curb children’s ability to express themselves and explore new concepts. Quality play builds essential cognitive skills, including intrinsic motivation, executive functioning (such as working memory and self-regulation), and growth in problem-solving abilities. Quality play enhances children’s development and well-being.
Optimal environments
Aftercare and holiday programmes provide specifically designed play-centred environments for children to experience an optimal learning experience. These environments allow children to play, have fun and learn all at the same time.
The resources and systems in these environments are dynamic and fluid and support what children bring to the day. Children are adaptive and expect the environment to provide the opportunity to experiment and explore. The core constructs of collaboration, co-creation, communication and symbiosis are all intertwined within the design of the play-centred environment.
When children are well cared for and their need for independence, exploration and taking safe “risks” is appreciated and fostered, the play environment is sufficient.
Qualified connections
Quality play is not reliant on professional teachers to make it possible. Many individuals can nurture free spirits in children. It is, however, pertinent that these individuals can foster a core connection with children and their development and spend the necessary time with a child.
Club Engage staff across the country – backed by focused and ongoing training and high-quality leadership and support – are those individuals. They have a true love for child education entrenched in their being and fully understand the concept of quality play and making learning fun.
Parents can set their minds at ease because Club Engage aftercare centres and holiday programmes are fully equipped to care for their little ones. We provide unmatched care through unforgettable experiences that positively impact the children’s lives.
Good news is growing
Access to Aftercare and holiday care programmes is on the rise globally. According to the Child Care Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report released by Grand View Research, the global child care services market size was valued at USD 295.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.33% from 2024 to 2030.
The good news is that this will further spill onto local shores, allowing more South African children to reap the benefits these aftercare programmes offer.
Click here to learn about what a Club Engage quality play experience offers.