Investing in the success of our ECD teachers through training

At Masicorp we strongly support and implement the policy to upskill and invest in our Early Child Development (ECD) teachers. We believe that by investing in our staff, we help them reach their full potential so that the learners can also get the best quality of education that they deserve.

There are a total of eight staff (seven Masi Educare teachers and one Chasmay Educare teacher) who are studying through various formal training institutes which provide NQF level courses.  Four are expecting to complete their course this year and the other four teachers will be finishing their studies in 2020.

This year, the teachers have also taken part in various short courses so that they acquire the different skills needed to better educate the children in their care.

In February, Jemima McGuiness, a pre-school teacher from Kommetjie, spoke to the Chasmay Educare teachers on various topics, such as discipline methods, handling disruptive children, consistency and involving children in classroom activities.

Our good friend and donor Germa Zeijen of Stichting Ibhongo in the Netherlands worked alongside the Stay and Play staff earlier this year, during her visit to South Africa. Germa helped the staff plan and design a six week programme for informal creches. She also helped to organise two workshops for parents and teachers from these informal creches.  She also spent a morning demonstrating water and sand play, getting the children and teachers involved in this fun activity.

Doiline, our Chasmay Educare Grade R teacher also received valuable mentorship from UK visitor Marion Morgan, who assisted her with setting up her classroom, time management techniques, creativity ideas and the psychology of children.

To take a break from teaching and training, a staff bonding morning was organised on Sat 16^th March for all ECD staff.  The event was held at Chasmay ECD.  It was well attended and was run by Cindy from Inclusive Education.  The staff enjoyed their fun morning.

All ECD staff have also had the opportunity to visit Fish Hoek Pre-primary School for the day.  This was organised so that they could experience a well-established programme being run by well qualified teachers who have years of experience.  They had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and observe the flow of the lesson presentation, time management, clean-up routine, classroom set-up and rules.

The staff came back inspired and excited to implement what they had seen. The Fish Hoek staff will also come to both our schools and discuss planning and preparation of daily programmes; as well as answer any other questions.

Upon our request, the Chaeli Campaign have provided valuable assistance by assessing certain of the Grade R children and advising our teachers on measures that can be taken in the classroom.  This has been very helpful for Doiline as she feels she can interact with the children in a helpful manner.

This year, the ECD staff have also attended a session on “Protective Behaviour”, covering how we can empower and equip teachers and parents to face challenges without instilling fear but rather by building courage.

Our teachers have also had the opportunity to take part in a pilot 60 hour online teachers training course written by Dr Michael Rice in association with E-Classroom and PETS.  This course is ongoing. Thanks must also go to St Johns for providing all our teachers and ECD admin staff with the opportunity to take part in free First Aid Training, a vital need for any person working with young children.

During the holidays two of our ECD teachers also attended a 5 day CAPS program at the College of Cape Town.

Looking ahead….

All ECD staff have been invited for an IESA training which will take place later in July.  This training is funded by the Department of Social Development (DSD).  This “Introduction to Inclusive Education” workshop is designed to give the staff a comprehensive overview of inclusive education principles, strategies and tools to assist ECD Practitioners to ensure that ALL young children are included in learning activities.

We are excited to report that Tumblebears, has very kindly offered to visit our schools to demonstrate to our staff various exercises that can be done with bean bags, ropes, balls, hoops and balance beams.  This will encourage our teachers to expand on their outdoor programs with the children.

We are so proud of our ECD team who work so hard to make sure they acquire the skills they need to be the best teachers they can be in the classroom. We will continue finding opportunities to upskill them and supporting their quest to gain their qualifications. We would like to congratulate each and every one of our ECD team for their dedication and hard work.