Flagship Programme
The Play-with-a-Purpose Early Childhood Development Programme
Most ECD training gives you a certificate and sends you home. We give you a complete preschool transformation - and stay with you every step of the way. For more than 35 years, our flagship ECD programme has turned struggling preschools into thriving ones, and good preschools into exceptional ones. Built on a neuroscience framework - the first of its kind in South Africa, developed by a South African - our approach goes far beyond the classroom. We equip principals to lead with confidence, educators to teach with purpose, and preschools to operate as sustainable, well-managed businesses.
What you receive when you join:
Neuroscience-based early childhood developement training and child development tools
Consistent mentorship and site visits throughout the year -Leadership development, mentorship and organisational strengthening
Researched daily routines, planners and classroom structure
Emotionally safe and predictable learning environments
Relationship-based learning and whole-child development
Business mentorship - HR, compliance, financial management training and more
Unlimited short courses for you and your staff, at no extra cost
Access to National ECD PLAY conference
This is not a once-off course. It is a journey - and the results speak for themselves across 35 years and 13 countries including Mauritius, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malaysia, Singapore, Zambia, the United States and Australia.
Key initiative
Nursery School-in-a-Box©
This project provides preschools with a curated collection of neuroscience-based learning tools that strengthen socio-emotional development, early literacy, numeracy, fine-motor skills and problem-solving. Each resource supports meaningful play and foundational learning in preschools with limited materials.
Key initiative
Literacy-in-a-Box©
A portable literacy starter kit that helps preschools build rich language and reading experiences. Children are exposed to books, vocabulary-building activities and early comprehension support. Literacy-in-a-Box helps ignite a love for reading, even in the most under-resourced settings.
Key initiative
Movement-in-a-Box©
A box brings gross motor development to preschools that would otherwise go without. In the first five years, movement is vital for learning, concentration and emotional regulation. Each box gives children the everyday chance to climb, balance and move that their growing bodies and brains need with specially chosen gross motor toys.
Training
Short Courses and Professional Development
Play-with-a-Purpose offers more than 30 short courses that support the ongoing growth of principals, educators and parents. These courses focus on themes such as child development, emotional intelligence, classroom practice, literacy, creativity, leadership and compliance. They provide practical and accessible learning opportunities throughout the year. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better”.
Key initiative
Preschools 4 Africa
Preschools 4 Africa is our Early Childhood Development forum, created to represent and support preschools that are not part of the Play-with-a-Purpose ECD programme. Working at both a national and local level, the forum gives independent preschools a shared voice, connecting educators, sharing best practice, and championing quality early learning for every child across the communities we serve.
Training
Parenting Courses and Family Involvement
Our parenting courses equip caregivers with practical tools for emotional wellbeing, positive routines, behaviour guidance and playful learning. They also strengthen parental involvement at the preschool, helping families engage more confidently with their children’s development and learning. Strong family participation creates consistency and stability for children.
Three-Year Transformation Journey
Sponsored Preschool Development Pathway
One of our most impactful projects is the journey we walk with under-resourced preschools. Over three years, these preschools receive:
comprehensive training
intensive mentorship
leadership and business coaching
resource support
classroom development guidance
This journey helps principals build thriving preschools that serve their communities with excellence. Many schools go on to join the Play-with-a-Purpose Social Franchise to continue their development.
Upliftment
Preschool Makeovers
With the help of corporate staff volunteers, Play-with-a-Purpose staff and community partners, we transform vulnerable preschools into safe, dignified and inspiring learning spaces. These makeovers uplift entire communities and restore hope, beauty and pride for educators, parents and children.
Key initiative
Food Parcels and Family Support
Through the generosity of sponsors, churches, corporate partners and volunteers, Play-with-a-Purpose has provided thousands of food parcels to families, including large-scale support during the COVID period. These parcels help families remain stable and ensure children arrive at preschool nourished, supported and ready to learn.
Recognition
Annual Play-with-a-Purpose Awards
A celebration that honours dedication, excellence and transformation among educators and principals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to high-quality early learning.
Community Building
ECD Annual Conference
A national gathering that brings together educators, leaders and partners to explore neuroscience-based learning, leadership development and innovation in early childhood development.
