By the time a child turns six, up to 90% of their brain development has already taken place. This startling fact underpins the mission of Dibber International Preschools, which is equipping South African children from six weeks to six years with essential life skills through play-based learning and globally respected best practices. Early childhood is not just ‘babysitting’ – it is a once-in-a-lifetime window for cognitive, social, and emotional growth that can shape a child’s future.
Research indicates that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life may be crucial in unlocking their lifelong potential (Unicef). In these formative early years, positive experiences and stimulation have a profound effect: neural connections form at a rapid rate, influenced by the environment and care a child receives. Early experiences are pivotal in shaping children’s ability to learn, socialise, and thrive.
“The early years are when children’s characters and capabilities are built – it’s when they learn how to learn,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “At Dibber, we recognise that investing in quality early education is an investment in our children’s future and society’s well-being.”
Notably, experts emphasise that play-based learning is one of the most effective ways to foster this development. Young children learn best through play, maximising their natural curiosity and enthusiasm. Studies have found that playful learning supports growth across all cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains and boosts learning outcomes more than formal, desk-bound instruction (naeyc.org).
South Africa’s context highlights why starting early is crucial. The country has approximately seven million children under the age of six, making up a significant portion of our population. Yet many of these children do not have access to quality early childhood programmes. In fact, less than one-third of children aged 0–4 attended any sort of preschool or early learning program in 2021 (statssa.gov.za). This gap in the early years has led to downstream challenges in the education system.
One alarming statistic reveals that 81% of South African Grade 4 students cannot read for meaning in any official language. This finding from an international literacy study is a stark indicator that foundational skills, like language and understanding, are not being solidified early on. Educational experts warn that children are more likely to struggle later in life without a strong foundation in the preschool years, leading to higher dropout rates and fewer opportunities in adulthood.
High-quality early childhood development (ECD) programmes have thus become a national priority, seen as a way to ‘future-proof’ a child’s education by addressing learning gaps before they widen.
Proven Long-Term Benefits
Quality early education has proven long-term benefits for children and society. Research indicates that children who participate in enriching ECD programmes experience:
- Improved Academic Performance: A solid early foundation helps children excel in literacy and numeracy when they reach primary school.
- Enhanced Social and Emotional Skills: Through guided play and interaction, young children learn cooperation, communication, and empathy – qualities vital for success in school and life.
- Greater Educational Attainment: Children with a quality preschool experience are more likely to graduate high school and pursue further studies, opening up better career opportunities.
- Reduced Need for Remediation: Early identification of learning difficulties allows for interventions to occur sooner, thereby reducing the need for special education placements later on.
- Long-Term Societal Benefits: In the long run, investing in early childhood education yields a more skilled workforce, lower crime rates, and reduced strain on social services, ultimately benefiting the entire country.
These outcomes show why early childhood development is not just a parental concern, but a national one. As Assis notes, “Investing in early childhood development not only sets children on a path to success but also contributes to the overall well-being of society.”
Play-Based Learning at Dibber: Future-Proofing Education
Dibber International Preschools follows a holistic, child-centred approach to early learning that prioritises curiosity, social-emotional growth, and meaningful play. By integrating structured learning opportunities into everyday exploration, Dibber fosters creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence in children from six weeks to six years old.
“We want children to become keen explorers who love to learn,” explains Assis. “It’s about more than academic readiness – it’s about preparing children to thrive socially and emotionally in a changing world.”
