In a major step toward improving access to quality early childhood education, Grow ECD has announced that its highly-rated online curriculum is now free for all Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa.
The move comes after the release of the 2024 Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM) results, which show that children enrolled in Grow ECD-aligned centres are performing significantly above the national average. According to the report, 70% of children using the Grow curriculum are developmentally on track — a marked improvement over the national Thrive by Five Index, which places the figure at just 45.7%.
“This is our gift to the sector,” says Lisa Voortman, Head of Education at Grow ECD. “We’re thrilled to share the positive ELOM Dipstick Report results and to now be in a position to offer our tried, tested, and proven curriculum at no cost to ECD centres.”
The interactive, play-based curriculum — which caters for both 0–2 and 2–5-year-olds — is fully aligned to South Africa’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and available via the Grow Giraffe app on Android devices. It features a multimedia-rich format including voice notes, videos, rhymes, songs, and activity guides, all accessible data-free on phones, tablets, or laptops.
Voortman explains, “It’s like having a mentor in your ear. Teachers get step-by-step guidance to run each day effectively — from morning ring through to afternoon activities. And because it’s digital, the content is always current and culturally relevant.”
Grow ECD’s curriculum was developed with frontline realities in mind, particularly the lack of resources, time, and support many ECD practitioners face. “We’ve worked in the sector for 15 years and understand the unique challenges teachers deal with,” says Voortman. “Many are unqualified, unsupported, or unsure how to plan lessons or use resources effectively. Our curriculum bridges that gap.”
The results speak volumes. In addition to the strong ELOM performance, Grow learners excelled on the Social-Emotional Rating Scale, with 80% of children meeting the standard for peer relations and 76% showing emotional readiness for school.
Pamela Petersen, owner of Sunset Educare Centre in Ravensmead, Cape Town — where 124 children benefit from the curriculum — says the impact has been profound. “Our teachers now understand how to use the curriculum and classroom resources more effectively. The children are excited to learn through play and can’t wait to come to school each day,” she says.
Grow ECD’s curriculum has also been internationally recognised. Education Alliance Finland (EAF) and EdTech Impact awarded it a 93% score for pedagogical quality, praising its well-designed activities and ability to inspire thoughtful engagement among young learners.
The Department of Basic Education recently reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal access to early learning by 2030. Grow ECD’s nationwide rollout of its curriculum, free of charge, marks a significant contribution toward this goal.
Currently, over 11,300 learners across 232 centres are using the Grow curriculum daily. With the free offering now available to all ECD centres in the country, that number is expected to grow rapidly.
To get started, ECD centre owners can download the Grow Giraffe app on any Android device. For support, they can contact the Grow ECD helpdesk via WhatsApp or call on +27 82 795 4693, or email support@growecd.org.za.
