What to look for when choosing an educational playschool

• Group size – in early childhood development your little one is entitled to individual affection and attention. Small groups are crucial for your child’s development and well-being.

• Child/caregiver ratio – by law there should be 1 adult for every 6 tots in a 2-year-old age group. For children aged 2.5 – 4 years there should be at least 1 adult for every 7 children.

• Safety and security – by law there should be at least one caregiver with first aid level 1 training on-site, also look for added safety measures such as security cameras and armed response services. By law, each childcare facility should have a fire and emergency evacuation plan.

• Quality teachers and assistants – staff should have a passion for early childhood development. It takes qualified and experienced early childhood professionals to care for a group of 16 toddlers effectively.

• Regulation – any childcare facility in South Africa must be registered with the following authorities: local municipality, district municipality, Department of Health & Department of Social Development. These governing bodies ensure that childcare facilities comply with necessary standards.

• Curriculum and morning programme Although preschoolers should learn through play, it is just as important to prepare them for life after preschool. There should at least be an accredited curriculum and weekly planning to ensure that all developmental areas are covered age appropriately.

• Communication and relationship – your child’s preschool is very important in the interest of your little one. You are entitled to an open-door policy with the principal and teacher at all times.

• A wide range of quality and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor educational equipment should be available to provide ample opportunities for play and exploration.

All About Ruby Rabbits

Ruby Rabbits’ ethos and values are based on the grace of God. A little one’s first introduction to an educational environment can be a difficult and emotional experience for both parent and child. Knowing that your child is secure, happy and especially cared for is crucial for every parent’s peace of mind.

At Ruby Rabbits you can be sure of a warm and nurturing environment combined with exceptional early childhood development professionals. They aim to instil a love of life, people and learning through individual attention.

Your children’s well-being, safety, and security are the top priorities at Ruby Rabbits. CCTV cameras are installed in all indoor and outdoor areas and Hi-Tech Security renders armed response services as well as 24-hour medical emergency services and ambulance. All the teachers at Ruby Rabbits are certified level 1 first aiders.

Children learn through playing and interaction.

At Ruby Rabbits, the key to learning is through play and doing. Their daily programme provides for ample free play as well as teacher-initiated play.

While exploring and experimenting with large varieties of textures, smells, tastes, temperatures, colours, shapes, sounds, movements and first-hand experiences, children are led on a sensory adventure, discovering the properties of things through all their senses.

At Ruby Rabbits, messy play is much more than just getting dirty! It can excite even the youngest child’s imagination and promote a sense of great achievement, self-expression, and fun.

Even their creative art activities are “process-based” (free art) as children learn through open-ended activities.

It allows them the chance to explore the world around them, ask questions, and see how things work. It gives them room to be themselves, makes their own decisions, and explore their creativity and imagination.

There are only 3 classes limited to 16 tots each.  They pride themselves on quality care and individual attention. Ruby Rabbits’ goal is to cultivate independence and self-confidence from a young age through varied fun-filled experiences, as the children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace.

Never a dull moment

At this proactive and innovative little playschool there literally never is a dull moment. Educational field trips, in-house expeditions, and fun activities like puppet shows, baker’s days, show and tell, face painting, dress-ups and many more are in full supply.

Teachers partner with parents

“We are blessed with a very special playschool community. Our parents are our partners. Together, we are laying our children’s foundation.”, says co-owner and principal Adri Ferreira.

They have one-on-one debriefings with each parent daily, during which their little one’s day is discussed. Open and honest communication between home and playschool is in the best interest of the child.

Meet the team