POLOKWANE – The quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a crucial role in helping children thrive and reach their full potential, according to educational psychologist Asnath Mojapelo, based at the corner of Burger and Jorrisen Streets.

“The foundation phase is where children develop essential life skills that will support them in the real world, including social and emotional coping mechanisms,” Mojapelo told Review.

She emphasised that the early years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, and the quality of their pre-school experiences can have a lasting impact.

Mojapelo highlighted that ECD equips children with foundational skills necessary for academic success and overall development, including:

Social skills – Learning to interact, socialise, and form relationships with peers.

Emotional skills – Understanding the importance of sharing, playing cooperatively, and regulating emotions.

Language development – Enhancing listening, speaking, storytelling, singing, and vocabulary expansion.

Physical development – Strengthening fine motor skills through activities like coloring, drawing, painting, cutting, and pasting, as well as developing gross motor skills through riding bikes, climbing jungle gyms, skipping, and other exercises.

“There is little time in primary school to develop these foundational skills,” Mojapelo explained.

“Children who miss out on quality pre-school education or attend institutions that do not adequately focus on these areas may struggle when they start formal schooling.”

Mojapelo urged parents to enroll their children in ECD programs to ensure they are well-prepared for Grade 1.

She noted that early childhood education also helps bridge communication gaps and language barriers between learners and teachers, fostering a smoother transition into formal schooling.