One-size-fits-all early education impractical

EDUCATION Minister Angie Motshekga wants to make early education and development compulsory for 4- and 5-year-olds before they enter Grade 1.

The programme is meant to close the educational gap between learners from low-income groups and those from high-income groups.

It should prepare children for formal education and provide a wellrounded curriculum that supports all areas of development.

It should address child health, nutrition and family needs as part of the network. It must assess children to enhance learning and identify concerns. Most importantly, it must employ well-paid, well-educated and adequately trained teachers, and provide small classes and low teacher-child ratios.

Is this all possible? I doubt it.

All children do not meet developmental milestones or master skills at roughly the same time. A recent survey has shown that 65% of 4- to 5-year-olds attending early learning centres do not thrive. Fifty-five percent of the children surveyed were not able to do the learning tasks expected of their age group, and 33.4% were not emotionally ready for school.

JOHN WHITLOCK |