A month ago, we attended the Durban Early Years and Foundation Phase Confex, where experts, practitioners, advocates and researchers shared insights and experiences on the challenges and opportunities shaping early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa.
The presentations and discussions were rich and layered, with contributions from universities, NGOs, think tanks, and early learning centres, among other ECD role players who were represented.
The conversations revealed the complexity of the issues, and clear opportunities for fresh thinking, collaboration and innovation in ECD. Across themes like inclusion, sensory learning, practitioner mentoring and coaching, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and bilingual education, what stood out was that impactful early learning depends on dedicated and supported practitioners, as well as on environments where every child can genuinely thrive.
Above all, the Confex offered a timely reminder of the importance of listening to those on the ground and recognising how their lived experiences can guide broader thinking about long-term impact. While the themes that emerged are not new to South Africa’s ECD landscape, the event brought a sense of urgency and hope, reminding us that progress depends on how we act on these insights:
1. Broadening the Lens on Inclusion
The topic of inclusion continues to gain momentum in South Africa’s ECD space, with growing recognition of the barriers faced by children with special needs. While physical disability is slowly being acknowledged in the inclusion discourse, there’s a need to extend this attention to neurodivergent children – those with cognitive, emotional, or sensory differences. These children thrive when learning environments embrace varied learning styles and approaches. The conversations at the Confex reminded us that inclusion goes beyond access; it also includes cultivating spaces where every child feels a sense of belonging, confidence, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
2. Supporting Holistic Development Through Sensory Awareness
Building on the importance of inclusive learning environments, we must also recognise that learning begins with the senses, the very foundation of brain development. While the traditional five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) are widely acknowledged, children also rely on additional sensory systems that are often less visible but equally vital. These include proprioception, which helps children understand their body in space and supports coordination and movement; the vestibular sense, which governs balance and spatial orientation, essential for posture and navigating their surroundings; and interoception, which enables awareness of internal bodily states like hunger, thirst, or heartbeat, helping children regulate emotions and physical needs.
These sensory experiences are frequently missed in early learning centres, particularly when practitioners are not trained in sensory development. Combined with the realities of busy caregivers and under-resourced environments, many children are missing out on the rich, hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity, engagement, and meaningful learning. Empowering practitioners with training in sensory learning is essential. When they understand and apply these principles, children receive the holistic, vibrant start they deserve, laying the foundation for confident, lifelong learners.
3. From Training to Sustainability: Supporting ECD Centre Owners and Practitioners
Empowering ECD Centre owners and practitioners with the right training is essential, but supporting them to apply that knowledge consistently is equally critical. While training lays the foundation, the Confex highlighted that ongoing mentorship and coaching are key to embedding strong practice and sustaining quality over time. These approaches reinforce what they have learnt, helping practitioners refine their skills, respond to real-world challenges, and maintain high standards in daily practice.
Equally important is strong leadership at the centre level, often driven by owners, which sets the tone for quality, consistency, and accountability. When we invest in leadership, we go beyond building management capacity; we’re investing in the impact on children’s learning and development. A well-led centre becomes a space where practitioners and children thrive.
4. Bringing Digital Innovation into Early Learning Spaces
The use of digital technology in early learning brings both exciting possibilities and real-world challenges. Building on the support, training, and leadership that help practitioners grow in their roles, digital tools can offer fresh ways to spark children’s curiosity and make practitioners’ work more manageable and rewarding.
Digital technology has the potential to bring creativity, efficiency, and joy into learning centres. But getting started isn’t always easy. Many practitioners face device limitations, unreliable connectivity, high data costs, and a sense of unease when navigating new tools. It is important for entrepreneurs and innovators designing these platforms to respond to what’s happening on the ground, such as creating visual-rich apps, enabling offline functionality, offering WhatsApp-based support, and encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
Most importantly, when practitioners see how technology helps children engage, grow, and thrive, their confidence builds, and so does their willingness to explore new tools. Technology should never feel like a burden. It should support and help create learning environments where both children and practitioners feel empowered.
5. AI and the Heart of Childhood Development
Artificial intelligence is beginning to shape new possibilities in early learning, bringing both promising potential and thoughtful caution. When used well, AI can help tailor learning to each child’s pace, offer real-time feedback, adapt assessments, gamify lessons to spark engagement, and support speech, language, and inclusion.
But it’s not without its challenges. There’s a risk of leaning too heavily on this technology and losing the human warmth that defines early childhood development. The real task is finding the right balance, such as preparing children for a tech-driven world while keeping relationships, care, and connection at the centre of learning. AI should support, and not replace, the trusted guidance and interaction that help children thrive.
6. Investing in Language for Stronger Learning Outcomes
Language remains one of the most powerful tools in early learning, and it’s believed that the adoption of mother tongue-based bilingual education (MTbBE) will help to strengthen literacy in meaningful ways. Research shows that children grasp concepts more effectively when taught in their home language alongside English. They develop stronger literacy in both languages and gain long-term benefits such as improved bilingualism, confidence, and overall learning outcomes.
Yet the promise of MTbBE depends heavily on teacher preparation. Many student teachers struggle to consistently apply effective reading strategies, like tapping into prior knowledge, asking questions, predicting, retelling, and building fluency. When lessons are rushed or strategies are skipped, children may repeat words without understanding them. Without well-trained and supported educators (and practitioners in the case of ECD), the impact of MTbBE risks being diluted. Investing in teacher and practitioner development and ongoing support is essential to unlocking the full potential of bilingual learning.
Moving From Insight to Action
The Durban Early Years and Foundation Phase Confex reminded us of what’s at stake in ECD. Themes like sensory learning, practitioner support, bilingual education, and digital innovation are all interconnected, shaping the everyday experiences of young children.
For Innovation Edge, this means listening closely and staying connected to the ground, backing bold ideas and supporting solutions that respond to real challenges and unlock potential where it matters most. Entrepreneurs, social innovators, and other ECD role players all have a part to play. Progress happens when insights move from discussion to action, when we commit to testing, learning, and building together.
When ideas are acted on, and when collaboration drives innovation, we move closer to an ECD system that is inclusive, responsive, and creates meaningful impact.
Read more insights here.
Author: Dimpho Lephaila – Communications Associate at Innovation Edge