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Welcome to

Sunrise Centre

A playschool where diversity is celebrated, and every child has their time in the sunshine.

Sunrise playschool for special needs and neurodiverse children to learn through a play based education in pinelands cape town south africa.
Kerryn Voortman at Sunrise Centre Sunrise Centre for fun and engaging inclusive and holistic play based learning school

Play-based Learning

What's a Play-based Learning approach all about?

Play-based learning honors children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and agency, making it a powerful approach for fostering holistic development and preparing children for success in both school and life.

Rooted in the theories of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, both prominent figures in developmental psychology, the Play-based Learning method recognizes play as a fundamental tool for children’s learning and cognitive development. It emphasizes children’s natural inclination to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them through playful activities.

What are the theories around Play-based Learning?

Vygotsky’s theories emphasize the importance of social interaction and collaboration in learning. Play-based learning environments foster social skills such as communication, cooperation, and negotiation as children engage in imaginative play scenarios with their peers.

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development highlights the significance of children’s active involvement in constructing their understanding of the world. Through play, children encounter situations that challenge their existing schemas, leading to cognitive growth and the development of problem-solving skills.

Why is a Play-based Learning centre right for my child?

Play-based learning is all about creating environments where children can engage in activities that are both enjoyable and educational. It encourages hands-on exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. In this approach, children take the lead in their learning journey, with adults serving as facilitators and guides rather than dictators of knowledge.

How important is play in Early Childhood Development?

Play-based learning is crucial for children in early childhood development for a few reasons:

  • It supports holistic development by addressing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects simultaneously. As children engage in various types of play, they naturally exercise different areas of their development.
  • Play-based learning fosters a love for learning from a young age. When children find joy and satisfaction in the learning process, they become motivated and eager to explore further, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
  • Play allows children to make sense of their experiences and express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
  • It promotes emotional regulation and resilience as children learn to navigate social interactions, manage conflicts, and cope with challenges encountered during play.

Sunrise Gallery

“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman

Enrol your little one today!
Kerryn Voortman at Sunrise Centre Sunrise Centre for fun and engaging inclusive and holistic play based learning school 2

About Our Curriculum:

GROW Programme Guiding Principles and Philosophy:

The GROW programme (daily curriculum) has been developed over the space of half a decade in consultation with leading educators and occupational therapists. The programme is play-based and as such includes opportunities for un-structured free play which encourages creativity, problem solving and resilience, language development and much more. 

Theoretical Basis Of The Programme:

The GROW programme is by design an integrated programme that has Play Based Learning at its heart. 

It has been based on the following research and the theoretical models:

Developmental Psychologists:

Piaget, Vygotsky and Erikson. 

  • Piaget viewed play as integral to the development of intelligence in children. His theory of play argues that as the child matures, their environment and play should encourage further cognitive and language development. 

  • Vygotsky suggests that children require activities that support past learning and encourage new learning at a slightly-more-difficult level. Vygotsky believed that social engagement and collaboration with others are powerful forces which transform children’s thinking.

Early Childhood Development Practices:

Regio Emilia, Montessori:

    • The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them. The approach has a vision of the child as a competent learner and has produced a child-directed curriculum.

    Neuroscience:

    Shonkoff – “The Centre on the Developing Child” – Harvard University:

    • There is a need for greater synergy between advances in neuroscience and the formulation of innovative policies to improve life outcomes for children experiencing significant adversity. Translational developmental neuroscience can inform new theories of change to catalyse more effective interventions that lead to a more productive and healthier society. “Future of Early Childhood Policy: Moving from Why to What and How.” Jack Shonkoff; Pat Levitt. (Sept 2010).

    Economics:

    Heckman- The Dual Return on Investing in Quality Early Childhood Programmes:

     

    • Enhancing quality early care and education can offer a win-win solution for re-mobilizing the workforce, developing an up-and coming pool and increasing economic activity now and in the decades ahead. ” Professor Heckman” – James J Heckman is the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. 

    Our Philosophy

    Holistic Learning Approach

    Hey there! At our playschool, we’re all about nurturing every little learner’s growth in every way possible!

    Holistic development means we’re not just focused on academics – we’re also big on emotional, social, and physical development.

    Soft Skills Can Be Taught

    Teaching emotional regulation skills is a biggie here. We know that emotions can be all over the place for our little ones, so we help them learn to navigate those feelings in healthy ways.

    From taking deep breaths to using words to express themselves, we’re all about helping them understand and manage their emotions.

    Inclusivity Is Everything!

    Inclusivity? Oh, it’s our middle name! We believe every child deserves a spot where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

    South Africa has adopted an inclusive education policy in order to address barriers to learning in the education system. The goal is to ensure that no child with special needs is excluded from education.

    That means creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels like they can have their time in the sunshine.

    Flexibility And Adaptability

    And let’s talk about flexibility! Our curriculum isn’t set in stone.

    Nope, it’s more like Play-Doh – moldable and adaptable to fit each child’s unique needs and interests.

    Whether they’re into dinosaurs or painting, we’re here to tailor their learning experience just for them.

    Kids Learn Best When They're Having Fun

    Ah, and play-based learning? It’s the heart and soul of what we do!

    We believe kids learn best when they’re having fun, so we sprinkle play into everything we do.

    Whether it’s building with blocks, dressing up, or exploring nature, play is how our little learners discover, create, and grow. 

    So if you’re ready for a playschool where play is king and every child’s unique needs are honoured, you’ve found your perfect match!

    Hello! I’m Teacher Kerryn, Get In Touch Anytime!

    Cell: 071 895 7760

    Email: info@sunrisecentre.co.za

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