Learning Through Love, Play, and Purpose
At NEST Early Learning Center, our curriculum is designed to nurture young minds during the most critical years of development — from 18 months to 4 years. We follow a child-centered, play-based learning approach, inspired by national ECD frameworks and enriched by our unique community context.
We align with the Early Learning and Development Areas (ELDAs) as outlined by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Department of Social Development (DSD) in South Africa. These include:
Well-being
Identity and Belonging
Communication
Exploring Mathematics
Creativity
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Each area supports our goal to develop the whole child, blending learning and care in every activity.
Our weekly program includes:
Language & Literacy: Storytime, songs, rhymes, vocabulary building
Numeracy: Counting games, sorting, patterns, and basic math concepts
Creative Arts: Drawing, painting, music, dancing, and crafts
Physical Development: Movement, fine/gross motor skills, outdoor play
Life Skills: Routines, hygiene, independence, and emotional awareness
Discovery & Science: Nature walks, sensory play, simple experiments
Technology Awareness (phase-based): Age-appropriate exploration of tools, shapes, and logic-based play
Morning Circle Time
Themed Activities
Free Play & Exploration
Outdoor Play
Nutritious Meal Times
Nap & Quiet Time
Reflection and Goodbye Song
We use monthly or weekly themes (like My Body, My Family, Seasons, Community Helpers, Animals, etc.) to create immersive, memorable learning experiences.
Our curriculum celebrates local stories, languages, and traditions while also preparing children to thrive in a modern world — helping them build confidence, compassion, and curiosity.