Ruby Rabbits: a little playschool with a lot of heart

Ruby Rabbits Educational Playschool in Nelspruit is celebrating its tenth birthday this year with a new logo and even more dreams for the future.

The school is a private, owner-run, double-medium, half-day educational playschool for 13-months to four-year-old preschoolers and is close to The Rest Nature Estate and Mediclinic Nelspruit.

All teachers are qualified foundation-phase teachers and there are only three classes limited to 16 tots each. Each class also has two teaching assistants to help carry the load.

*Ruby Rabbits have four enthusiastic, qualified teachers: Nadine Carlson, principal, Bianca Ferreira, Clarika Roux and Diandrie Wilson.*

At this proactive and innovative little playschool there literally never is a dull moment. Educational field trips, in-house expeditions, and fun activities such as puppet shows, baker’s days, show and tell, face painting, dress-ups and many more are in full supply.

“At Ruby Rabbits you can be sure of a warm and nurturing environment combined with exceptional early-childhood development professionals. They aim to instill a love of life, people and learning through individual attention,” says principal Nadine Carlson.

*Each of the four classes has two teachers’ assistants. **From left:** Zola Cass, Fortunate Rikhotso, Audrey Shongwe, Busi Phiri, Felicia Sithole and Precious Lekhuleni.*

The school follows a CAPS Integrated Curriculum with weekly themes and children learn through playing and interaction.

“They get the chance to explore the world around them, ask questions, and see how things work. It gives them room to be themselves, make their own decisions, and explore their creativity and imagination,” Nadine says.

The daily programme also provides for ample free play as well as teacher-initiated play.

While exploring and experimenting with large varieties of textures, smells, tastes, temperatures, colours, shapes, sounds, movements and first-hand experiences, children are led on a sensory adventure, discovering the properties of things through all their senses.

“Messy play is much more than just getting dirty! It can excite even the youngest child’s imagination and promote a sense of great achievement, self-expression, and fun,” Nadine says. “Even their creative art activities are ‘process-based’ (free art) as children learn through open-ended activities.”

She says the goal is to cultivate independence and self-confidence from a young age through varied fun-filled experiences, as the children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace.

The school day is from 07:30 and 13:00 and the school is closed during holidays. The school does not provide meals and children bring their own lunch boxes to enjoy during breaks.

Parents are also ensured that all registrations required to run a pre-school is up to date and all statutory requirements are met.

The safety of the children is a very high priority for the school and CCTV cameras are installed in all indoor and outdoor areas and Hi-Tech Security renders armed-response services as well as 24-hour medical emergency services and an ambulance when necessary. All the teachers are certified level-one first aiders.

Nadine says a little one’s first introduction to an educational environment can be a difficult and emotional experience for both parent and child.

“Knowing that your child is secure, happy and especially cared for, is crucial for every parent’s peace of mind.”

Parents who want more information or want to visit the school are welcome to contact Nadine on 084 408 8045.

Things parents should look out for when choosing a pre-school:

Group size – in early-childhood development your little one is entitled to individual affection and attention. Small groups are crucial for your child’s development and well-being.
Child/caregiver ratio – by law there should be one adult for every six tots in a two-year-old age group. For children aged two-and-a-half to four years, there should be at least one adult for every seven children.
Regulation – any childcare facility in South Africa must be registered with the following authorities: local municipality, district municipality, Department of Health and Department of Social Development. These governing bodies ensure that childcare facilities comply with necessary standards.
Curriculum and morning programme – Although preschoolers should learn through play, it is just as important to prepare them for life after preschool. There should be an accredited curriculum and weekly planning to ensure that all developmental areas are covered age appropriately.
Communication and relationship – You are entitled to an open-door policy with the principal and teacher at all times.
A wide range of quality and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor educational equipment should be available to provide ample opportunities for play and exploration.