A+ Services
A+ offers a range of services, but first let’s consider the A+ value proposition:
1. Our training is highly practical and addresses theory to-practice gaps. We provide “The Missing Link” to quality ECE!
2. Our training uses the existing curricula (CAPS and NCF) and is complementary to NQF Level 4, not competing.
3. We tailor our training to rural and underresourced contexts and the needs of individual schools/ECD centres.
4. We not only train, but also mentor individual teachers and principals.
5. Our training is evidence based and aligned with research findings.
6. We provide solutions to the problem of resources for teaching and learning.
7. We emphasize sustainability by establishing communities of ECE practice.
8. We monitor and evaluate our impacts and constantly strive to improve our services.
9. We communicate our experiences both in online media and in the academic literature.
10. We believe in collaboration with other NPOs who offer services complementary to ours.
This is a comprehensive list of the services that A+ offers:
- Baseline Studies of ECE communities to assess conditions and needs, and produce an assessment report with recommendations.
- Comprehensive A+ training courses: At least three years of intermittent (quarterly) workshop training and mentoring for teachers, principals, parents and Community Facilitators.
- Training of Community Facilitators: On-the-job training for selected local educators who then sustain A+ training and mentoring in their communities, in the long term.
- Mentoring Services: On-site and/or remote mentoring of teachers and principals according to a flexible schedule. Intended primarily for course participants.
- Training of Trainers (ToT): Short courses for trainers of ECE teachers. A variety of topics are covered in a series of short courses which can be selected to suit a client’s needs. Some of the topics included are:
- reimagining ECE curricula and classrooms using the A+ approach
- using “loose parts” as no-cost teaching resources
- teaching emergent literacy and numeracy
- leadership in ECE contexts
- creating sustainable communities of practice.
- Training of Teachers (ToT): Short courses, similar to the previous ToT, but adapted for teachers and principals.
- Training of Parents (ToP): Short courses for parents, guardians and caregivers focussed primarily on play-based learning and the use of “loose parts”.
- Consultation and Research Services: Based on our extensive practical and academic experience, we can assist organizations working in ECE to design training and research programmes. We can also carry out data collection in the field, as well as analyse and write up results.
All of the above can be delivered on-site in communities; however, some, such as the ToT courses, can be delivered at a central venue, if preferred. In general, we believe that on-site training is better. We encourage potential clients and funders to consider all available options and assist A+ in designing a programme of training that meets the specific needs of a given community and its educators. Contact us for more information!
