A Guide for First-Time School Parents

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a cornerstone of lifelong learning, personal growth and meaningful societal contribution. At Crawford International, we recognise that ECD is far more than a preparatory stage of schooling. It is the foundation upon which every child builds cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, social connection and physical wellbeing. High-quality early development plays a critical role in ensuring that each learner reaches their full potential in an ever-evolving world.  What is Early Childhood Development? ECD refers to the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural growth of children from birth to approximately eight years of age. These early years are marked by significant neurological development. According to UNICEF (2021), a child’s brain forms more than one million neural connections every second during this period. These connections shape the architecture of the brain and lay the groundwork for all future learning and behaviour. At Crawford, the Pre-Primary Phase is guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which promotes inquiry-based, child-centred learning. This environment encourages children to develop core learner attributes such as curiosity, independence, collaboration and emotional self-regulation. Our classrooms are designed to support young students in exploring the world meaningfully, nurturing a love of learning that extends well beyond early childhood. The Impact of ECD on a Child’s Future A strong early childhood foundation has lifelong benefits. It influences everything from school readiness and literacy to employability and health outcomes in adulthood. The World Health Organization (2023) notes that children who benefit from effective early learning environments are more likely to perform better academically, develop stronger social skills and demonstrate greater emotional resilience. In South Africa, the importance of ECD is particularly pronounced. Socio-economic disparities often limit access to quality education and development opportunities. Effective early learning interventions can help reduce this gap, levelling the playing field for children from diverse backgrounds and promoting long-term equity (Department of Basic Education, 2021). 10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important Rapid Brain Development: More than 80 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five. Rich, stimulating environments during this time enhance cognitive functions that underpin future learning (UNICEF, 2021). School Readiness: Children exposed to well-structured early learning environments arrive in the Foundation Phase with stronger language, numeracy and social skills. These learners typically adapt more confidently to formal schooling. Holistic Development: ECD nurtures the whole child. At Crawford, we focus on physical development, emotional intelligence, creativity and critical thinking as part of an integrated model. Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Social-emotional learning in the early years helps children understand and manage emotions, develop empathy and build strong interpersonal relationships. Resilience and Self-Regulation: Play-based and inquiry-led approaches help children develop problem-solving skills and emotional self-regulation, laying a foundation for resilience throughout life (Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University, 2020). Long-Term Academic Success: Numerous longitudinal studies show that high-quality ECD contributes to improved educational outcomes, reduced need for remedial support and higher levels of school retention (World Bank, 2022). Socio-Economic Equalisation: In a country like South Africa, where early learning opportunities vary significantly, effective ECD can reduce inequality and provide every child with a fair start (DBE, 2021). Parental Partnership: ECD works best when there is collaboration between parents and educators. At Crawford, we encourage active parent involvement and regular engagement to support each child’s journey. 21st Century Skills: Early exposure to technology, including AI-supported learning platforms, helps foster digital literacy and adaptability from a young age. Crawford integrates EdTech thoughtfully to support engagement and individual learning pathways. Foundation for Global Citizenship: Through the IB framework and cross-cultural learning, children begin to understand broader global contexts, preparing them for future leadership in a globally connected society. The Role of Parents and Educators Effective ECD requires a strong partnership between home and school. Parents provide the first learning environment and set the emotional tone for how children experience the world. Teachers, on the other hand, bring expertise in developmental milestones, guided learning and socialisation. At Crawford, we value both roles equally and provide families with regular insight into personalised learning journeys, empowering them to extend developmental support at home. Challenges to Early Childhood Development Despite its significance, ECD in South Africa faces several challenges. These include unequal access to resources, underqualified practitioners in some sectors, and limited infrastructure in many communities. Moreover, rapid societal and technological change places additional demands on early childhood programmes. At Crawford, we address these challenges by investing in highly qualified teachers, continuous professional development and state-of-the-art learning environments. Our use of AI and adaptive technology ensures that students receive tailored academic support, even in the earliest stages of learning. We also place a strong emphasis on co-curricular development. Sports and creative activities play a key role in early development by building physical health, teamwork, confidence and perseverance. Our structured introduction of eSports in later phases further supports strategic thinking and responsible digital engagement, competencies essential in the modern world. The importance of early childhood development cannot be overstated. It is the bedrock of academic success, emotional wellbeing and social integration. As a future-focused institution, Crawford International remains committed to nurturing confident, capable and globally minded individuals from their earliest years. Through a combination of world-class pedagogy, technology integration and parental partnership, we ensure that our learners are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing.  Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.

Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.

Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.

Explore how hands-on activities and physical engagement benefit kinesthetic learners, and discover teaching strategies that harness movement to boost comprehension and retention.

Learn how warm demanders—teachers who combine firm expectations with genuine care—can foster positive student-teacher relationships, boost academic achievement, and strengthen learners’ resilience in the classroom.

Discover how digital literacy shapes modern classrooms by fostering critical thinking, enhancing collaboration, and preparing students for success in our rapidly evolving world.

A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.