Empowering Children’s Potential at Gerards

Discover Our Commitment to Early Development

About Us

Who We Are

At Gerard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, our mission is to nurture each child respectfully and individually, ensuring they reach their full potential. We believe that children learn best through play, and our programs are designed to provide high-quality experiences and equal opportunities for every child.

We are proud to partner with Africa A+ Schools and Oklahoma A+ Schools (USA), organizations that support educational institutions in recognizing the value of creativity. Together, we aim to cultivate imaginative and entrepreneurial mindsets in our students. We believe creativity is as essential as literacy in education, and we are committed to giving it the same importance in our approach to teaching and learning.

Guiding Principles

Our Commitment to Excellence

Our Pledge

Vision

At Gerard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, we are committed to offering a safe, enjoyable, and academically enriching environment that fosters social, emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical development. Through our play-based learning approach, we engage “little learners” in high-quality educational experiences to support their holistic growth. Our vision is to nurture future leaders who are resilient and independent in facing life’s challenges.

To realize this vision, Gerard’s ECD Centre will implement strategies outlined in our mission statement, working in collaboration with government departments, relevant stakeholders, and parents.

Mission

Gerard’s Early Childhood Development Centre is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment in compliance with the Child Care Act 74 of 1983 and relevant government policies. We cultivate a welcoming atmosphere that supports the learning and development of all children, regardless of their abilities. Our facilities are thoughtfully equipped to provide developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that promote active engagement, embrace anti-bias principles, and reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community. We prioritize inclusion by adapting our infrastructure to accommodate children with special needs and learning barriers.

Additionally, we establish strong partnerships with parents, the community, and other stakeholders, adhering to government policies and legislation to function as an effective collaborative team. Our dedicated and qualified staff are trained to respect and honor the diversity of our learners and their families, ensuring a dignified and supportive environment. To maintain the highest standards of safety, all staff undergo regular screenings in accordance with DSD FORM 29 and the Justice Department’s sexual offenders register every two years.

Our Unique Value Proposition
– TRUST
– COURAGE
– CARE
– GRIT

Journey Through Time

Our Story of Impact

Mother’s struggle inspires Educare

Colleen Daniels-Horswell, the principal of Gerard’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, has dedicated over 30 years to inclusive education, driven by her belief that everyone deserves a chance in life, regardless of their learning abilities. The ECD, celebrating its 30th anniversary, began when Daniels-Horswell faced significant challenges after the birth of her son, Gerard, who has Down syndrome. Initially advised to abandon hope for him, she instead advocated for his care and education.

Struggling to find suitable facilities for her son, she collaborated with other parents to establish the Peter Pan Down Syndrome Centre in 1986, which pioneered inclusive education in the Western Cape. Later, she founded Gerard’s ECD Centre in Strandfontein, focusing on nurturing all children and promoting empathy among peers.

Daniels-Horswell emphasizes that “normal” children are simply those who are developing, and her approach aims to raise caring, responsible citizens. Her efforts have been recognized nationally, with her center winning accolades for its educational excellence. Supported by a dedicated committee and staff, Gerard’s ECD Centre continues to thrive, integrating innovative teaching practices despite resource limitations.

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