A review of Kohlberg’s theory and its applicability in the South African context through the lens of early childhood development and violence

<p>Within the South African context, early childhood development (ECD) is receiving increasing attention at both government and civil society levels. This has resulted in children accessing ECD services in increasing numbers. But although access may open the doors to learning, it does not ensure a quality early learning experience for children. The pivotal factor is quality. Quality ECD has the potential to drive redress and realise the promise inherent in the South <br />African Constitution. The study draws on the three dimensions of a community of practice, to explore how new dialogic spaces are emerging, spaces that have the potential to generate innovation, reflection and new understandings of what could constitute quality ECD throughout South Africa. Using an action research design, this study will trace how understandings of what constitutes quality ECD in South Africa have already begun to be interrogated by a number of different stakeholders.</p>

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Vocabulary used by ethno-linguistically diverse South African toddlers: A parent report using the Language Development Survey

South African Journal of Communication Disorders ◽

10.4102/sajcd.v60i1.4 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Aurellia Shamaleni Gonasillan ◽

Juan Bornman ◽

Michal Harty

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Language Development ◽

South African ◽

Early Childhood Development ◽

Linguistically Diverse ◽

Parent Report ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Expressive Vocabulary ◽

Learning And Teaching ◽

African Context

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the relevance of the vocabulary of the Language Development Survey (LDS) for typically developing South African toddlers who attend ethno-linguistically diverse early childhood development centres.Rationale: The need for exploration of the expressive vocabulary of this population stems from the diverse linguistic contexts to which toddlers are exposed on a day-to-day basis in South Africa. Many parents prefer English as the language of learning and teaching for their child. As a result, toddlers interact with ethno-linguistically diverse peers from a young age, usually within their early childhood development centres.Method: An adapted version of the LDS was presented to 40 middle-class parents in Mpumalanga. Vocabulary commonly used by toddlers was determined and a comparison of parent responses made between the present study and the original American-based survey.Results: Results revealed that nouns were used most often by toddlers, in keeping with research on vocabulary acquisition. Significant correlations between the two groups were evident in 12 of the 14 categories. Parents reported that nouns, verbs, adjectives and words from other word classes were used similarly by toddlers, despite differences in their linguistic exposure.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the LDS is a valuable clinical screening tool for speech-language therapists who deliver services to toddlers within the South African context.

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The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sitting Behavior, Screen Time, and Sleep

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2019-0187 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 109-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Catherine E. Draper ◽

Simone A. Tomaz ◽

Linda Biersteker ◽

Caylee J. Cook ◽

Jacqui Couper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

South African ◽

Early Childhood Development ◽

Early Years ◽

Childhood Development ◽

The South ◽

Middle Income ◽

Stakeholder Consultation ◽

Starting Point ◽

Local Literatures

Background: In December 2018, the South African 24-hour movement guidelines for birth to 5 years were released. This article describes the process used to develop these guidelines. Methods: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-ADOLOPMENT approach was followed, with some pragmatic adaptions, using the Australian guidelines for the early years as a starting point. A consensus panel, including stakeholders in early childhood development and academics, was formed to assist with the development process. Results: At a face-to-face meeting of the panel, global and local literatures were considered. Following this meeting, a first draft of the guidelines (including a preamble) was formulated. Further reviews of these drafts by the panel were done via e-mail, and a working draft was sent out for stakeholder consultation. The guidelines and preamble were amended based on stakeholder input, and an infographic was designed. Practical “tips” documents were also developed for caregivers of birth to 5-year-olds and early childhood development practitioners. The guidelines (and accompanying documents) were released at a launch event and disseminated through various media channels. Conclusions: These are the first movement guidelines for South African and the first such guidelines for this age group from a low- and middle-income country.

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