Tech in Africa
Play Sense, a local edtech startup is among the first registered tech-centric preschool franchises across South Africa. The education platform recently got accreditation from the Department of Social Development and is now a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme.
Play Sense is based in Cape Town and was founded by early childhood expert Meg Faure (CEO), who also founded the Baby Sense brand. The other co-founder is occupational therapist ad educator, Lara Schoenfeld, previous founder of the Nanny ‘n Me franchise.
The start-up runs a digitally enabled micro-playschool programme that enables teachers to set their own playschools at home under a Play Sense banner. Within the programme is a play centered curriculum on pre-schoolers that covers outdoor play, sensory play, stories, music, art, and imaginary play while creating rich experiences that encourage the development of language, emotional skills, and talents among toddlers.
The startup which began at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic says it offers students a blended and fully online version of curriculum fully aligned with the UNICEFs national curriculum framework. Play Sense gives the franchisable stable at 30 groups spread out across Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, and Gauteng, and online.
This online model is designed for groups of up to 6 children between the ages of two to four so they can come together, play and learn in a safe home-based environment.
