In the world of early childhood development (ECD), efficient centre management can be the foundation of quality early learning. Incredibly, 60% of ECD centres are run informally, with majority of these centres lacking functional systems for record-keeping or reporting. Tech can play a large role in increasing access to efficient ECD management tools which can potentially increasing sustainability and streamline operations. Across the country, one tool stands out among the rest, becoming the first choice for preschool and creche owners: Grow Giraffe, South Africa’s most popular ECD management app.
The leading preschool management solution in SA
Part of the Grow ECD app suite, Grow Giraffe (the app specifically for ECD centre owners and principals), is now used by over 4,500 early childhood development centres nationwide. It is also the trusted choice of more than 25 ECD partner organisations that use the app to strengthen their training, compliance, and learner assessment programmes.
“Our app isn’t just about technology,” says Tracey Chambers, CEO of Grow ECD. “It’s about removing barriers for the people educating the next generation, helping them run their preschools more professionally, improve quality of education and strengthening the ECD sector by supporting capacity building.”
In June 2025 alone, 3,572 ECD centres across South Africa actively used the Grow ECD App’s MyBusiness tool to simplify record-keeping, financial management, and reporting, reducing the administrative burden on centre owners.
Designed for South African preschools
From the start, Grow Giraffe was built with the realities of South African ECD centres in mind:
- Works reliably in low-data, low-bandwidth conditions
- Provides free access to an NCF-aligned, play-based curriculum
- Tracks learner assessments and attendance
- Simplifies finance, staff, and parent communication
- Offers free online teacher training courses with certificates of completion
- Guides owners through registration and compliance requirements
“The Grow ECD Giraffe App makes managing my centre easy, convenient, and accessible at any time and place,” says Bilkish Vawda, owner of Pretty Palms Educare in KwaZulu-Natal. “It helps me keep track of my finances, staff, and learners’ development – and the free training makes a huge difference to my team.”
In the foundation years, learner assessments are essential to ensure that developmental milestones are being reached and that children are sufficiently prepared to proceed to their next level of education. During 2024 not only did 606 centres use Grow ECD’s free NCF-aligned online curriculum on the Grow ECD App but 1,015 ECD teachers also used the mobile app to assess over 4 000 4-5 year olds learners’ development. The free learner assessment tool on the Grow ECD App suite is supported by an instruction guide, training videos and a report card template for sharing results with parents.
Built by the sector, for the sector
Grow ECD began developing the app in 2019 with a clear mission: to create the most effective ECD management platform in South Africa. Partnering with experienced developers and backed by international philanthropic support, the team drew on more than a decade of hands-on experience in the ECD space.
One of the most promising indicators of success is the overwhelming satisfaction of users, with 84% of Grow ECD programme users indicating they are highly satisfied with the platform’s impact on their centres.
The most popular app features among users include:
- Learner and Staff Attendance
- Learner Assessment Tool
- Income and Expense Tracker
- Downloadable Resources
- Online Training and Curriculum Access
Melanie Pillay, National Operations Manager at Grow ECD, explains: “From day one, we tested features with principals, teachers, and parents. The result is a tool that feels intuitive because it was shaped by the very people who use it daily.”
The number one choice – and growing
Today, Grow Giraffe stands as South Africa’s #1 preschool management app with a 4.5 star rating, giving ECD centre owners a simple, powerful way to manage their operations and improve learning outcomes. Its free access ensures that even the smallest centres can run professionally.
“Our success with Grow Giraffe proves that purpose-driven technology can lead a sector,” says Tracey. “It’s South Africa’s number one ECD management app because it delivers real results for real people.”