Grow ECD has developed an independent evaluation tool that helps us measure impact and make more data-driven decisions, while empowering centre owners with insights and action plans.
The STAR Assessment tool is now also available to ECD investors and stakeholders.
What does quality look like in early childhood education?
At Grow ECD, we’ve been working to answer that question for over a decade. That’s why we developed the STAR Assessment Tool, an independent, standardised, and scalable evaluation framework designed specifically for South African early learning centres. In this article, we explain how the STAR Assessment Tool works, how it supports ECD centre improvement and compliance with DBE registration requirements, and how it fits into Grow ECD’s broader monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approach.
Grow ECD is a social impact organisation operating in South Africa, and our vision is to see 5-star early learning happening in every neighbourhood. We achieve this by equipping and connecting preschool owners and teachers with the skills, tools, and resources they need to deliver high-quality education and operate successful, sustainable preschools. Our holistic model makes operating a sustainable preschool a possibility for all.
Data-driven decision making and impact measurement
A core part of our impact work is measuring and monitoring whether quality outcomes are being achieved. We track these outcomes over the short, medium, and long term at the preschool small businesses that are part of our Small Business Programme. Our comprehensive Theory of Change is supported by an Impact Measurement Framework that details how we aim to achieve and measure each output, outcome and impact.
How Grow ECD measures impact across its programmes
Accurate and timely data can help organisations identify trends and address gaps faster and more effectively. That is why, at Grow ECD, we use various qualitative and quantitative measurements and feedback tools to help us track progress against key indicators. These tools include self-assessed and independent feedback approaches.
Monitoring and evaluation tools used by Grow ECD to monitor our Small Business Programme centres include:
1
Technology adoption metrics
(our free ECD mobile apps) for curriculum engagement, centre administration and financial management,training and resource access, and parent engagement.
2
Ongoing education mentoring
observation and feedback records, which include rating scales and qualitative feedback reports.
3
Bi-annual learner observation and progress reports
conducted by teachers. This observation tool covers all of the developmental areas and milestones per age group and was co-developed with learning specialists and other ECD organisations.
4
STAR Assessments
conducted at baseline, 12-, 24- and 36 months by independent assessors.
5
Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM)
assessments, conducted by independent assessors, to review our programmatic implementation and impact against local benchmarks and previous results.
Together, these qualitative and quantitative touchpoints help us identify trends, spot gaps early, and design rapid responses. They also enable us to better understand the interplay between our interventions (such as mentoring, curriculum use, and training) and outcomes (child development, teaching quality, registration status, and centre revenue) that we have outlined in our Theory of Change. You can read about our latest impact results on our impact page, which also features our annual report.
What is the STAR Assessment Tool for ECD centres?
The STAR Assessment Tool was developed as a structured, standardised, and practical way to evaluate the business, operational, and educational health of ECD centres. It brings together various components of ECD centre success into a single assessment. The STAR Assessment addresses the need for a single monitoring and evaluation system that would provide us, our centres, and our funders with a consistent, cross-functional view of centre performance across all the key aspects of running a successful ECD centre.
Shining a light on what quality looks like: The five dimensions of ECD centre success
Our assessment framework was built on our learnings from ELOM, the national Vangasali registration frameworks and input from several other ECD support organisations. The framework was refined through partner use cases and practical trials, then formally rolled out in 2024 as STAR, a more comprehensive and purpose-fit instrument aligned to the new DBE registration standards (Bana Pele).
STAR (” Support, Track, Assess, Reflect”) was designed as a baseline-to-graduation assessment tool used throughout a centre’s three-year journey in the Small Business Programme (SBP).
The STAR Assessment tool evaluates centres across five key dimensions:
- 1. Operations governance
- 2. Education quality
- 3. Financial sustainability
- 4. Staffing and capacity
- 5. Infrastructure, health and safety
Evaluations are conducted by trained external assessors who understand the realities of running and supporting an ECD centre. This independent process ensures objectivity and trust. Importantly, assessors provide immediate feedback during the site visit, helping centre owners understand their results in real time, even before their debrief with the Grow ECD team.
Why the STAR Tool matters for funders, ECD centre managers, and the education system
This assessment enables Grow and its partners to:
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Identify support needs at the outset (baseline).
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Track progress at 12-, 24-, and 36-month intervals.Track progress at 12-, 24-, and 36-month intervals.
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Give actionable feedback and guidance to centre owners, increasing co-ownership.
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Measure growth in both compliance, quality and business sustainability.
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Help centre owners stay motivated as they can see progress made (not just results).
STAR results can help the ECD sector grow stronger
STAR results often spark powerful “aha” moments, helping centre owners shift from reactive to proactive thinking. This shows that external evaluations are not only beneficial for ECD support organisations but also for centre owners.
For Grow: it enables data-driven decision-making and tailored support.
For centres: it offers clear goals, structure, and encouragement
For the sector: it sets a benchmark for ECD enterprise performance and accountability
For partners: it provides peace of mind that their investments are unlocking measurable impact.
“Thank you for the report and thank you so much for the tabulation of scores and what should be improved. I’m quite happy with the results and they are a true reflection of the centre. I will make it a point to improve what has been highlighted in the report.” – Thabisile Luthuli, Blooming Kids ECD
We believe the STAR Assessment Tool will become an invaluable system-wide resource, enabling us to measure what matters, allocate resources wisely, and keep every stakeholder focused on what truly supports thriving ECD centres. It is a scalable, credible tool that aligns with national ECD priorities while also speaking to the hearts and minds of the centre owners who run these vital pre-schools every day.
Grow ECD is already assisting various ECD impact investors and support organisations with STAR Assessments at ECD centres they have earmarked for potential support. The STAR Assessment is helping to create a holistic view of a centre’s performance, gaps and potential with practical action plans. This support ensures that CSI investments honour where the ECD centre is at currently and gives the centre owner and manager co-ownership in the process, moving them from “beneficiary” to partner.
Baseline insights: What we’re learning from STAR data so far (May 2025)
- At baseline, the lowest-rated areas are typically governance and legal requirements, learning programme quality, staffing and policies and procedures.
- Within 12 months, the most significant gains are often seen in learning programme quality and implementation. This is because Grow makes a significant investment in the education resources, training and provides a DBE approved curriculum.
- By 36 months, the strongest improvements are typically in governance and legal compliance, policies and procedures, followed by staffing and learning programmes.
Learn more or request a STAR Assessment for your ECD centres
If you are a funder or education partner seeking to unlock measurable, lasting improvements in preschool, please reach out to us today to book a STAR Assessment or learn more about our Small Business Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grow ECD STAR Assessment?
It’s a structured, independent tool developed by Grow ECD to assess ECD centres (preschools) across five core dimensions: operations governance, staffing and capacity, education quality, financial sustainability, infrastructure, health and safety.
How does the STAR Assessment tool help ECD centres and impact investors?
It provides centre owners and ECD stakeholders with a gap analysis and clear, actionable feedback and progress tracking against the five dimensions of centre quality, supporting DBE registration, better teaching outcomes, and long-term business sustainability.
Is there any support provided after the Assessment?
Yes, there is a detailed report prepared for centres and a debrief is done where we walk them through the report results and recommendations.
Is the STAR Assessment aligned with South African ECD regulations?
Yes. STAR is aligned with the Department of Basic Education’s registration requirements and other national quality assurance benchmarks.
Who conducts STAR Assessments?
Trained, independent assessors who understand the realities of running informal or semi-formal preschools in South Africa conduct the assessments in person at the preschool.
How is quality control managed?
Assessors undergo a standardised training process and follow the scoring protocol to ensure consistency and objectivity across assessments.
Can funders or ECD support organisations use the STAR Assessment Tool?
Yes. STAR is increasingly used by ECD investors, CSI teams, and ecosystem partners to identify high-potential centres and track the impact of their funding. The STAR Assessment is done by Grow ECD on your behalf and results shared.