When Charlene Robertson opened Twinkle Daycare in Schauderville, Gqeberha, in May 2016, she had a double garage, four children, one teacher and a clear vision for what she wanted to create.
With an ECD Level 5 qualification and two years of experience as an ECD practitioner, Charlene wanted children in her community to have access to quality early learning. Starting the centre was also a practical decision for her family.
“My husband and I decided to use our double garage at home to start a daycare business. The plan was to get an extra income to pay the bills,” she explains.
There wasn’t a large budget to get started. A small loan from Charlene’s nephew helped her clean and paint the garage and buy a carpet and a few resources. Her employer at the time donated used toys and equipment.
It was a modest start, but Charlene had a plan.
Growing one step at a time
Twinkle grew quickly. By January 2017, the centre had 33 children. Charlene employed a cook who could also assist the teacher, but the children were still sharing the same space.
In 2018, Charlene resigned from her job to focus on running Twinkle full-time.
As enrolment increased over the years, the centre began using two rooms inside the family home. More recently, Charlene built a new classroom in the backyard and is planning to move the children out of the house and into the new space.
For Charlene, each step has been part of gradually building the ECD centre she pictured when she started.
“All the hard work, dedication and sacrifice over the years are paying off now. I am especially proud of the new classroom layouts and shelving.”
Learning, then putting it into action
Charlene joined Grow ECD in 2023. She says the training, courses and ongoing support have helped her strengthen both the education and business sides of Twinkle.
Grow ECD supported Charlene with CIPC and DBE registration processes, while training helped her develop her management skills and provided additional support for Twinkle’s teachers and curriculum.
One of the strongest parts of Twinkle’s story is what Charlene has done with what she has learnt.
She has continued to make practical improvements at the centre, from classroom layouts and shelving to the new classroom and her plans for a safe outdoor play area.
She has also embraced digital tools that make managing the centre easier.
“Everything is more organised, something I’ve always longed for.”
Finding practical ways to strengthen the business
Charlene continues to look for practical ways to manage costs and strengthen Twinkle as a business.
With support from Grow ECD, Rentech sponsored Twinkle Daycare with an ESBox, and the centre is also part of the e’Pap feeding scheme. Charlene says these help reduce electricity and grocery expenses, contributing to the centre’s monthly profit.
She has also introduced a simple but meaningful initiative for her team.
Every Friday, Twinkle holds a Market Day. The money raised is saved and divided equally among staff members at the end of the year.
“I feel they deserve it for their hard work and dedication.
A team behind Twinkle
Charlene is proud of the people working alongside her.
“The staff works together well. They know what is expected of them and they do their jobs to the best of their ability. I’m proud to have them on board.”
Parents are an important part of the Twinkle community too. Charlene says they are pleased with their children’s progress and are always willing to support the centre.
For an ECD owner, building that trust matters. A strong centre needs capable teachers and good systems, but it also needs families who feel confident about where their children are learning and growing.
Still building
Nearly ten years after opening Twinkle with four children in a converted garage, Charlene is still looking ahead.
Her current priorities include creating a safe outdoor play area, moving children from the house into the new classroom, working towards her ECD Gold registration certificate and registering her staff for UIF.
The physical growth of Twinkle is easy to see, but so is the development of the business behind it.
What began as a way to supplement the family’s income has grown into an ECD centre supported by a committed team, parents and an owner who continues to learn, plan and put new ideas into practice.
“I pray and trust that the Lord will continue to bless Twinkle Daycare and grant me the opportunity to keep on running a successful ECD business, offering the best service in our community.”
Twinkle’s story is still being written. But from four children in a double garage to new classrooms, stronger systems and plans for what comes next, Charlene has already come a long way.
About Grow ECD
Grow ECD is a non-profit social enterprise working to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to quality early learning. Since 2014, Grow ECD has equipped thousands of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres with training, curriculum, classroom kits, and business support to help owners run sustainable preschools while delivering 5-star early education. Today, through innovative tools like the Grow ECD App Suite, the organisation continues to expand access to resources, mentoring, and support for teachers, parents, and children across the country.