Putting play at the heart of early childhood development

Busy parents of young children everywhere will be delighted by the launch of an innovative play-based educational programme focusing on the all-round development of children in the 0-6 age group.

Subscription-based conitnuity programme

Mysmartkid [www.mysmartkid.com] is a subscription-based continuity programme which uses toys, tools and play-based activities to promote school readiness and the reaching of key developmental milestones in the field of early childhood development (ECD).

Launched by Leisure Books, a leader in the field of member-based subscription programmes in South Africa, the programme also includes a website with an online shop for both members and non-members as well as suggested activities and expert advice.

John Samson, Business Manager of Mysmartkid, said: “The new Mysmartkid programme is a convenient, fuss-free, value-for-money investment in your child’s future.

“Our aim is to offer peace of mind and convenience for parents and parents-to-be who often find themselves overwhelmed by an avalanche of information, advice and childhood paraphernalia.

“Mysmartkid offers these parents a one-stop-shop solution: advice, activities and toys backed by experts to help your child reach his or her developmental milestones in the comfort of your own home and in a fun way,” he explains.

A smart box targeted to your child’s age group

Members sign up to the programme on a 12-month basis. Every two months they receive a ‘Smartbox’ of curated items, usually toys, educational products and activities, targeted to their child’s age group. Accompanying the Smartbox is a full-colour newsletter packed with relevant advice and information as well as tips on how to use the material with your child.

Involvement of ECD experts

A key benefit of Mysmartkid is the involvement of a panel of leading ECD experts. “Professionals from the fields of occupational and play therapy and child psychology, themselves parents, have helped develop the programme and will continue to play a key role. Their expertise and insights are instrumental in keeping Mysmartkid relevant, targeted and up-to-date,” says Samson.

Other key benefits include

The Mysmartkid programme is available for a subscription fee of R295 every second month, which includes free delivery of the Smartbox. Members will also receive targeted age-appropriate email newsletters jampacked with additional information, advice and activities. Other key benefits to subscribers to the Mysmartkid programme include:

Free welcome gifts of a children’s backpack (valued at R175) and an exclusive handbook written by an occupational therapist giving parents a step-by-step outline of their child’s ECD milestones.
Member-login access to www.mysmartkid.com with its free information, expert advice and ideas for further play-based activities promoting ECD milestones.
Exclusive members-only discounts through the Mysmartkid online shop.
A monthly member newsletter brimming with expert advice, tips and information for parents.
Immediate access to an online parent forum.

About the Author: To join Mysmartkid or to find out more information about the programme, sign up at www.mysmartkid.com