Preparations for the Thrive by Five Index 2024 data collection are well underway. Over 220 enumerators and child assessors are being trained during July and August to undertake the second round of South Africa’s largest survey of preschool child development. Data collection takes place from September to November this year.
The 2024 Index will assess a nationally and provincially representative sample of 5,200 4-year-old children enrolled in 1,300 early learning programmes (ELPs) in all 9 provinces; key child development outcomes for a test sample of approximately 540 4-year-old children who are not attending an ELP; and the characteristics of ELPs and homes that influence child development outcomes.
In late July, 56 fieldworkers received training and were dispatched to 432 wards across the country to conduct an awareness-raising campaign around the Thrive by Five Index. They are also confirming the location of ELPs and going door to door to identify households with children who are not attending an ELP
During August and September, 149 field workers are being trained/refreshed to administer the ELOM 4&5 Assessment Tool and the Learning Programme Quality Assessment Tool, and to conduct interviews with principals, practitioners, and caregivers.
A further 22 enumerators will be trained in September to manage a national call centre for the Index, conducting telephonic interviews with parents of assessed children.
The Thrive by Five Index 2024 is a collaborative effort. The team is grateful to the Department of Basic Education and the SA Local Government Association (SALGA) for paving the way to ensure smooth entry into communities.
