Manjula Rani, Founder and Director of ExtraMile Preschool in Hyderabad, is a visionary leader whose transition from an IT professional to an early education pioneer showcases the power of passion and purpose. Inspired by her experiences as a mother and driven by a commitment to nurturing young minds, she established ExtraMile Preschool to create a child-centric, holistic learning environment. In this insightful interview, Manjula shares her journey, the challenges she overcame, and her vision for revolutionising early childhood education while empowering women leaders in the sector.
Q. What inspired you to transition from a career in IT to founding ExtraMile Preschool?
My professional journey began in the IT industry after graduating from BITS Pilani, but motherhood reshaped my perspective on life and learning. Experiencing the preschool system as a parent awakened me to the profound impact early education has on a child’s growth. I noticed gaps and missed opportunities in how learning was approached, which ignited a deep desire to create a nurturing, child-centric environment that celebrates every child’s individuality. This passion became the driving force behind ExtraMile Preschool.
Q. You mentioned that your experience as a parent played a crucial role in your shift to early education. Can you share a defining moment that led to this decision?
Yes, I vividly recall attending an event at my child’s preschool, where I observed that all children were expected to respond and perform uniformly, with little attention given to their unique strengths. My child, who was imaginative and expressive, seemed confined by rigid structures. That day, I went home with a heavy heart but also with clarity—I wanted to drive change that nurtured, rather than restricted, young minds. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into early childhood education.
Q. What were the biggest challenges you faced while establishing ExtraMile Preschool, and how did you overcome them?
Starting ExtraMile meant stepping away from the comfort of a well-established franchise and building something from scratch. A major challenge was earning parents’ trust as an independent preschool. I addressed this by being transparent, consistent, and deeply involved in every aspect—from curriculum design to daily operations. Another challenge was creating a team aligned with my vision. I invested time in training and mentoring teachers, ensuring they understood the “why” behind our approach. These hurdles became stepping stones that shaped ExtraMile’s strong foundation.
Q. What sets ExtraMile Preschool apart from other preschools, and what is your long-term vision for its growth?
At ExtraMile, we believe every child is unique, and learning should never be one-size-fits-all. Our Multiple Intelligence based curriculum, integrated with the Play-Way Method, allows children to explore, express, and learn through real experiences. We prioritise holistic development—emotional, cognitive, and social—while ensuring personalised attention, hygiene, safety, and strong parent-school collaboration. With our recent expansion into Chandanagar, my long-term vision is to grow ExtraMile into a network of innovative early learning spaces, staying rooted in our core philosophy of nurturing
confident, creative learners.
Q. How did you decide on adopting the Multiple Intelligence framework, and how do you see it benefiting young learners?
As I immersed myself in early childhood education, Dr. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory resonated deeply with my belief that each child is uniquely gifted. I’ve seen how some children thrive through music, while others excel in movement, visuals, or logic. Adopting this framework allows us to go beyond traditional academics and embrace diverse learning styles. It boosts children’s confidence and helps them discover their strengths early on. At ExtraMile, we create opportunities for children to learn in ways that feel natural and joyful.
Q. Can you share specific examples of how the Play-Way Method is integrated into your curriculum?
Absolutely. One example is introducing mathematical concepts through games and stories. Instead of using worksheets for counting, we create a marketplace role-play where children buy and sell items using pretend currency, bringing learning to life. Similarly, science is taught through hands-on experiments—planting seeds, observing insects, or mixing colours. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where play becomes a tool for discovery, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Q. You emphasise strong parent-school collaboration. How do you engage parents in their child’s early learning journey?
I believe a child’s development flourishes when parents and educators work as a team. At ExtraMile, we engage parents through regular communication, open houses, interactive events, and feedback sessions. We organise parent-child activity days to extend learning into fun bonding experiences. Our open-door policy ensures parents feel welcome to observe, share concerns, and actively participate in their child’s learning journey.
Q. What strategies do you use to train and motivate your teachers to implement innovative teaching methodologies?
Continuous learning is a core value at ExtraMile. I personally lead many training sessions, ensuring educators understand both what we do and why we do it. We conduct regular workshops on child psychology, multiple intelligences, classroom management, and creative teaching methods. Teachers are encouraged to reflect, share ideas, and experiment with new techniques. Their contributions are recognised and celebrated, fostering high motivation. My goal is to build an empowered, inspired, and valued team.
Q. You prioritise hygiene and safety in your preschool. What specific measures do you take to ensure children’s well-being?
Children’s safety is non-negotiable. We employ CCTV surveillance, trained security personnel, and a physical entry and exit register to track all visitors. Our staff is trained in first aid and emergency response. Hygiene is paramount—classrooms and restrooms are cleaned and sanitised regularly, and we follow strict protocols for food handling and health checks. We also teach children personal hygiene through fun, age-appropriate activities, making safety a shared responsibility.
Q. Can you give examples of unique learning experiences or activities at ExtraMile that have had a significant impact on children?
One impactful experience is our thematic learning modules, such as “Little Scientists” week, where children conduct hands-on experiments, or “Around the World” day, where they explore cultures through dress, food, and music. Our annual day performances revolve around themes like environmental awareness or kindness, encouraging children to think beyond themselves. Seeing children confidently speak on stage, problem-solve in groups, or take ownership of projects highlights
their curiosity and capability.
Q. How has your role as a facilitator at Talentease influenced your approach to preschool education?
My work at Talentease deepened my understanding of how foundational skills and values drive long-term success. Engaging with young adults showed me that skills like adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence must be nurtured from early childhood. At ExtraMile, we weave these life skills into our curriculum, ensuring children grow into confident, empathetic, and resilient individuals.
Q. As a Council Member of WICCI, how do you contribute to the holistic development of children at a broader level?
Through WICCI, I collaborate with professionals to raise awareness, advocate best practices in early education, and support initiatives fostering holistic growth. This includes policy recommendations, community workshops, and parent education programmes. My involvement allows me to contribute beyond ExtraMile, supporting a larger movement to nurture well-rounded future citizens.
Q. As a woman entrepreneur in the education sector, what key lessons have you learned, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
A key lesson is the importance of perseverance and belief in your vision, even when challenges feel overwhelming. As women, we often juggle multiple roles, and the journey can feel isolating. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay committed to your “why,” keep learning, build a strong support system, and embrace collaboration. Authenticity and consistency are powerful tools for carving a unique path.
Q. With ExtraMile expanding into Chandanagar, what are your plans for further growth and innovation in early education?
The Chandanagar expansion is the start of a broader dream. We aim to create more centres offering child-centric, innovative learning experiences while prioritising quality over quantity. We are exploring thoughtful integration of technology—such as digital storytelling and interactive learning aids—while retaining play-based, human-centric education. Our goal is to make ExtraMile a trusted name for progressive early childhood education across communities.
Q. What does success mean to you in the context of early childhood education, and how do you measure it at ExtraMile?
Success is seeing children grow into happy, confident, and compassionate individuals, beyond just academic achievements. At ExtraMile, we measure success by observing how children develop communication, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional skills. When a shy child speaks up, a curious mind asks deep questions, or kindness and teamwork flourish, those are our true milestones.
Q. As a woman leading an educational institution, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered?
Balancing societal expectations, family responsibilities, and professional aspirations is a delicate act. Women leaders often face skepticism or pressure to “prove” themselves. However, this journey has opened doors to building deep relationships with parents, inspiring other women, and creating a nurturing, value-driven organisation. My perspective as a woman leader infuses empathy, resilience, and collaboration into ExtraMile’s fabric.
Q. How do you think women leaders in education can break traditional stereotypes and create a more inclusive leadership culture?
It starts with leading authentically while demonstrating competence and compassion. Women leaders should uplift each other, create opportunities for diverse voices, and challenge stereotypes through action. Building inclusive teams, encouraging professional development, and celebrating varied leadership styles can dismantle outdated norms and shape a more equitable future for education leadership.
Q. Have you had mentors who guided you in your leadership journey? How do you, in turn, support and mentor other aspiring women leaders in education?
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me and guided me with wisdom, showing me the power of leading with both heart and mind. Their support gave me courage. I mentor aspiring women educators and leaders through formal sessions, informal conversations, or simply being a sounding board. Mentorship is a cycle of learning, growing, and paying it forward.
Q. How do you balance the demands of running a preschool while managing personal and professional commitments?
Balance is an ongoing journey. I prioritise, delegate, and embrace support. My strong team at ExtraMile and supportive family make a huge difference. I also set aside time for self-care, learning, and family, recognising that caring for myself equips me to care for others—whether the children at school or my loved ones at home.
Q. What steps do you think are necessary to encourage more women to take up leadership roles in the education sector?
We need platforms for women to share their stories and aspirations. Professional development, mentorship programmes, flexible work environments, and visible representation in leadership roles are crucial. Nurturing a culture that values emotional intelligence, collaboration, and innovation—strengths women leaders often bring—will inspire more women to step forward and shine in education leadership.
Conclusion
Manjula Rani’s journey with ExtraMile Preschool is a testament to the transformative power of vision, resilience, and empathy. From redefining early childhood education to advocating for women’s leadership, she embodies the spirit of innovation and inclusivity. As ExtraMile continues to grow, Manjula’s commitment to nurturing confident, creative, and compassionate learners promises to leave a lasting impact on the education landscape, inspiring educators and parents alike to prioritise the holistic development of young minds.
