Early childhood is the most critical phase in a child’s development — a time when the brain is growing at its fastest and the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health is being laid. As India’s educational landscape rapidly evolves, the focus on early years has become more urgent and essential than ever.
In this thought-provoking interview, Jitendra Karsan, Chairman. Safari Kid, Mumbai discusses with Triparna Ray how early education impacts cognitive and social growth, the role of personalized curricula, the integration of global teaching practices with Indian values, and the emerging trends shaping preschools today. He also offers insights into overcoming the challenges faced by preschools in India and how technology can be used wisely to support learning without overexposure.
1. How does early childhood education impact cognitive and social development in the long run?
Early childhood education is a game-changer for kids. It sets the stage for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Research shows that kids who get quality early education do better in school, develop interpersonal skills, and adapt to new situations.
Between birth and age 5, kids’ brains grow rapidly. A structured learning environment helps develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and literacy and numeracy skills. Exposure to new experiences sparks curiosity and a love for learning, preparing kids for future academic success.
But early childhood education is not just about academics. It’s also about helping kids develop emotional intelligence, make friends, and learn to express themselves. Group activities teach cooperation, empathy, and communication skills – essential for success in life. A strong social and emotional foundation in early years also reduces behavioral issues and fosters self-confidence.
Early childhood education not only prepares children to succeed in school but also equips them with the confidence, resilience, and insatiable curiosity that leads them to lifelong success.
2. How does the curriculum personalize learning to match each child’s pace and strengths?
Every child is unique, with their own learning style, interests, and developmental pace. A well-rounded early education program ensures that learning is engaging and meaningful. This personalized approach to learning is especially important in early childhood education, where every child develops at their own pace.
For instance, Safari Kid’s curriculum is carefully designed to meet each child’s unique needs and pace. We use the Whole Child approach, which focuses on developing the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive aspects of a child. This means we prioritize not just academics but also social awareness, self-discovery, and community responsibility. We also emphasize physical education and healthcare to promote healthy habits and a sense of security. Our approach blends different educational philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This gives children the freedom to explore, discover, and learn in a way that’s tailored to their unique needs and interests.
3. How can we integrate global teaching methods while preserving India’s cultural values in early education?
Finding the right balance between the best teaching practices from around the world and relevant traditions is very crucial for a child who is at the base camp of his learning summit. Designing a curriculum that is not only play-based or curiosity-driven but also embraces our cultural elements through stories, festivals, languages, and art forms. This will help the child to acquire skills like creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while staying connected to the roots.
Exposing children to multiple languages not only broadens their linguistic horizons but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. This, combined with encouraging unity, teamwork, diversity, and community involvement, helps instill essential values like respect, empathy, and social responsibility. As children learn to navigate and celebrate differences, they develop a stronger sense of self and become more compassionate and open-minded individuals, aligned with the eternal cultural values of India.
4. What emerging trends (e.g., tech, curriculum) are shaping India’s early education sector?
India’s early education sector is constantly evolving. This rapid growth is driven by several factors, like the integration of technology, new teaching methods, fresh approaches to the designing of curriculum, and innovative business models.
Technology plays an important role, which is now offering us new age classrooms that are curated with virtual lessons, digital tools, AI & gamified learning, Augmented Reality (AR) and more, which is turning the whole educational experience more immersive and interactive.
Curriculum designs are also evolving. Schools are now approaching a shift to prioritize and make critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth important parts of the curriculum over rote memorization. Multilingual education is also being inculcated, helping the child build strong linguistic and cognitive skills.
Personalized learning approaches are gaining traction, allowing children to learn at their own pace and leverage their unique strengths. Hybrid learning models, combining online and offline instruction, are also becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility. Furthermore, there is a growing focus on environmental sustainability, with many schools incorporating nature-based learning and eco-awareness activities into their curricula. These trends are ultimately designed to equip young learners with the skills, adaptability, and environmental awareness necessary for success in the future.
5. What are the biggest challenges preschools in India face today? Where do you see the biggest growth opportunities?
Operating preschools/schools in India are facing several interconnected challenges. The intense competitive market in the education sector is further amplified by the dynamic regulatory environment. All the while, they are also tasked with the crucial responsibility of imparting uncompromised education quality and ensuring that education remains accessible to all children from all socio-economical backgrounds.
One of the biggest hurdles for the preschools is striking the right balance between structured learning and play-based methodology to align with the expectations from the parental community. Increased awareness of the importance of early childhood education has led the parents to look for school programs that foster their child’s holistic development. However, the lack of a standardized curriculum results in inconsistencies in education quality among different institutions.
Regulatory compliance presents another layer of complexities, requiring the preschools to follow the ever-changing guidelines while maintaining their operations’ sustainability. Affordability and accessibility are key concerns, especially in tier 2 & tier 3 cities where the quality of early education is very limited.
The future of early childhood education in India looks bright. More parents see how important it is, so they’re looking for high-quality programs. This is driving innovation in learning methods and making education more fun and interactive. With better technology, we can now reach more children in smaller towns and villages, giving them access to good education. As digital connectivity improves, we can expect to see even more opportunities for young learners. Online platforms and digital tools can help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, providing equal access to education for all. This is an exciting time for early childhood education in India, and we’re eager to see the positive impact it will have on our children’s futures.
6. How do you ensure screen time enhances learning without overexposure?
In today’s digital age, it’s not about avoiding screens but about making sure kids use them in a way that’s intentional, engaging, and age-appropriate. We need to strike the right balance between digital and hands-on experiences. Technology should support learning, not replace active involvement and real-world experiences. A thoughtful approach to screen time in early childhood education involves making it active, not passive. This means encouraging kids to engage with digital content in a way that builds their skills and understanding. Setting limits and curating content carefully is crucial.
Teachers can use digital tools in short, focused doses, followed by activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Parents can support this effort by setting clear guidelines for screen time, watching educational content with their kids, and sparking conversations about what they’ve learned. By working together, teachers and parents can empower kids to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly.
