The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has set the stage for a transformative shift in early childhood education, emphasizing child-centric, play-based, and holistic learning approaches. Private preschools in India now face both a challenge and an opportunity: to align with modern educational standards while standing out in a competitive market. A Finnish-Indian blended curriculum, supported by innovative tools and resources, offers a compelling solution.

In this blog, we explore why private preschools should renew, what changes they need to make, and how they can achieve these goals with Kindiedays, concluding with the impactful results they can achieve.

This approach is equally valid for other countries where education is being renewed to modern standards.

Why Renew?

The case for renewal is compelling:

• Stay Relevant in a Changing Landscape: NEP 2020 shifts the focus from rote learning to experiential, child-centered methods. Preschools that adapt will thrive in the evolving educational ecosystem.
• Meet Rising Parental Expectations: Parents today seek preschools that emphasize holistic development and transparency.
• Build a Competitive Advantage: Implementing innovative approaches, including Finnish-inspired education, can position preschools as leaders in quality early education.

What Should Private Preschools Do?

Renewal under NEP 2020 requires a shift in philosophy, curriculum, and operational methods. Here’s what private preschools should focus on:

Preschool owners face the persistent challenge of standing out in a competitive market. To explore solutions, Nils Lagerström, Executive Chairman of Kindiedays, interviewed Ranjan Goyal, an esteemed preschool expert from India. With over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, Ranjan shared insights on aligning preschools with modern educational expectations, addressing the concerns of parents and teachers alike.

Shifting Educational Expectations: From Teacher-Led to Child-Centered Learning

Ranjan highlighted a significant shift in parental expectations over the past decade. Earlier, preschools relied heavily on teacher-directed methods, focusing on rote memorization. Today, parents expect child-centered, experiential learning that actively engages children.

"Modern parents want preschools to use playful, research-based curricula that align with global standards while respecting local cultures," Ranjan explained. He pointed to India's National Education Policy (NEP) as a framework that aligns well with Nordic playful learning methods, emphasizing the importance of adapting international best practices to local needs.

Addressing Misconceptions About Playful Learning

One common parental concern is whether playful learning compromises academic progress. Ranjan clarified, "Playful learning doesn't reduce academic goals—it achieves them differently. Purposeful play is hands-on and engaging, helping children enjoy and retain their lessons better."

Nils added that in Finland, arithmetic concepts are taught through real-life situations rather than rote textbook exercises. For example, children might count objects during outdoor activities, fostering a deeper understanding of numbers in context. This approach ensures that foundational skills like literacy and numeracy are integrated into a holistic learning experience.

Building Trust Through Transparency

The preschool industry in many developing countries, such as India, is evolving, with parents increasingly drawn to innovative, child-centric education methods. Finnish-style preschools, known for their playful learning approach and focus on holistic development, present a compelling option for families seeking quality early education. However, introducing such a model requires a strategic marketing approach to attract parents and build lasting trust.

This blog will explore actionable strategies to market your Finnish-style preschool effectively while securing parent satisfaction.

1. Understand the Parents' Perspective

Most parents in India prioritize the following:

• A solid educational foundation for their child.
• A nurturing and safe environment.
• Preparation for academic and social readiness.

Your Finnish-style preschool offers a unique blend of academic preparation and emotional well-being, which aligns well with these priorities. Communicating this value effectively is the first step to capturing their interest.

2. Highlight the Finnish Advantage

This blog is part 2 of actionable strategies to market your Finnish-style preschool effectively while securing parent satisfaction. Read Part 1 here.

6. Host Community Engagement Events

Engage parents and the local community through:

• Open Days: Invite families to experience your preschool firsthand.
• Parent Workshops: Conduct sessions on child development or parenting in a digital age.
• Collaborations: Partner with pediatricians or local businesses for cross-promotions.

These events showcase your preschool and help parents feel involved in your mission.

7. Focus on Parent Satisfaction

Ensuring parent satisfaction is critical for building long-term trust and securing word-of-mouth referrals:

We are excited to launch our new initiative Kindiedays Academy. Kindiedays Academy offers 10 live, online workshops inspired by Finland’s best practices in early childhood education.

What’s in it for preschool Managers and Teachers?

• Gain practical, ready-to-use skills in playful, child-centered approaches
• Integrate curriculum enhancements into your daily routines
• Experience professional growth and motivation

What are the benefits for preschool Owners?

• Enhance your preschools’ educational quality
• Foster a thriving team culture and improve retention
• Improve parent satisfaction

Learn from Finland’s best practices.