“We are The school Of Experiences,” Says, Sudhir Kukreja, CEO & Co-founder, Kidzonia Preschool LLP

In this interview with BW Education, Sudhir Kukreja, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder, Kidzonia Preschool LLP, discusses the school’s award-winning approach to balancing innovation with quality education, which has made Kidzonia a leader in early childhood education in India. He shares how Kidzonia fosters a culture of continuous improvement by involving educators in creative processes, implementing hands-on experiential learning and integrating technology through tools like iPads and multimedia content to engage young learners meaningfully. Kukreja also explores the future of preschool education, highlighting the potential of advanced technologies such as AI, AR and VR to create immersive, impactful learning experiences for the next generation.

Kidzonia won awards for both innovation and being a leading preschool at BW Education Top Education Brands Summit and Awards 2024. How do you strike a balance between innovation and maintaining the high standards that make you a leading preschool in India? 

At Kidzonia, we foster a culture of continuous improvement to ensure our innovative practices align with our high standards. We actively involve educators in the innovation process, encouraging their creativity and insights to develop new ideas that enhance our curriculum and overall educational experience.

To bring these innovations to life, we equip our teachers with comprehensive training and resources tailored to their needs. This includes developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manuals that guide the implementation of new approaches in the classroom. By providing clear frameworks, we empower our educators to apply these innovations effectively.

Additionally, by regularly gathering feedback from parents and students, we fine-tune our methods, ensuring we consistently uphold the quality that defines us as a leading preschool in India.

What makes Kidzonia stand out from other preschools in India? 

We are "The school of experiences," where hands-on, experiential learning takes centre stage, making learning both relevant and impactful. Our interactive learning environment allows children to engage with real-world activities, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts. We emphasise holistic development, focusing on cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth to cultivate well-rounded individuals.

Our play-based learning approach allows children to engage actively in their education through various interactive elements, such as I-Pad labs that facilitate tech-savvy exploration and discovery.

We also offer specialised music rooms and an art & craft corner, fostering creativity and self-expression. Our Montessori methods are integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring that children develop at their own pace in a supportive environment. Additionally, our well-designed play areas encourage social interaction and physical development.

We also encourage community engagement through collaborative projects, helping children build essential social skills and a sense of responsibility.

Regular feedback from parents and students drives continuous improvement in our programmes, ensuring we remain aligned with the evolving needs of our young learners. This commitment to creating meaningful, joyful educational experiences truly sets Kidzonia apart.

How do you integrate technology into your preschool's curriculum and what role does it play in enhancing early childhood education?

We recognise that it’s challenging to convince a two-year-old to avoid mobile devices or TV. Instead of resisting this reality, we focus on integrating technology in ways that enhance our curriculum and engage children meaningfully. By providing iPads, we enable them to explore educational apps and software designed to make learning easy and enjoyable, ensuring that their interactions with digital tools are both enriching and constructive.

Additionally, we incorporate TVs in the classrooms to present interactive content that captivates young learners. Our teachers are equipped with the necessary training and resources to effectively integrate these technologies into their lessons, ensuring that they are prepared to guide children in their ”controlled” digital exploration. This multimedia approach not only fosters curiosity but also enhances their overall learning experience by making complex concepts more accessible. By weaving technology into our curriculum, we create a dynamic environment where children can thrive and develop essential skills for the future.

How do you see the future of preschool education evolving, especially with advancements in digital learning?

The rapid pace of technological advancement, including AI, machine learning, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is set to accelerate even further in the coming years. As educators, we are dedicated to staying abreast of these innovations to enhance our teaching methods. The children of the future will be sharper and more tech-savvy and it is essential that we prepare ourselves to meet their evolving needs. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR and VR into our curriculum, we can create immersive learning experiences that captivate young minds. Embracing these advancements will allow us to provide a relevant and effective education, equipping our students with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic world. This proactive approach ensures our educational practices remain engaging and impactful, preparing our young learners for the challenges ahead.

Mayank Badhwar

BW Reporters The reporter works as Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld