Transforming the Early Years through Enriched Learning and Living Experiences
Modern research in neuroscience and early childhood development corroborates the foundational influence of the early years on the rest of our lives. Researchers have established that the early years (ages 0 – 8 years) represent the most rapid period of brain development and a truly transformative phase in a child’s overall development as a human. Furthermore, it is increasingly clear that a child’s ability to maximise these formative years is closely linked to their environment, including the type and quality of interaction, engagement, stimulation, and exposure to enriching experiences. It was with this thought that was deeply rooted in the purpose of the Founders of Kai Early Years in Bangalore to aspire to make a meaningful difference and have a positive influence and impact on our society through high-quality education in the Early Years.
Transforming the Early Years
As empathetic and passionate parents, dedicated educators, and progressive leaders, the Founders of Kai Early Years aimed to revolutionise early childhood care and education, not only for their own children and grandchildren, but also for the families that they served and the broader community as well. Several pressing concerns in India, such as – a lack of public awareness regarding the significance of early childhood education, acceptance amongst parents and educators of the sub-standard quality for safety and quality in makeshift learning environments across preschools and daycares, a shortage of qualified and licensed early childhood educators, the changing family constructs and increasing mobility, limited access to safe play spaces for children and community to gather, the increasing youth population and their impact on the environment and economy, and the demand for foundational skills beyond literacy and numeracy in a rapidly changing tech-driven world, all contributed to the founders’ motivation to envision, conceptualise, design, develop, and intentionally establish Kai as an early childhood sanctuary, a safe space for the community dedicated to serving the unique developmental and learning needs of children of the 21st century, and for the families and educators that care for them during these crucial formative years.
Vision & Mission
Kai’s distinctiveness in terms of philosophy, education, curriculum, and approach to teaching and learning lies in their belief that each child is a unique individual and their vision to “transform the early years for each child and family through enriched learning and living experiences.” This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Kai’s values and practices which are intentionally integrated throughout all program areas to foster a positive, warm, and loving school culture that extends its influence both internally and within the greater community. The school’s philosophy is also inspired and rooted in the idea that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Kai aims to be a thought leader in early childhood education and a champion of preschooling that truly harnesses the raw potential of children in their formative years. Kai’s commitment to its founding vision and purpose is evident through its approach to the Early Years, which are regarded as a crucial phase in human development, focusing on establishing a strong foundation for life rather than simply viewing their role as that of a daycare service provider, or a preschool preparing children for primary school admission. What also makes Kai distinct is its establishment of a new standard and benchmark for preschools and early childhood educators. The numerous awards and recognitions that Kai has received across various categories since the school’s inception serve as a testament to its unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of education and service to transform the early years, not only in India but also across developing countries.
Unique Dual International Curriculum – Montessori & IB
At Kai, the Early Years are considered sacred, and this recognition drives their focus on establishing a strong foundation for the development of the whole child. They emphasise various domains of development, inculcating values, skills, and mindsets with a particular emphasis on nurturing caring, empathetic, conscientious, capable, and responsible future citizens.
To also demonstrate their dedication to their vision and purpose, the Founders of Kai proactively pursued accreditation from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). This international accreditation is certainly evidence of their commitment to delivering a high-quality early childhood education experience, one that aligns with and meets the highest global standards for safety, quality, and care for their youngest learners. With over 40 years of expertise in early childhood education, Kai Early Years in Bangalore holds the honour and distinction of being recognised as India’s first standalone international preschool to be accredited by the International Baccalaureate as an IB World School. Interestingly, Kai is amongst a select few schools worldwide that have been authorised to offer a unique dual-international curriculum, one that seamlessly integrates the best of the IB-PYP and the Montessori.
The unique dual-accredited IB-PYP and Montessori program at Kai reflects the exceptional thought, design, and learning facilitation offered by the team. The curriculum is further enhanced, fostering an inquiry-based approach within the transdisciplinary IB-PYP framework. This approach helps children inculcate the attributes of the IB learner profile, enabling each child to make a difference in the community in the future. The skills acquired during the early years empower children to become increasingly independent and confident, which encourages them to take ownership of their learning.
The enriched experiences, combined with a personalised responsive culture and teachers who are passionate and caring, facilitate each child in reaching their fullest potential. All activities are executed with ingenuity and enthusiasm in an exciting environment filled with spaces that inspire creativity and evoke wonder.
Nurturing Curiosity, Independence & Creativity
At Kai, the foundational principles of nurturing curiosity, independence, and creativity serve as the cornerstone of their progressive educational approach. The institution’s dedication to igniting young minds by promoting critical thinking, independence, and meaningful inquiry takes place within the confines of a meticulously designed 2-acre early years campus. This expansive environment features more than twenty versatile indoor and outdoor learning spaces, purposefully created to stimulate wonder and inspire creativity in children.
In stark contrast to the traditional educational model, which often prioritizes rote learning, Kai takes a bold stand against this outdated approach. The conventional model places an emphasis on memorization, where students commit facts and procedures to memory without truly grasping the underlying concepts. However, at Kai Early Years, the focus shifts decisively towards critical thinking as the preferred mode of learning.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a central component of Kai’s educational philosophy, plays a pivotal role in promoting critical thinking. This program encourages students to think analytically, to probe deeper, and to question the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’ The IB’s approach not only results in a profound comprehension of subjects but also equips students with the invaluable ability to adapt to new challenges and navigate novel situations with confidence.
Furthermore, the integration of Montessori’s hands-on materials and self-directed learning methods bolsters Kai Early Years’ commitment to shunning rote learning. Rather than mere memorization, the Montessori approach invites children to engage with concepts on a tactile and practical level. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding but also enhances the retention of knowledge. The Montessori philosophy cultivates independent thinking, self-motivation, and the development of practical life skills, empowering children to take charge of their own learning journey.
Parents as Partners
At Kai, a strong belief in the philosophy of involving parents as partners in their children’s learning journey further strengthens their growth and development, particularly when itcomes to emotional and social development. The children’s journey is filled with energising and mindful experiences, offering a whole-hearted and joyful experience for all stakeholders. The combination of personal development, values, skills, mindsets, and learning at Kai establishes such a vital foundation for life, which ensures that every child develops as a well-rounded person who is well-prepared for the future pathway, and one that certainly gives them a distinct advantage for life.
Kai’s future plans and aspirations encompass the establishment of an international Professional Learning Community (PLC), a Professional Development Centre (PDC), and a Research Institute focused on early childhood education and development. They aim to increase awareness and provide advocacy for the importance of early childhood education while expanding their reach to serve communities in other geographical areas across India and other developing countries. These initiatives align with their core mission of providing enriched learning experiences for young children and their families and reflect their commitment to advancing the field of early childhood education to make a meaningful difference and have a positive influence and impact.
In conclusion, Kai’s visionary commitment to transforming early childhood education and care is poised to leave an indelible mark on the field of education, creating a brighter future for young learners and their families, educators, and society as a whole.
